Starbucks Debuts New Dairy-Free Horchata Frappuccino

Starbucks

Starbucks has just released its newest Frappuccino creation, and while it may not be as Instagram-worthy as the Unicorn Frappuccino, it stands out for another very special reason. This is Starbucks’ first dairy-free frapp ever!

The new creation, called the Horchata Frappuccino, is inspired by horchata, a sweet and cinnamony Latin American milky rice drink. But while we’re just as excited as the next person about the new Starbucks offering, it’s important to note this isn’t technically horchata because there’s no rice, one of the primary ingredients in the traditional drink.

“Starbucks Horchata Almondmilk Frappuccino is the perfect beverage to end the summer and welcome fall,” Starbucks says in a press release. “The creamy and cool texture — ideal for warm August days — is complemented by sweet caramel and warm spice flavors of cinnamon, which hint that fall is near.”

Made with almond milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, coffee and ice, the Horchata Frappuccino is dairy-free, at least until it gets finished off with its signature topping — a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. So if you’re choosing to forgo (or are allergic to) dairy, you’ll want to request that the barista hold off on the drink’s signature topping.

It’s not just the topping that you may want to watch out for. Even though the drink is dairy-free, the sugar content is worthy of an eyebrow raise. A tall Horchata Frappuccino contains a whopping 46 grams of sugar, which means guzzling down one of these icy babies is going to put you way over your daily recommended amount of sugar (36 grams for men and 25 grams for women). Upgrade to a grande size and you’re looking at 66 grams of the sweet stuff.

We get that it’s important to treat yourself on occasion (and for you this new frapp might be just the way), but keep in mind the importance of moderation. As much as we’d love for it to be “a horchata a day keeps the doctor away,” just as with Starbucks’ recent fruity Frappuccinos, it’s best to treat this drink as you would any sugary dessert.

What Do YOU Think?

Would you try the Horchata Frappuccino? What is your favorite Starbucks drink? How do you tell what drinks are healthy? What drinks do you avoid? Let us know in the comments!