During my junior and senior years of high school, my girlfriends and I would meet weekly before class at the Starbucks down the street from my school to sip Frapps and discuss the issues of the day (boys). This Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino recipe is a healthy, copycat version of the mocha Frappuccino I use to order every Friday.
Back then, I didn’t give a second thought to the nutritional value of what I was eating or drinking. As an adult, I am more aware of the ingredients I put into my body.
A few weeks ago on an especially hot day, I caught myself craving a mocha Frappuccino.
Rather than hitting the drive-thru, I decided to see if I could come up with my own healthy Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino recipe (just like I did with this Mint Smoothie that tastes just like a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake).
5 Star Review
“I happened to be drinking a glass of homemade strong iced coffee when I read your post. Of course, I had to pour it straight into my Vitamix to try your recipe! It’s delicious!”
— Amy —
About This Mocha Frappuccino
The results of my Frappuccino experiment: success! This healthy Starbucks copycat recipe is:
- Rich and chocolaty.
- Just as refreshing as the original.
- Made of wholesome, real ingredients.
- Ready in less than 5 minutes (like these other quick smoothie recipes).
How to Make a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
Making a healthy, homemade mocha Frappucino couldn’t be easier. Keep some extra brewed coffee on hand in your fridge (I’ve started brewing a little extra in the morning) so you can whip one up anytime a Frapp craving strikes.
The Ingredients
- Coffee. The coffee portion is nothing fancier than strong coffee that I brewed in my regular coffee pot then chilled in the refrigerator. Feel free to use regular or decaf to suit your preference.
- Cocoa Powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that essential chocolate flavor without adding sugar.
- Banana. Used in place of sugary syrup, a frozen banana does a remarkable job making this Frappuccino thick, frothy, and naturally sweet.
- Chia Seeds. These little nutritional powerhouses give the Mocha Frappuccino an extra boost.
- Agave. Adds just enough extra sweetness to fool you into thinking your drinking the real thing.
- Toppings. Customize your Frap just as you would at Starbucks with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or even mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Tip!
After a long workout, I’ll often add a scoop of chocolate protein powder and a handful of spinach to turn this mocha Frappuccino into a satisfying recovery smoothie.
This Peach Smoothie is another post-workout favorite.
The Directions
- Combine all of the ingredients (except for the ice) into a blender.
- Blend until smooth. Then gradually add ice, blending after each addition, until the mixture becomes thick and reaches your desired consistency. ENJOY!
Make Ahead Tips
- To Make Ahead. This mocha Frappuccino is best enjoyed immediately after its made. For a head start on the recipe, brew your coffee up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Starbucks Mocha Frappucino
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong black coffee chilled
- 1/2 medium banana cut into chunks and frozen
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon light agave plus additional to taste
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Ice
- Optional for serving: whipped cream whipped coconut cream, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the coffee, banana, cocoa powder, chia seeds, agave, and vanilla extract in the bottom of a blender.
- Blend until smooth, about 30 or so seconds depending upon your blender, then add a small handful of ice cubes, blending until the mixture becomes thick. Continue adding ice cubes until you reach your desired consistency (I like mine fairly thick). Pour into a glass. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This Mocha Frappuccino is best enjoyed immediately after its made. For a head start on the recipe, brew your coffee up to 1 day in advance and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition
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You totally put Starbucks to shame with this copycat recipe! I used to be one for their frozen drinks as well, but this healthier nutritious version totally floats my boat!
Thanks, Bethany!
I love this homemade version- I am sure it is way more delicious, and certainly better for you!
Girl, you are speaking my language with this! Totally gonna sip this tomorrow morning instead of my usual cup of Joe!
CHEERS! Thanks Taylor :)
I happened to be drinking a glass of homemade strong iced coffee when I read your post. Of course, I had to pour it straight into my Vitamix to try your recipe! It’s delicious! I added everything but the chia seeds and used liquid stevia instead of agave. Thanks for the fun afternoon treat idea!
Amy it was MEANT TO BE! I’m so happy you made and loved the recipe. Thanks for trying it and reporting back!
Any suggestions for those of us without coffee makers? Do you think chilled instant coffee could work instead? Thanks! Can’t wait to try it!!
Hi Sarah, I think that could work! Another option would be cold brew concentrate (either homemade—there are lots of tutorials online—or storebought), though you may want to use a little less if you go that route since it’s generally more concentrated than brewed coffee.
any ideas if I do not like banana? Is there a good replacement?
Hi Sam! I’m afraid the banana is really crucial to the recipe. You can leave it out, but the frappuccino will lack sweetness and thickness. My only suggestion is to use more ice and agave to sweeten, but I’ve never tried the recipe this way, so I can’t vouch for the results. The good news is, the banana flavor isn’t strong. You could always start with using less also.
This is SO much better than actually buying Starbucks!!!
This recipe is so surprisingly delicious!! At first I tried making a mocha frap with basically chocolate, ice, and coffee. It was good. Not Starbucks though and very sweet. But then I decided what the hey, I’ll add the bananna and chia seeds… So glad I did!!! It is not Starbucks, however, I’d almost go so far to say, it’s BETTER because it’s somewhat healthy and doesn’t taste like it. Note, Im a huge Starbucks mocha frap fan. Overall, this recipe, I’m saving and using again for sure! Thanks so much for sharing!!
April, thanks so much for giving this a try and leaving this awesome review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. :)
If you add protein powder do you cut down the coco powder or keep it the same?
Hi Heather, I just add the extra scoop of powder without changing the other ingredients. I hope you enjoy!
This is so yummy! I subbed in one tbsp of cacao nibs for one tbsp of chia seeds for extra chocolate flavor! Thanks
Thanks for sharing your addition, Caitlin! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe.
I found your website yesterday, and I’ve spent way too much time on here already, and I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface. This is bad for everything I need to get done, but wonderful for my kitchen. Once I stop pinning the recipes and actually start cooking them, of course.
My Starbucks order is basically the same…except I get a venti with extra whipped cream (I’m cringing!). I’m so excited to try this. Thank you!
Heather, welcome! I hope you find some new favorite recipes!
Hey Erin I wanted to know if I could use hot cocoa mix powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder and if I do the hot cocoa mix, then do i have sugar too?
Hi Brooke! I have not tried that swap, and I’m not sure I’d recommend it. Hot cocoa mix usually has sugar and powdered milk added. If you’re up for experimenting, you could give it a try, but I’d recommend sticking with the cocoa powder.
What can I use instead of agave? I never have that on hand. Thanks so much.
Hi Marcia! You could experimenting with honey as a substitute for this recipe. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
When I make my CopyCat Starbucks Frappuccino, it’s very liquidity. What can I add to it to make it a bit more thicker and have the consistency more like how it is with a regular Starbucks Frappuccino?
Hi Sarah! For this recipe, I use a frozen banana and ice cubes to help in creating a thick consistency. I hope this helps!
Sooo yummy
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Mer! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I have never drunk coffee so please forgive my question that I imagine will seem ridiculous to most people, but what is considered “strong black coffee”? Thank you.
Hi CL! Any kind of dark roast or espresso would work! Hope you enjoy it!