Frozen coffee drink
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A frozen coffee drink is a chilled, blended beverage that combines coffee, ice, and often milk or a sweetener into a smooth, slushy, or creamy texture. It delivers a refreshing caffeine kick with a sweet, often chocolatey or caramel-forward flavor profile. Nutritionally, it is a low-calorie, low-fat option, but its primary energy source is sugar, making it a quick source of carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 79% carbs · 12% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love frozen coffee drinks for their perfect balance of sweet, creamy indulgence and the energizing lift of caffeine, making them a popular treat on hot days. Their versatility allows for endless customization with flavors like mocha, vanilla, or caramel, fitting into a casual, social coffee culture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (over 13g per 100g) can lead to blood-sugar spikes and subsequent energy crashes, which is a concern for those monitoring glucose levels. To counteract this, pair the drink with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a cheese stick) to slow sugar absorption, and opt for a smaller portion or request less added syrup.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Low in fat and calories per 100g serving.
- Offers a refreshing, chilled caffeine boost.
- Can be a low-calorie alternative to richer, cream-based coffee desserts.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The world's first commercially successful frozen coffee drink, the Frappuccino, was invented by a Starbucks store manager in Santa Monica, California, in 1995.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 83.7 g |
| Energy | 68.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.93 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 59.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.03 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 48.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 91.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 21.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.21 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 0.86 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 8.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.25 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 38.0 ug |
| Retinol | 38.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 33.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.52 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.08 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.18 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.19 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.0 mg |
FAQ
Is a frozen coffee drink the same as iced coffee?
No. Iced coffee is simply brewed coffee served over ice, while a frozen coffee drink is blended with ice and often includes milk, sweeteners, or flavorings to create a slushy or creamy texture.
Does a frozen coffee drink contain alcohol?
Standard frozen coffee drinks are non-alcoholic, but some variations, like an Irish Coffee Slush, may include liqueurs or spirits.
Can I make a frozen coffee drink at home?
Yes, you can blend strong brewed coffee (or espresso) with ice, milk or a dairy-free alternative, and a sweetener like sugar or syrup. Adjust the ratio of coffee to ice for your preferred consistency.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.68 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 13.2 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.23 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.