Does a Milkshake Count as a Drink? A Definitive Guide

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Merriam-Webster, a milkshake is defined as a 'drink made of milk, flavoring, and usually ice cream'. The seemingly straightforward nature of this definition, however, hides a surprisingly complex and long-standing culinary debate: does a milkshake count as a drink or is it more appropriately categorized as a dessert?

Quick Summary

This guide examines the characteristics of milkshakes, from their historical origins and ingredients to their nutritional profile and cultural perception. We explore different perspectives to determine whether this creamy treat fits the definition of a drink, a dessert, or both.

Key Points

Hybrid Classification: A milkshake can be considered both a beverage and a dessert, occupying a unique category based on its ingredients and purpose.
Liquid vs. Solid: While a milkshake is scientifically a liquid colloid, its high concentration of solids from ice cream and flavorings makes it a very thick beverage.
Cultural Context is Key: Whether a milkshake is perceived as a drink or dessert often depends on the setting, such as a diner (side item) versus a specialty shop (featured dessert).
Historical Roots as a Beverage: The milkshake's origins trace back to the 19th century, where it was first a whiskey-based alcoholic beverage before evolving into a family-friendly, ice cream-based one.
Nutritional Profile Matters: With its high sugar, fat, and calorie content, a typical fast-food milkshake is nutritionally closer to an indulgent dessert than a hydrating drink.
Liquid Diet Inclusion: Milkshakes are often permitted on full liquid diets due to their consistency, but they are not nutritionally complete and must be used with caution.

Defining a Drink Versus a Dessert

To understand where a milkshake fits in, one must first define the fundamental differences between a drink (or beverage) and a dessert. A drink is broadly defined as any liquid prepared for human consumption, primarily serving the function of satisfying thirst and providing hydration. In contrast, a dessert is typically a sweet course that concludes a meal, often characterized by richness and indulgence rather than hydration.

The Historical and Etymological Perspective

The history of the milkshake adds an interesting layer to this debate. When the term was first coined in 1885, it referred to an alcoholic beverage with eggs and whiskey. However, by the early 1900s, it evolved into a non-alcoholic, family-friendly treat with flavored syrups, and later, ice cream. The etymology thus shows that the milkshake's roots are firmly planted in the beverage category, even though its modern form is much sweeter and more dessert-like.

Scientific Composition: Liquid or Solid?

From a scientific standpoint, a milkshake is primarily a liquid, though it contains a significant portion of solids. It is essentially a colloidal suspension—a mixture of solid particles (from ice cream, flavorings, and milk solids-not-fat) dispersed in a liquid medium (milk and water). Blending these ingredients results in a single, homogenous liquid state, which is why it can be consumed with a straw. Some particularly thick shakes may require a spoon, blurring the line further.

The Cultural and Contextual Argument

The cultural context often dictates how a milkshake is perceived. In a diner, it might be served alongside a meal, blurring its role. In a fast-food setting, it's a menu item listed under 'beverages,' but with a nutritional profile closer to a dessert. The cultural perception also changes depending on its ingredients. A simple malt shake is more drink-like than a 'freakshake,' which is topped with so much candy, cake, and cream that it is undeniably a full-blown dessert.

The Verdict: A Hybrid Food

The most accurate conclusion is that a milkshake is a hybrid food item that occupies a unique space between a drink and a dessert. Its liquid form and method of consumption align it with beverages, but its high sugar, fat, and calorie content—derived from ice cream and syrups—place it squarely in the dessert category. It functions as a cold, creamy beverage, but its purpose is more often for indulgence and satisfaction than for hydration. This duality is why the debate persists, and why both classifications hold merit depending on the context.

Comparison Table: Milkshake vs. Other Items


Characteristic	Milkshake	Smoothie	Water	Dessert
Primary Function	Indulgence/Treat	Nutritional Supplement	Hydration	Indulgence/Treat
Main Ingredients	Milk, Ice Cream, Syrup	Fruit, Yogurt, Juice	H2O	Flour, Sugar, Eggs
Consistency	Thick, Creamy	Varies (often thicker than shake)	Thin	Solid or Semi-Solid
Nutritional Profile	High in fat, sugar, calories	Varies; can be high in vitamins	Zero calories	High in fat, sugar, calories
Primary Consumption Method	Straw, Spoon	Straw, Spoon	Cup	Fork, Spoon
Example	Classic Vanilla Shake	Strawberry-Banana Smoothie	Tap Water	Chocolate Cake

The Role of Milkshakes in a Liquid Diet

Milkshakes' liquid nature means they can be part of a full liquid diet, which is sometimes medically prescribed for individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing. However, this inclusion is more about consistency than nutritional balance. While a milkshake offers calories and some nutrients, it typically lacks the fiber and complete nutritional profile required for long-term health, underscoring its role as a supplementary item rather than a complete beverage. For medically necessary liquid diets, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of "Does a milkshake count as a drink?" does not have a single, universal answer. It is a sweet beverage, yes, but one that is also an indulgent dessert. The liquid base and use of a straw align it with drinks, while the presence of ice cream, high sugar content, and indulgent purpose align it with desserts. The context, ingredients, and consistency all play a part in determining its most appropriate classification. So, the next time you enjoy a rich, creamy shake, feel free to call it a drink, a dessert, or simply a delicious treat that defies easy categorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

A milkshake is a sweet, cold drink, so it is primarily considered a beverage. However, due to its richness, high calorie count, and indulgent nature, it often functions as a dessert or a dessert-like food item.

The thickness of a milkshake depends on the ratio of solid ingredients, like ice cream, to liquid, like milk. When a higher proportion of ice cream is used, the result is a thicker, denser shake that can be too heavy to drink with a standard straw.

The primary difference lies in the ingredients and nutritional focus. A milkshake typically features ice cream and flavorings, making it a high-sugar, high-fat dessert. A smoothie generally contains fruit, yogurt, or other nutrient-dense ingredients and is often marketed as a healthier drink.

Yes, milkshakes are often permitted on a full liquid diet, which includes any food that is liquid or melts to a liquid at room temperature. However, they should be consumed as part of a nutritionally complete plan under a doctor's supervision.

Traditional milkshakes are made with milk and ice cream, so they are dairy products. However, many modern versions are made with non-dairy ingredients, such as plant-based milks and frozen desserts, to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The modern milkshake, as we know it today with ice cream, was popularized in the 1920s. Its creation is often attributed to Walgreens employee Ivar 'Pop' Coulson, who added vanilla ice cream to a malted milk drink.

No, a typical milkshake, especially from a fast-food chain, is not healthier than many other desserts and can be very high in sugar, fat, and calories. For a healthier option, one can create a homemade shake with lower-fat milk and frozen yogurt or fruit.