This $5.49 ALDI Find Is a Starbucks Frappuccino Dupe (and It’s Cheaper)

My introduction to coffee was a frothy Starbucks Frappuccino. Actually, to be completely honest, my introduction to coffee was the sneaky sips I would take of my mother’s cold coffee that she would have me hunt for every time she lost it somewhere in the house. Her coffee was bitter, with the smallest drop of half and half, and it made me truly wonder why anyone would drink something so repulsive.

That is until I ordered my first Java Chip Frappuccino at the mall with my girlfriends, and my world was completely changed. Coffee in the form of a chocolate milkshake with a massive dollop of whipped cream? Call me Lorelai Gilmore because I’m a coffee girl now.

Needless to say, my taste for coffee has certainly transformed over the years, and I’m now worse than my mom: I drink the stuff black and prefer my roast to be darker than humanly possible. But every now and then, when I indulge, I can’t help but go back to my roots and order my beloved Java Chip.

But at the price of $7 for one drink? My budget doesn’t always love the indulgence. So when I came across a dupe of my favorite drink over at ALDI, with a cost of $5.49 for a box of three packets pricing at $1.83 each, my interest peaked. A trip to my local ALDI later, and I was ready to give the Barissimo Latte Frappe Mix a try.

My Experience Trying ALDI’s Barissimo Latte Frappe Mix

The mix comes in three flavors: Caramel Crunch, Mocha Cookie Crumble, and yes, my favorite Java Chip. True to my roots, I picked up a box of the latter and mentally prepared myself to be disappointed. I mean there’s no way this could possibly taste the same as the real thing, right?

Wrong. In fact, after my first sip of the Barissimo Latte Frappe Mix, I found myself saying goodbye to the Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino for good. The texture and taste were exactly how I imagined it: a creamy, chocolatey blended coffee with little chocolate bits to chew on. I slurped up that blended frappuccino so fast that I mourned its loss as soon as I finished—then planned out the exact time I would make it the following day.

For my first attempt making the Barissimo Latte Frappe Mix, I prepared it as the box had instructed: One packet with five ounces of milk or water (I chose milk) and ice, blended until smooth. While the taste was exactly how I imagined it, the beverage was obviously missing that little shot of caffeine I look for in the afternoon.

The packet does have some coffee in it, but not enough for that afternoon jolt I crave. So on my second attempt making this drink, I added a double shot of espresso to the blender. Not only did this elevate the flavor, but it brought me right back to my early coffee days, sipping on my Java Chip Frappuccino as I window shopped with my gals.

I am a big fan of this product. If you’re also sick of the high prices at Starbucks and want a dupe for a quarter of the price per drink that is just as good (dare I say even better?) then take a note from Lorelai Gilmore’s book and go follow where the coffee will lead you.