Fast Food Oreo Milkshake Calorie Breakdown
The calories in a 20 oz Oreo milkshake differ significantly based on the restaurant's specific recipe, ingredients, and preparation methods. High-fat ice cream, whole milk, and generous portions of Oreo cookies all contribute to a high-calorie count.
- PDQ: A 20 oz Oreo Shake contains a substantial 960 calories. Its nutritional profile includes 49g of total fat, 25g of saturated fat, and 74g of sugar, contributing a large portion of a person's daily recommended intake of fat and saturated fat in a single beverage.
- Baker's Drive-thru: Their 20 oz Oreo Cookie Milkshake comes in at 820 calories. This version is slightly less calorie-dense than PDQ's, with 42g of fat and 76g of sugar.
- Fuddruckers: The Fuddruckers Oreo Cookie Shake is listed with 770 calories for a size that appears to be comparable, though specific ounce measurements for the larger shakes can be inconsistent across menus. It contains 38g of fat and 77g of sugar.
Other chains often have different sizes or variations, making direct 20 oz comparisons tricky. For example, a Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard (not a traditional milkshake) can have 780 calories for a medium size, which is approximately 20 oz. Additional toppings like whipped cream further increase the caloric load.
Why Are Oreo Milkshakes So High in Calories?
The primary reason these milkshakes are so energy-dense lies in their core ingredients. The combination of full-fat dairy, sugar, and high-calorie cookies adds up quickly.
Key Calorie Sources
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The base of most Oreo milkshakes is vanilla ice cream, which is high in fat and sugar. The amount of ice cream used directly correlates with the final calorie count.
- Oreo Cookies: The cookies themselves are a major source of calories, carbs, and sugar. Each cookie adds roughly 53 calories, so a milkshake blended with several cookies has a significant caloric contribution from the cookies alone.
- Milk: While a smaller component, the type of milk matters. Using whole milk adds more fat and calories compared to using a lower-fat alternative.
- Toppings: Many restaurants include whipped cream and additional cookie crumbles as a topping, which adds extra calories that can push the total over 1,000.
Comparison of Fast Food 20 oz Oreo Milkshakes
| Restaurant | Size | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDQ | 20 oz | 960 | 49 | 74 |
| Baker's Drive-thru | 20 oz | 820 | 42 | 76 |
| Fuddruckers | Approx. 20 oz | 770 | 38 | 77 |
Healthier Oreo Milkshake Alternatives
For those looking to enjoy the flavor of an Oreo milkshake without the high calorie and sugar intake, there are several alternatives.
- Make a homemade version: Control the ingredients yourself by using light or reduced-fat ice cream, or even a frozen yogurt base. You can also use low-fat milk and limit the number of cookies added.
- Order a smaller size: Many chains offer smaller sizes that significantly reduce the calorie count. For example, a small Oreo Blizzard at Dairy Queen has 610 calories compared to a medium's 780.
- Choose a different type of treat: Opt for a fruit smoothie or another healthier dessert option if available. Baskin-Robbins offers various fruit smoothies and non-dairy options that are much lower in calories.
- Use protein powder: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to a homemade shake. This increases the protein content, which can help with satiety, and can reduce reliance on high-sugar ingredients.
Conclusion
The calorie content of a 20 oz Oreo milkshake is considerable, typically falling between 800 and 1,000 calories depending on the restaurant and its specific recipe. This high number is primarily driven by ingredients like full-fat ice cream, crushed cookies, and milk. While indulging in such a treat occasionally is fine for most people, those monitoring their calorie, fat, or sugar intake should be mindful of these figures. Opting for a smaller serving, choosing a lighter homemade recipe, or exploring healthier alternatives are all viable options for enjoying the iconic flavor without the caloric excess. A 20 oz Oreo milkshake is more of a full dessert than a simple beverage and should be treated as such in a balanced diet.
