Milk shakes, thick chocolate
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
A thick, frosty blend of milk, chocolate syrup or cocoa, and ice cream, creating a rich, velvety texture that coats the tongue. It's a classic indulgent treat, balancing deep cocoa notes with creamy sweetness. Nutritionally, it's a high-carb, high-sugar beverage, providing quick energy but minimal protein or fiber.
Calorie split: 10% protein · 70% carbs · 20% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for its nostalgic, comforting sweetness and the satisfying, thick texture that feels like a dessert in a glass. It's a versatile treat, easily customized with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (over 20g per 100g) can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. Those monitoring calorie or sugar intake, or with lactose intolerance, should be cautious. To counteract, enjoy a small portion (150-200g) and pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates and sugars
- Contains calcium and some protein from dairy ingredients
- Can be a comforting, mood-boosting treat
- Versatile base for added flavors or toppings
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'milkshake' first appeared in print in 1885, but it referred to an eggnog-like whiskey drink, not the ice cream-based treat we know today.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 72.2 g |
| Energy | 119 kcal |
| Energy | 496 kj |
| Protein | 3.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 2.7 g |
| Ash | 0.90 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.30 g |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 132 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.31 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 126 mg |
| Potassium, K | 224 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 111 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.48 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.22 mg |
| Niacin | 0.12 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.36 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 5.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 5.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 17.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.32 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 18.0 ug |
| Retinol | 18.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 4.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 67.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 41.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.20 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 2.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 23.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.27 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.71 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.33 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.78 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.68 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 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 | 11.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| 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
Is a chocolate milkshake a good post-workout recovery drink?
While it contains carbs and some protein from dairy, its high sugar and fat content make it less ideal than a dedicated recovery drink or a balanced meal. The sugar can cause an energy spike, but the lack of sufficient protein and micronutrients limits its recovery benefits.
How can I make a thicker chocolate milkshake at home?
Use less liquid (milk) and more frozen ingredients. Incorporating frozen bananas, extra ice cream, or even a scoop of protein powder can dramatically increase thickness without diluting the flavor.
What's the difference between a milkshake and a smoothie?
A milkshake is primarily a dessert beverage based on ice cream, milk, and flavorings, high in sugar and fat. A smoothie is typically a blended drink of fruits, vegetables, yogurt or milk, and is generally considered a healthier, nutrient-dense option.
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 1.19 kcal/g · 10% calories from protein · 0.3 g fiber · 20.9 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: 0.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.