Healthy Frappuccino
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Published May 05, 2021, Updated Jun 12, 2023
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This healthy Frappuccino is made with cold brew coffee, protein powder, cacao powder, dates and almond milk. Cool, creamy, delicious and perfect for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
If you know me, you know that I love coffee and during the spring/summer months, I live for cold brew coffee!
Some days I’m craving more of a frou-frou drink… which is where my take on a Frappuccino comes in! It’s essentially a mocha smoothie made with cold brew coffee, cacao powder and almond milk. It’s sweetened naturally with dates and is packed with protein!
The combo of cold brew coffee and protein makes this healthy Frappuccino an excellent breakfast, mid-afternoon snack or pre/post workout treat. It will cool you down and fill you up, all the while giving you a little energy boost.
What is a Frappuccino?
Starbucks coined the term “frappuccino” but what is it? It’s basically a drink that starts with coffee (or cream) as the base and then it’s blended with ice and other flavored ingredients. It is typically topped with whipped cream and occasionally additional toppings as well.
The Starbucks version isn’t the healthiest – even if you get a low-fat or sugar-free version, it’s loaded with ingredients you can’t pronounce! So I wanted to make my version with simple, delicious ingredients.
Healthy Frappuccino Ingredients
This healthier frapp is made with only six simple ingredients and use dates as a natural sweetener! Here’s what you need:
- cold brew coffee concentrate – you can make your own cold brew, buy store-bought or simply use chilled coffee.
- unsweetened vanilla almond milk – any dairy-free milk works, but I love the flavor of vanilla almond milk or creamy oat milk!
- vanilla or chocolate protein powder – my favorite brand is Nuzest, but feel free to use your fave protein powder.
- medjool dates – medjool dates are the natural sweetener for this drink.
- ice cubes – adding ice gives this drink that perfect “frappe” texture.
- cacao powder – cacao or cocoa powder both work! This adds the chocolate-y mocha flavor.
- optional toppings – whipped cream or coconut whipped cream and cacao nibs.
Flavor Variations
One of the best parts about ordering this drink at Starbucks is all of the variations… that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate them at home! Here are some flavor variations to try:
- Peppermint – add in a little peppermint extract and top with crushed peppermint candy.
- Peanut butter cup – make the Frappuccino as directed but add in a little nut butter and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Caramel – add a spoonful of this date caramel sauce while blending and drizzle a little extra on top.
- Coco-chocolate – Use coconut milk in place of almond milk and sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Can You Make in Advance?
Yes! While the consistency will change a little compared to the fresh version, you can make this healthy Frappuccino in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. If you do freeze it, just let it thaw in the fridge for a couple hours, stir with a straw and enjoy.
More Blended Drinks to Try:
- Creamy Iced Coffee in Your Blender
- Mocha Cherry Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Popular Coffee Recipes:
- Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee)
- How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
- Creamy Iced Coffee in Your Blender
- Protein Coffee
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Frappuccino
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup cold brew coffee concentrate, or chilled coffee
- ⅔ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 – 2 scoops vanilla or chocolate protein powder , 25-50 grams total, I used 2 scoops chocolate Nuzest.
- 2 pitted medjool dates
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon cocoa or cacao powder
- whipped cream, optional for topping (use coconut whipped cream for vegan option)
- 1 Teaspoon cacao nibs, optional for topping
Instructions
- Blend: Place all ingredients except cacao nibs into a high powered blend and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy: Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream and cacao nibs, if using and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Just tried it and it was so good ! I was looking for a way to actually enjoy my protein powder and this recipe was perfect!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this frappuccino, Sophie! Thanks so much for making it and coming back to leave a review. It means the world to me!