This rich and creamy healthy Starbucks mocha Frappuccino copycat has all of the chocolate and coffee flavor you want with none of the guilt!
In this Post: Everything you need for Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (Healthy Copycat)
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 chocolatey – what’s not to love? Well, the 370 calories and 51 grams of sugar make it hard for me to love it. As tempting as the flavor combination is, I figured I could just as easily make a similar drink at home without all of the added fats. Saving you calories and money, here is my Healthy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino Copycat.
Ingredients
- Coffee: Use your favorite! I typically use a strong brewed coffee that I then chill, but you could use a cold brew from the store as well.
- Half and half: Helping to give the drink that creamy texture and taste.
- Cocoa powder: Adds that classic, rich chocolate flavor.
- Maple syrup: Instead of using a bunch of added processed sugars, I use maple syrup to sweeten the drink in a natural way.
- Vanilla extract: Sweetens and enhances the chocolate flavor of the drink.
- Sea salt: Balances out the sweet and rich taste of the Frappuccino.
How to Make Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (Healthy Copycat)
Start your healthy Starbucks mocha Frappuccino by adding your coffee to a blender.
Then add your half and half to the coffee.
Next add the cocoa powder and a pinch of sea salt.
Followed by the vanilla extract.
Drizzle in the maple syrup.
Then finish with some ice cubes.
Put the lid on, then blend until creamy and smooth. If you want a thicker drink, just add more ice!
Once it reaches your desired consistency, poor into a glass and top with some whipped cream and chocolate chips if you wish. Enjoy your Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (Healthy Copycat)!
Easy Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free. You could use almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk instead of half and half to make this drink dairy free.
- Change out the sweetener. Instead of maple syrup, you could use honey, or if you have liquid stevia, you could use that and it would cut the calories even more!
Frequently Asked Qestions:
What is a Starbucks mocha Frappuccino?
It’s a frozen/blended drink from Starbucks that usually uses whole milk, Frappuccino syrup, instant coffee, and chocolate sauce. It’s blended with ice and then topped with whipped cream.
How much caffeine is in a mocha Frappuccino?
From Starbucks, the drink has 110mg of caffeine. When you make it from home, it’ll vary depending on the coffee you use as the base.
Can you make these drinks ahead of time?
Yes, you can keep it in the freezer! For the most convenience, I’d recommend freezing individual servings in freezer safe cups with a lid.
More Drinks from Home
- Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
- Rose Water Cooler
- McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (Healthy Copycat)
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Orange Blossom Lemonade
Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your drink.
A delicious way to start your day, or a tasty treat in the afternoon, this healthy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino will satisfy your craving without any guilt.
Your straw is waiting.
Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino (Healthy Copycat)
Ingredients
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee (chilled)
- ¼ cup half and half (or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ice
- whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine coffee, half and half, cocoa powder, vanilla, maple syrup 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.
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!
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!
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!
I hope you enjoy my version!
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?
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.
Love this Liz!!! I am with you on having certain “off limits” foods. It’s shocking how many (empty!) calories the Starbucks version has!
I know…it’s a little scary, especially how much we pay for it!
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 !!!
Trust me – I totally get it Bonnie!! Enjoy!
I remember the fat-free food my parents ate in the 80s. Remember Snackwells? Disgusting!
This drink, on the other hand, looks fantastic! Thanks :)
YES! I always joke about Snackwells!!!! So creepy. :) Thank you!
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! :)
One word – THANK YOU.
I could spend a fortune on these things.
You’re welcome!!! :)
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!
Wow chocolate honey sounds PERFECT Angela!! Enjoy!!
My go-to summer coffee drink is an iced nonfat latte, but this healthy frap would be fantastic for a change-up.
Oooo I love a good iced latte!!! I also love the passion fruit iced tea unsweetened…ok you have me craving Starbucks! :)
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.
Hi Kathy – I’m afraid I don’t but I bet you could out at Starbucks.com!
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!
I always secretly wanted to work at Starbucks – that’s so cool!!!
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 :)
“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. :)
How are you SO BRILLIANT? :-) this is a great idea. You rock, Liz!
LOL!! I love you and miss you!! xoxo
Whoa! amazing!
Thanks sista!
Come to mama!!
Sending one your way!
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!
I know – they are so pricey and I love the idea of being able to make them at home!
I love this lighter version!! I honestly never get these fancy drinks because of the calories. I must try this!!
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!
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 :)
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!!
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! :)
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.