Once you see how easy it is to make a rich and creamy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino at home you’ll never miss the fat and calories you’re saving.
Coffee and chocolate are a flavor match made in heaven which is why it is no surprise that the Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino is so popular. Cool, creamy, rich and chocolately – what’s not to love?
Confession: I’ve never actually ordered a Frappuccino at Starbucks before. While there are many unhealthy foods I can’t resist, Frappuccinos fall into my “off limits” category which means I never order them.
The same can be said for a McDonald’s Big Mac, General Tso’s Chicken at a mall food court or a donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts.
It all goes back to my 80’s childhood during the fat-free craze followed by my overweight adolescence in the 90’s/00’s. I didn’t grow up eating these heavy foods so to eat them now would pretty much be a guaranteed stomach ache.
Psychologically, consuming them would immediately bring me to a dark place so for these reasons, I avoid them.
The fact is, I’ve worked too hard to achieve weight loss success and I’ve also learned a lot about making smarter food choices over the years. By using ingredients I can pronounce such as cocoa powder, half and half, and strong coffee plus a few drops of my favorite chocolate stevia, I end up with a frothy, decadent frozen drink that is sheer perfection.
Frequently asked questions:
If you don’t have liquid stevia, honey or pure maple syrup work just as well.
Yes, they last up to 1 month in the freezer. Put into individual freezer-safe cups with lids before freezing for convenience.
Substitute chocolate stevia for regular, and omit the cocoa powder and you have a vanilla frap. Add crushed peppermints for a peppermint mocha, swap for white chocolate, or toasted coconut shavings.
Your straw is waiting.
Healthy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee chilled
- ¼ cup half and half or almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 drops chocolate stevia or sweetener of choice (ie honey,maple syrup, etc.)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ice
- whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings optional garnish
Instructions
- Combine coffee, half and half, cocoa powder, vanilla, stevia and salt in a blender. Puree until smooth about 30-60 seconds.
- Add a scoop or two of ice and puree for additional 45-60 seconds on high.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings.
Chef’s Notes
Nutrition
Want more delicious drink recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Sophia
Hello!
Is it possible to make this without milk and just use water and get it to the same thickness?
Thank you!
Sophia
Liz DellaCroce
Yes absolutely!
Sophia
Hello!
Is it possible to make this without milk and just use water and get it to the same thickness?
Thank you!
Sophia
Skye
I made this a few times with splenda and it’s awesome but I was concerned about having that much cocoa powder and vanilla extract everyday. I changed it to 1 tbsp of cocoa and 1 tsp of vanilla and it tastes almost exactly the same. Thanks for such a tasty coffee alternative!
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed it Skye!
MagicMimi
This sounds great but I don’t care for Almond Milk, and any other kind of milk makes me ill with one exception. Can Coconut Milk be substituted?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes that would be a great alternative!
Amber
Do we use original almond milk or unsweetened? Sorry for the dumb question :-)
Liz DellaCroce
I like unsweetened. :) ENJOY!
sarah
Hi! Im curious about the chocolate stevia, ive never heard of it before, this looks so good and I will try it tomorrow with another sweetener for now but im debating buying the stevia you suggested. My only worry is that I bought some powered stevia a while back to try and it had a really strong licorice after taste that I did not care for at all! I was wondering if the chocolate flavor has any of this taste since it is still stevia? I swore I wouldn’t buy stevia again but this chocolate flavor is really tempting!!! thanks!!
Liz DellaCroce
I really enjoy it – you should try it!
Meredith
Love this recipe! I used to drink Starbucks Frappuccino’s, but my grown-up taste buds can’t take that amount of sweetness anymore. I didn’t have any stevia, so I just made the recipe with no sweetener at all, and it was still delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy Meredith!
JOSEFINE
My goodness, nothing so simple and so satisfying as this healthy frappuccino esp. from Starbucks. Thanks for sharing!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you like!
JanP
This is great! Thank you, thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
Enjoy!!
Theresa C
For someone who’s never had one…unbelievable! This is EXACTLY like Starbucks! Gotta get crushed ice, cubes in a blender worked but I can only imagine and look forward to using the right ice! You are a MOCHA FRAPPICINO genius! (I added 3 tbsp sugar free Torani hazelnut just like I used to order. Only Starbucks coffee I ever liked/loved.) THANK YOU!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh I’m so happy to hear this!!!!!! Enjoy!
