Discovering Who Makes a Non-Dairy Milkshake: Top Brands, Recipes, and Nutrition

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

The history of plant-based milks stretches back centuries, with the first documentation of soya milk appearing in 14th-century China. Fast-forward to today, and many people are asking: Who makes a non-dairy milkshake that's both delicious and accessible? The answer includes major restaurant chains and a wide array of options for home cooks.

Quick Summary

This article explores commercial brands like Shake Shack and Ben & Jerry's that offer non-dairy milkshakes, provides recipes for making your own at home, and compares the nutritional profiles of various plant-based ingredients.

Key Points

Restaurant Brands: Chains like Shake Shack offer pre-made, high-quality non-dairy milkshakes, using innovative plant-based ingredients like NotMilk™.
Non-Dairy Ice Cream: Leading brands like Ben & Jerry's create dedicated non-dairy product lines, often using rich oat milk or almond milk, which serve as an excellent base for homemade milkshakes.
Homemade Recipes: Creating non-dairy milkshakes at home is easy using ingredients such as vegan ice cream, frozen bananas, and plant-based milks like oat or soy for creaminess.
Best Milk for Milkshakes: Oat and soy milks offer a neutral flavor and good creaminess for shakes, while cashew milk provides a richer texture; coconut milk adds a distinct flavor and is very high in fat.
Nutritional Differences: Non-dairy milkshakes can be lower in calories and fat than their dairy counterparts, but often contain less protein and may be lower in certain micronutrients unless fortified.
Customization: Homemade shakes offer full control over ingredients, allowing for creative additions like nut butters, cocoa powder, or various fruits to achieve a desired flavor and consistency.

Commercial Brands Offering Non-Dairy Milkshakes

When seeking a convenient, ready-made non-dairy milkshake, consumers have more choices than ever before. Fast-food chains and major ice cream producers have responded to the rising demand for vegan and lactose-free options.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack is one of the most prominent fast-food chains to embrace the plant-based trend, introducing a non-dairy chocolate shake to its menu. This offering is a game-changer for those seeking a dairy-free treat on the go. The shake is made with a plant-based frozen custard crafted with NotMilk™, a sustainable, plant-based beverage designed to mimic the taste and texture of dairy milk. The addition of this menu item signals a significant shift towards more inclusive, plant-based options in mainstream eateries.

Ben & Jerry's

Known for its innovative and indulgent flavors, Ben & Jerry's offers a wide range of certified vegan, non-dairy pints that can be used as the base for a fantastic milkshake. The company has invested in its non-dairy recipes, now made with a creamier oat milk base that replicates the richness of traditional ice cream. By simply blending a pint of a non-dairy Ben & Jerry's flavor with a complementary plant-based milk, you can create a high-quality, delicious non-dairy milkshake at home.

Other Brands and Wholesale Options

Beyond major players, other brands and manufacturers are catering to the non-dairy market. Companies like Projuice offer wholesale vegan milkshakes for cafes and restaurants, while numerous ice cream brands, such as NadaMoo! and Oatly, provide high-quality vegan ice cream perfect for homemade shakes.

Creating Your Own Homemade Non-Dairy Milkshake

For those who prefer a personalized and often healthier option, making a non-dairy milkshake at home is simple and customizable. The key is selecting the right combination of creamy bases, flavorful add-ins, and thickeners.

Best Plant-Based Ingredients for a Creamy Shake

To achieve the classic thick texture of a milkshake, using a combination of plant-based frozen desserts and milks is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the best ingredients:

Plant-Based Milk: For a creamy and neutral base, oat milk and soy milk are excellent choices. Cashew milk also provides a rich texture due to its higher fat content. Coconut milk (particularly canned, full-fat versions) offers a tropical flavor and exceptional creaminess but is higher in saturated fat.
Vegan Ice Cream: Many brands now offer high-quality vegan ice cream. Oatly, NadaMoo!, and Ben & Jerry's provide excellent options made from oat, coconut, or sunflower seed bases.
Frozen Fruits: For a naturally creamy and thick consistency, frozen bananas are a classic choice. Frozen strawberries or mango can also add flavor and volume.
Natural Thickeners: Ingredients like raw cashews, nut butters, or even a spoonful of silken tofu can enhance the thickness and protein content of your shake without altering the flavor significantly.

