You’ve probably seen the ads everywhere and heard from your friends that the new Vanilla Bean Frappuccino from Starbucks is made with real vanilla beans and has only 130 calories. Sounds like something you could enjoy without feeling guilty, right? It’s almost too good to be true, but it’s not so bad after all.
The drink does have real vanilla beans, and it doesn’t have any artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup. It also doesn’t have coffee in it. So what kind of beans are they using? Does this mean that Starbucks can call this drink a frappuccino without violating trademark law? Let’s find out.
Does Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Have Coffee in it?
Assuming you are asking whether the Frappuccino from Starbucks has coffee in it, the answer is no. The vanilla bean variety doesn’t contain coffee, but it does have espresso and other coffee-based ingredients. However, there are other Frappuccinos on the menu that do include coffee.
For example, the Mocha Frappuccino contains mocha sauce which is made with espresso, chocolate, and powder. So if you’re looking for a caffeine fix, one of those options would be better. But if you just want something sweet and creamy without too much caffeine, then the vanilla bean version is probably your best bet.
The vanilla bean frappuccino doesn’t have any caffeine in it? Many people that are not familiar with the drink are unaware of this fact, and it’s probably because it’s typically sold in coffee shops and coffee houses
Another fun fact is that there is no such thing as a frappuccino Italian coffee circle. The term “frappuccino” actually comes from the New England word “frappe” (pronounced frap) which means milkshake and the word cappuccino.
What’s in the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino?
The Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is made with a combination of real vanilla bean and vanilla syrup, which is made from sugar. The drink does not contain any coffee beans, so there is no caffeine in it.
The Vanilla Bean Frappuccino also doesn’t have any milk or milk solids in it, so it’s safe for people who are lactose intolerant. The drink is sweetened with cane sugar, but the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino only has 130 calories in a large.
How Many Calories Are in a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino?
As we just mentioned, the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino only has 130 calories in a large, which is pretty impressive. This is a pretty good amount of calories for such a delicious drink, but it’s a good idea to keep in mind that all of the calories are coming from sugar. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you should be careful when drinking this beverage, but it’s still better than the other sugary drinks at Starbucks.
Why Doesn’t the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Have Coffee?
Since the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino doesn’t have coffee in it, you might be wondering why Starbucks even calls it a frappuccino in the first place. Well, this is actually a trademarked name and it’s a specific type of drink that Starbucks has been serving for many years.
A frappuccino is actually a blended coffee drink that was invented by the founder of Starbucks. The Vanilla Bean Frappuccino doesn’t have any espresso in it, which is often in a traditional frappuccino, but it’s still a type of frappuccino according to Starbucks.
The Secret Ingredient: Beancurd!
If you’re curious about what the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is made from, we have the secret ingredient for you, It’s made from a special kind of tofu called beancurd. The beancurd is blended into a vanilla base that is completely vegan and almost completely lactose-free.
Surprisingly, the beancurd is actually what gives the drink its creamy texture. The beancurd is also what gives the drink a light flavor that lets the vanilla really shine through.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is a delicious drink that you can enjoy without feeling guilty. It’s a great option if you want something sweet but you’re watching your calories. You can enjoy this drink without worrying about the sugar content because beancurd is a very low-calorie food and it has no fat or cholesterol.
If you’re craving a creamy, sweet drink that doesn’t have coffee or any dairy, the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino is a great option.
