Milk shake, home recipe, chocolate
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic homemade chocolate milkshake is a thick, frosty blend of milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup, delivering a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying chocolate flavor. Its smooth, velvety texture is a hallmark, making it a pure indulgence. Nutritionally, it's a significant source of quick energy from carbohydrates and sugars, with a moderate amount of fat and protein.
Calorie split: 11% protein · 44% carbs · 45% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the classic combination of cold, creamy dairy and sweet chocolate, which evokes nostalgia and comfort. Its versatility allows for endless variations, from adding bananas or peanut butter to using different types of chocolate, making it a beloved, personalized treat across many cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and calorie content can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for those managing weight or diabetes. To counteract this, practice portion control, use a smaller glass, or opt for a recipe with less sugar, like using dark chocolate or a sugar-free syrup. It also contains common allergens like milk and soy (if using certain syrups); those with allergies should check ingredients or use substitutes like lactose-free milk or plant-based ice cream.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Contains calcium and vitamin D from milk and ice cream
- Offers a mood-boosting treat due to sugar and chocolate
- Can be a source of protein, especially with added milk or protein powder
- Highly customizable to personal taste preferences
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first known milkshake recipe, appearing in 1885, was a whiskey-based eggnog-like drink called a 'whiskey shake,' not the sweet, blended treat we know today.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 75.9 g |
| Energy | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.50 g |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 118 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.35 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 103 mg |
| Potassium, K | 187 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 52.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.48 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.16 mg |
| Niacin | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 6.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 19.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.45 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 64.0 ug |
| Retinol | 63.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 12.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.80 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.30 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 1.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 23.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.59 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.74 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.07 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 | 20.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Milk shakes, thick chocolate — USDA does not publish this profile for Milk shake.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.14 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.18 g |
| Leucine | 0.30 g |
| Lysine | 0.24 g |
| Methionine | 0.08 g |
| Cystine | 0.03 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.15 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.15 g |
| Valine | 0.20 g |
| Arginine | 0.11 g |
| Histidine | 0.08 g |
| Alanine | 0.10 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.23 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.64 g |
| Glycine | 0.07 g |
| Proline | 0.29 g |
| Serine | 0.17 g |
FAQ
How can I make a chocolate milkshake thicker?
Use less milk, more ice cream, or add a scoop of frozen yogurt. Blending in a frozen banana also adds thickness and natural sweetness.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes, blend frozen bananas with cocoa powder, a splash of milk, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a lower-sugar, higher-fiber alternative.
What's the difference between a milkshake and a smoothie?
A milkshake is primarily made with ice cream and milk, focusing on a sweet, creamy dessert texture. A smoothie is typically fruit-based, blended with ice, yogurt, or juice, and is often considered a breakfast or health drink.
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 1.20 kcal/g · 12% calories from protein · 0.5 g fiber · 12.6 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: 0.28 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.