Frappuccino chips, Java chips, And then there’s Java chip Frappuccino… Put all these fancy terms next to each other, and watch a fair amount of confusion unfold.

Mainly regarding Frappuccino Chips vs Java Chips.

This why I decided to do a thorough research, discovering some interesting stuff which I’m going to share in this article.

Frappuccino Chips vs Java Chips

A java chip is a chocolate chip that is used in coffee, and Frappuccino chips are semi-sweet ‘chocolatey’ chips with a lower percentage of cocoa and a softer texture, ideally designed to break down easier in the blender without jamming it.

And, in case you were wondering, Java is just another term for coffee.

Even javascript was named after coffee. In fact, the early versions of it were called Mocha.

Now, with that out of the way…

Frappuccino java chips explained

Starbucks frappuccino chips are essentially made with a mixture of cocoa, cookie crumbs with natural flavors, and chocolate mass.

Starbucks uses Frappuccino Chips in many of their drinks including: Java Chip frappuccino, Double Chocolaty Chip crème Frappuccino, mocha cookie crumble frappuccino (and their creme-based variants).

Where to buy java chips

Because Frappuccino chips are extremely hard to track down or purchase. You can simply use java chips like this one,

You may also substitute that with:

Regular chocolate baking chips
Dark Chocolate Chips
or Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips to cut down on the extra sweetness.

And if you prefer that coffee-infused flavor, I would suggest to use some Espresso Baking Chips like these ones I found on Amazon.

Whichever you choose, it will work just fine, producing the desired texture with the right amount of sweetness you wish to have in your caffeine induced drink!

So, do frappuccino chips have dairy?

Yes, they definitely do, as you can see from the official list of ingredients below. The chips confectionery coating does contain Milk.

Aside from the frappuccino chips, Starbucks’ Java chip frappuccino drink also contains whole milk as a main ingredient.

Are frappuccino chips gluten free?

No they’re not. Frappuccino chips used at starbucks contain Cookie Crumbs made from wheat flour. Check the list below for more details:

Frappuccino Chips ingredients

Confectionery Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel and Palm Oils, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla, Milk),
Cocoa (Processed with Alkali, 9),
Cookie Crumbs (Unbleached Unenriched Wheat Flour, Sugar, Palm and Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Chocolate Mass, Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor),
Chocolate Mass (2)
And Salt

Java chip frappuccino vs Chocolate chip frappuccino

They are the same thing, Starbucks cannot name their frappuccino chips chocolate chips because they do not adhere to the “True chocolate” requirements of the FDA as they only contain 12% of the cocoa bean content in them (They need at least 15% to be considered chocolate chips).

So they are named frappuccino chips and the drink adopted the name Java Chip Frappuccino.

This is also why starbucks will often refer to these chips as ‘chocolatey’ instead of of just chocolate chips (Source).

So, yeah, this whole confusion stems from little frap chips not passing the chocolate-bar-exam. Figures.

Starbucks java chip frappuccino

To make Starbucks java chip frappuccino, Mocha sauce and Frappuccino chips are blended with coffee, milk and ice, then topped off with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.

The resulting drink is super refreshing with a texture that is chocolatey, super creamy and a delicious crunch from the presence of frappuccino chips.

Java chip frappuccino ingredients:

For a tall cup, Starbucks uses 2-4 pumps of frappuccino roast. 2 pumps of mocha (Chocolate base sauce) 2 pumps of coffee base, 2-4 spoons of frappuccino java chips, and a scoop of ice.

Whipped cream is layered on top then comes the delightful drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Java chip frappuccino caffeine Content

A regular Java Chip Frappuccino contains about 105 mg of Caffeine. Which is a little over the standard double shot of espresso.

On top of the coffee base, Java chip frappuccino has 2 to 4 Frappuccino roast pumps in it.

Frappuccino roast is a unique, highly concentrated coffee powder blend which was developed by starbucks to create a stronger, more flavorful coffee.

Starbucks uses it in all of their coffee drinks to pump as much caffeine as the customer desires.

Java chip frappuccino Calories:

Starbucks Java chip Frappuccino drink contains 440 calories, 60 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of Fat.

Additionally, the Java chip frap cannot be considered gluten-free as the frappuccino chips themselves contain cookie crumbs in them.

Mocha frappuccino vs Java chip Frappuccino

A Java chip Frappuccino is a Mocha Frappuccino with java chips in it. In other words, both starbucks drinks contain mocha, frappuccino roast, whole milk, coffee base, ice, and whipped cream. but the Java chip Frappuccino has frappuccino chips whereas the Mocha frap doesn’t.

This makes the texture of the two beverages quite dissimilar. With that of the Java chip being crunchier, thicker and chocolatey.

Make your own java chip frappuccino

You can make the most flavorful Java chip frappuccino at home following these simple steps:

To replicate that strong flavor of frappuccino roast pump, you can use a mixture of highly concentrated instant coffee or espresso shots, even a combination of both if you feel like it.
Add 1/2 Cup of whole milk. Starbucks uses whole milk for this drink, but you’re free to choose any type of milk you desire.
Starbucks adds Frappuccino chips to their drinks, so you can use Java chips or substitute for chocolate chips (Check the ones I found above) .
Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate sauce
Last add in 1/2 cup of ice to the mixture and blend the mixture into your desired consistency.
Top off with whipped cream, and drizzle some chocolate sauce and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

Morning jolt, cup of joe, Dirt, Mud, hot stuff, high Octane

Brew, Cuppa, liquid energy, morning brew….

You called it…. They all refer to good old coffee.

Coffee has so many nicknames… each with a special meaning and a different story.

One of these names is Java. And nowadays, that term is being used on a daily basis.

Especially when coupled with another super star: The Frappuccino.

But all definitions aside.

One thing is for sure: The Java chips have managed to complete a beautifully crafted drink and take its texture, flavor and taste to the next level.

It doesn’t matter how ‘chocolatey’ they are. After all, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to coffee.

Just good vibes!