Quick and Easy Homemade Recipe

Here's a simple guide for a delicious, homemade non-dairy milkshake:

Gather Ingredients: Start with 1 cup of vegan vanilla ice cream (oat or cashew-based for best texture), 1/2 cup of unsweetened oat or soy milk, and 1/2 a frozen banana.
Combine and Blend: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Start blending on low speed, then increase to high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Customize: For a chocolate version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. For a peanut butter shake, add a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter.
Serve: Pour into a chilled glass and top with coconut whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit for a gourmet finish.

Nutritional Considerations: Non-Dairy vs. Dairy Milkshakes

While taste and texture are important, the nutritional aspects are a key factor for many choosing a non-dairy diet. The health profile of a non-dairy milkshake can vary significantly depending on the ingredients used.

Comparison of Non-Dairy Milk Bases

Here's a table comparing the general nutritional characteristics of popular non-dairy milks to traditional cow's milk for milkshake-making:


Attribute	Cow's Milk (Full Fat)	Soy Milk (Unsweetened)	Oat Milk (Unsweetened)	Almond Milk (Unsweetened)	Coconut Milk (Canned)
Calories (per cup)	~150	~80	~120	~35	~445
Protein (per cup)	8g	7g	3g	1g	<1g
Saturated Fat	High	Low	Low	Low	Very High
Calcium	High	Often Fortified	Often Fortified	Often Fortified	Low
Flavor	Rich, Creamy	Mild, Slightly Beany	Sweet, Oaty	Nutty	Strong Coconut
Best For	Traditional shakes	High-protein shakes	Thick, creamy shakes	Lower-calorie shakes	Rich, tropical shakes

Key Nutritional Differences

Protein: Cow's milk is naturally high in protein. Soy and pea-protein-based milks offer comparable protein levels, while others, like almond and coconut milk, are very low in protein.
Fat: Dairy milk contains saturated fat. Most non-dairy milks, with the notable exception of canned coconut milk, are lower in saturated fat. However, richness and creaminess are often linked to fat content, so cashew and oat milks tend to produce a thicker result than almond milk.
Micronutrients: Many non-dairy milks are fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins to mimic the nutritional profile of dairy milk. It is important to check the label for fortified options, as unfortified versions can be lacking in these essential nutrients.

The Verdict: Quality and Accessibility

So, who makes a non-dairy milkshake that best suits your needs? For quick and reliable restaurant options, Shake Shack is a leading contender. For premium, customizable homemade creations, brands like Ben & Jerry's and Oatly offer excellent ice cream bases. By understanding the ingredients and nutritional differences, consumers can enjoy a wide variety of delicious and satisfying non-dairy milkshakes, whether dining out or blending at home.

Conclusion

The availability of non-dairy milkshakes has expanded dramatically, providing excellent options for those with dietary restrictions or ethical preferences. Commercial brands have innovated with creamy, plant-based bases, while the accessibility of vegan ice creams and milks has empowered home cooks to craft their own perfect shake. From a classic chocolate shake at a drive-thru to a custom fruit-and-nut butter blend from your own kitchen, the world of non-dairy milkshakes is rich with flavor and variety.

For more in-depth nutritional information on plant-based alternatives, refer to the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the creamiest milkshake, opt for milks with a higher fat content and thicker texture, such as oat milk, cashew milk, or full-fat canned coconut milk. Many also recommend using barista-style versions of oat milk, as they are specifically formulated to be creamier.

Yes, Shake Shack is a prominent fast-food chain that has added a non-dairy chocolate shake to its core menu, made with a creamy, plant-based frozen custard.

Not necessarily. The nutritional profile varies widely depending on the ingredients. While some plant-based milks are lower in calories and saturated fat, they often contain less protein and may be higher in sugar, especially if using sweetened versions of vegan ice cream or milk.

Yes. A thick, ice cream-free non-dairy milkshake can be made by blending a frozen banana with a creamy plant-based milk and other desired flavorings. Some recipes also suggest using frozen milkshake cubes made from a cashew-and-starch base.

For a thicker shake, use frozen fruit like bananas, add a spoonful of nut butter or silken tofu, or use a small amount of a thickening agent like guar gum, which is also used commercially.

No. Nutritional content differs greatly between plant-based milks. Soy milk is often the closest to cow's milk in protein content, while milks like almond or rice are much lower. Most non-dairy milks are fortified with calcium and vitamins, but it's important to check product labels.

Non-dairy ice cream is widely available at most major grocery stores. Popular brands include Ben & Jerry's (oat milk based), NadaMoo! (coconut milk based), and Cado (avocado based).