Theresa
Now I’ll have to get a second small freezer…for bags of crushed ice! Again, brilliant! Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Enjoy!! :)
Passade
Such an easy & tasty recipe! Thank you for sharing this.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Shannon
Is there a way to make this a cherry mocha frapp? Maybe just add some kind of sugar free cherry flavor?
Liz DellaCroce
How about you add frozen pitted cherries?
Addrianne Day
I know this is an older question but cherry flavor extract would work!
Liz DellaCroce
Ohhhh great idea!!!
Maggie W.
Hi! Great recipe. Any idea on how many shots of espresso to use in place of the cooled coffee?
Liz DellaCroce
I would do one shot per serving!
Gypsy Rhodes
I am always looking for new ways to make this, love the stevia idea, too bad it makes me sick…I’ve been making these for 10+ years and one thing I do differently is instead of ice cubes, I make coffee ice cubes, just pour coffee in a cube tray (that you might get a the $ store because sometimes they do stain the plastic). It makes the drink last longer, no watered down last few sips. Also recently, and rarely because of the calories, I’ve used a little sweetened condensed milk, it makes the drink a little more creamier, and is also the sweetener. Great job with this. Now I wanna look into the chocolate stevia for friends…lol
Liz DellaCroce
The coffee ice cubes idea is brilliant!! I want to try that!
Kelsey
Best ever!!
Liz DellaCroce
YAY!!
Farzana
What does Stevia taste like?? Is it bitter?
Liz DellaCroce
It depends on the brand but the one I link to (that I use and love) is NOT bitter at all!
Shannon Rogers
Hi Liz!
This looks yummy!! I notice that on the recipe that the whipped cream and chocolate shavings are optional. Are the whipped cream and chocolate shavings included in the 72 calories, or should I add the calories for the whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top of the 72 calories? I’d love it if you would answer my question.
Thanks :)
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Shannon – No it does not include the optional whipped cream and chocolate shavings! To be fair, I didn’t include whipped cream in the Starbucks calorie count either. :)
patti
This looks fabby! If I use honey-how much would you reccommend? Thanks, p
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Patti – I would start out with one or two tablespoons then add more to taste. I don’t like my drinks overly sweet so it certainly varies to taste. :) Let me know what you think!!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh yes! I definitely needed this recipe :) coffee addict over here!
Liz DellaCroce
Same here sista!! And chocolate… :)
Megan {Country Cleaver}
Liz I love this a million times over. I always get light frapps at Starbucks, but I still feel guilty – I have to give yours a try!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes!! You will love this and you will also love not feeling guilty for spending $5 on a drink – lol. xoxo
Elizabeth
This was delicious! I’ve been making an iced mocha version for a while, but I loved this blended version (the vanilla was a superb addition). I used whole milk instead of half and half and 1/2 tbsp of sugar. I think the key is using good cocoa powder – I use extra dark cocoa powder from Amazon. My only problem was that the drink kept separating (the drink and the ice) – any tips on having that not happen? Thanks for the recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you loved it!! The vanilla really is a great complement to the cocoa and I agree with you on high quality cocoa. If you’re looking for the drink to keep from separating, one tip is to add a pinch of xanthan gum. It’s a bit pricey so I rarely have it on hand but if you’re looking for the drink to keep from separating I’ve read it works well! I’ve also heard of people using powdered pectin – the stuff used when making jams or jellies. I hope that’s helpful!
Carolyn M
Glad you made this over as I had a number of the ones at Starbucks and they are to die for! Literally…. too many of those in life and I would die from a fat attack!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you enjoy my version!
marlene
Have you tried this with fat-free half-and-half, Liz? That would make it even healthier–but would the texture and taste be the same?
Marlene
Thanks for the prompt reply, Liz, and education! I will read my labels carefully before buying fat-free in the future! And 1/4 cup of half and half, for 2 servings, is not much fat. Besides, we all need a little fat in our diets.
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
Love this Liz!!! I am with you on having certain “off limits” foods. It’s shocking how many (empty!) calories the Starbucks version has!
Liz DellaCroce
I know…it’s a little scary, especially how much we pay for it!
Bonnie Esterow
thanks ! This sounds yummy!!
I have to confess that I go to Starbucks regularly. Im actually sitting in one right now !! My fav is Grande light coffee frappuccino w sugar free hazelnut (or vanilla or caramel syrup. Its under 200 cals and artificial sweetener be damned. lol! I love this, tastes great & lets me think im having a high calorie ice cream treat !!!
