Are milkshakes worse for you than ice cream? A nutritional comparison

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a large milkshake from a major fast-food chain can contain over 800 calories and 110 grams of sugar, making the question 'Are milkshakes worse for you than ice cream?' a serious nutritional concern. While both are high-calorie treats, understanding the key differences can help you make a healthier choice.

Quick Summary

Comparing milkshakes and ice cream reveals that typical large milkshakes pack more calories, sugar, and fat due to larger portions and added syrups, significantly outweighing a controlled serving of ice cream. Factors like liquid calories, speed of consumption, and ingredients influence which dessert poses a greater health risk.

Key Points

Portion Size Matters: Large commercial milkshakes have significantly larger portions than a standard half-cup serving of ice cream, leading to higher calories, fat, and sugar.
Liquid Calories Add Up: The calories from a milkshake's liquid form are less satiating than solid ice cream, increasing the likelihood of overconsumption.
Sugar Overload: A single milkshake can contain more added sugar than the daily recommended limit, which can negatively impact blood sugar levels and overall health.
Hidden Ingredients: Commercial milkshakes often feature added syrups, candy, and toppings that further increase the dessert's unhealthy nutritional profile.
Homemade is Healthier: Making a milkshake at home with ingredients like low-fat milk, frozen fruit, and Greek yogurt offers a much healthier, lower-calorie alternative.
Moderation is Key: For both desserts, the healthiest approach is to consume them occasionally and practice strict portion control.

Milkshakes vs. Ice Cream: A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

When craving a sweet, creamy treat, many people wonder about the nutritional differences between a scoop of ice cream and a classic milkshake. While both are indulgent dairy-based desserts, a closer look at their composition, serving sizes, and added ingredients reveals a clear winner in the race for the more calorically dense option. The short answer is that a typical commercially prepared milkshake is often significantly worse for your health than a standard serving of ice cream.

The Impact of Serving Size and Ingredients

One of the most significant factors that make milkshakes more detrimental to your diet is the portion size. A standard serving of ice cream is typically defined as half a cup, whereas a medium or large milkshake from a fast-food restaurant or ice cream parlor can easily contain several times that volume. A larger volume means more calories, sugar, and fat. Additionally, milkshakes blend ice cream with extra milk and often include other high-sugar additions like syrups, cookies, or candy. A basic milkshake might use two to three times the ice cream found in a single scoop, plus whole milk and syrups, drastically increasing its nutritional load. Meanwhile, a controlled half-cup serving of ice cream can be a much more manageable treat.

The Problem with Liquid Calories

Liquid calories are a major downside of milkshakes. The body doesn't register calories from beverages in the same way it does from solid food. This means you can consume a large, calorie-dense milkshake without feeling as full or satisfied as you would from eating the same amount of calories in a solid form, like ice cream. This can lead to overconsumption and make it easier to exceed your daily calorie and sugar limits without realizing it. Furthermore, the quick consumption of a liquid drink can cause a more rapid spike in blood sugar levels compared to slowly enjoying a scoop of ice cream, which is a key concern for blood sugar regulation.

Comparing Fat and Sugar Content

Both desserts are high in sugar and saturated fat, particularly in premium varieties. However, the sheer volume in a milkshake can lead to an alarming intake. A large milkshake from a popular chain can have more than 100 grams of sugar, exceeding the American Heart Association's daily recommended limit for added sugars by a factor of two or three. The saturated fat content can also be dangerously high, nearing a full day's maximum in a single serving. While a half-cup serving of ice cream also contains sugar and saturated fat, the amount is far more moderate.

A Comparative Look at Desserts


Feature	Standard Ice Cream (1/2 cup)	Large Commercial Milkshake (12-24 oz)
Calories	~130-250	~300-1,000+
Fat	~7-16g	~8-25g (or more)
Saturated Fat	High, but lower overall	Very high, can exceed daily max
Sugar	~15-30g	~45-120g (or more)
Added Ingredients	Often limited to flavorings	Syrups, toppings, candy, cookies
Consumption	Slow, more satiating	Rapid, less satiating
Health Impact	Minor when consumed in moderation	Significant due to volume & additions

Making Healthier Choices

While the nutritional profile of commercial milkshakes is often concerning, there are ways to indulge more healthily. Homemade versions allow for full control over ingredients and portion size. A healthier homemade milkshake could include:

Low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk.
Frozen ripe bananas for natural sweetness instead of sugar or syrup.
Low-fat Greek yogurt to increase protein content.
Adding fruits like berries or mango for natural flavor and vitamins.
Using a scoop of protein powder for a more balanced treat.

Even with ice cream, opting for healthier varieties can make a difference. Look for those with minimal additives, fewer grams of added sugar, and a concise ingredient list. Portion control remains critical, no matter which dessert you choose.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, neither a milkshake nor ice cream is a health food, and both should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, due to their typically larger serving sizes, higher volume of liquid calories, and a greater number of high-sugar add-ins, milkshakes are generally worse for you than ice cream. A single, controlled serving of ice cream is almost always a less damaging choice for your nutritional goals. Understanding these differences empowers you to make informed decisions and enjoy your treats without excessive guilt.

For more information on making informed choices about frozen treats, you can consult articles from authoritative sources like Healthline on navigating the various options available.

Conclusion

The nutritional comparison between milkshakes and ice cream is heavily influenced by portion control and ingredients. While ice cream can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat, the large, high-calorie, and high-sugar composition of most commercially available milkshakes makes them a much more significant dietary concern. The combination of larger volume, liquid calories, and frequent use of added syrups and toppings means that a milkshake is often the less healthy option. By being mindful of ingredients and portion sizes—or by preparing healthier, homemade versions—you can enjoy these desserts without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always, but most of the time. A large commercial milkshake is almost guaranteed to be less healthy than a standard serving of ice cream. However, a small, homemade milkshake with healthy ingredients could be a better choice than a huge portion of premium, high-fat ice cream.

To make a healthier milkshake, use low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative, replace ice cream with frozen fruit like bananas or berries, and add Greek yogurt for extra protein. Avoid adding extra sugar by using naturally sweet fruits.

Milkshakes have a high calorie count primarily due to their large serving sizes and the combination of high-fat ingredients. They blend multiple scoops of ice cream with full-fat milk and often include extra syrups, sauces, and toppings, concentrating a large number of calories into a single drink.

As a dairy product, ice cream contains calcium and protein. Some sources suggest it can be a source of vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. However, these benefits are outweighed by its high sugar and fat content, and it should be considered an occasional treat rather than a nutritional source.

It depends. While 'light' options may have less fat, they sometimes contain added sugars or artificial ingredients to compensate for the flavor and texture. Always check the nutrition label carefully, as they aren't always lower in calories or better for you.

The key is moderation and portion control. Treats like milkshakes and ice cream can fit into a healthy diet if they are consumed infrequently and in sensible portions. Choose a smaller serving or make a healthier alternative at home.

Healthier alternatives include fruit-based sorbets (watch the sugar), frozen yogurt, or homemade 'nice cream' made by blending frozen bananas. These options often contain less fat and fewer added sugars.