Sorry Starbucks (and you too, Tim Hortons) but now that I know I have the secret ingredient to making my own Starbucks Frappachino™ in my cupboard right now, you are not getting my nickels this summer.

The trick, according to SquawkFox (who simply asked the barrista) is xantham gum. Here’s the recipe and full post from SquawkFox. If you’re looking for xantham gum in Victoria, you can get it at most health food grocers (i.e. Lifestyles, Planet Organic) and some other grocers (we found it at Thrifty’s) — just look carefully in the baking aisle. Last time I checked, it was also for sale at For Good Measure in Cadboro Bay. It seems costly, but you won’t need much per drink — just a pinch. And if you don’t want to use an unfamiliar ingredient, try pectin (it’s what makes jam set).