It does get a bit pricey so will have to make your version for a lot less money !!!
Liz DellaCroce
Trust me – I totally get it Bonnie!! Enjoy!
DessertForTwo
I remember the fat-free food my parents ate in the 80s. Remember Snackwells? Disgusting!
This drink, on the other hand, looks fantastic! Thanks :)
Liz DellaCroce
YES! I always joke about Snackwells!!!! So creepy. :) Thank you!
Carolyn
YUMMY! This is so similar to how I make my iced coffee in the summer. I do recommend using full cream, it makes it taste like ice cream! I suppose that adds calories but it’s low carb and sugar-free still! :)
Amy Murnan
One word – THANK YOU.
I could spend a fortune on these things.
Liz DellaCroce
You’re welcome!!! :)
Angela Pelc
Oh YUM! I have everything to make this, including a chocolate honey. Liz, you never cease to amaze me with your better versions of decadent recipes!
Liz DellaCroce
Wow chocolate honey sounds PERFECT Angela!! Enjoy!!
Cookin Canuck
My go-to summer coffee drink is an iced nonfat latte, but this healthy frap would be fantastic for a change-up.
Liz DellaCroce
Oooo I love a good iced latte!!! I also love the passion fruit iced tea unsweetened…ok you have me craving Starbucks! :)
Kathy
Do you happen to know the calorie / sugar / carb count in a Venti low fat, sugar free mocha frappacino from Starbucks? I just put another $25 on my Starbucks app and drink at least one if these a day. Dying to try your recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
Hi Kathy – I’m afraid I don’t but I bet you could out at Starbucks.com!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
mm mm mm When I was in college I drank Starbucks every single day and then I got a job there and probably drank it 2-3 times a day. I will admit that I LOVE Starbucks, but making them at home (and ones that are better for me) would be 100% better!
Liz DellaCroce
I always secretly wanted to work at Starbucks – that’s so cool!!!
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
I absolutely love this, Liz! Such a great guilt-free treat. In high school and college I had no problem throwing back fraps on a regular basis. I probably haven’t had one in 10 years….it just feels like a lot of empty calories that I can’t justify. If I’m gonna splurge, pass me an ice cream cone :)
Liz DellaCroce
“Throwing back fraps” – I LOVE THAT PHRASE!! I work remotely from my Starbucks a lot and I always see skinny kids sucking them back like candy. Oh to be young. :)
Allyson
How are you SO BRILLIANT? :-) this is a great idea. You rock, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
LOL!! I love you and miss you!! xoxo
Tieghan
Whoa! amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks sista!
steph@stephsbitebybite
Come to mama!!
Liz DellaCroce
Sending one your way!
Maegan @ The BakerMama
You made my morning! I love Mocha Frappuccinos in the summer, but they are way too expensive and unhealthy to drink everyday. I can’t wait to try your healthy homemade version!
Liz DellaCroce
I know – they are so pricey and I love the idea of being able to make them at home!
Julia
I love this lighter version!! I honestly never get these fancy drinks because of the calories. I must try this!!
Erin | The Law Student's WIfe
Liz, I love this. Every time I walk into a starbucks (which is rare, but still) I stand there at look longingly at the Frap board, then remind myself I’d rather have a milkshake…and that $6 the frap would set me back. So excited to see this recipe–my wallet (and my waistline) thank you!
taylor @ taylormade
this is awesome! I occasionally order the “light” mocha frap from starbucks, but I love the idea of making your own and knowing exactly what goes into it. so many calories, fat grams, and sugar grams saved — not to mention $$! Mmm can’t wait to try :)
Liz DellaCroce
I know – the light drinks are tempting but often that means they are made with even more chemicals/artificial sweeteners. I hope you enjoy this version!!
Aggie
Funny, I don’t go for donuts either – not worth the calories in my opinion! I don’t order the fancy drinks at Starbucks anymore for the same reason (I used to be a sucker for pumpkin spice latte & I always have a dilemma with the artificial sugar free options). The calories in those drinks are a killer!! I can’t wait to try this, I’ve been wondering about those flavored stevia drops, I saw them at my health food store, will pick up chocolate next time! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I feel the same way!! I remember in college I would get caramel macchiatos all the time. Now that I’ve lost the weight I just can’t go there mentally. The stevia drops are a life saver!! You can buy them all on amazon (link in the recipe) if you don’t have a store near you that sells them. That’s usually what I do since I hate shopping with the little one – hahah.