How many calories does an Oreo milkshake contain?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Shockingly, some restaurant Oreo milkshakes can contain over 1,400 calories in a single large serving, surpassing the calorie count of many full meals. Understanding just how many calories does an Oreo milkshake contain is key to making informed dietary choices about this indulgent treat.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of an Oreo milkshake varies dramatically based on ingredients, portion size, and restaurant, with some large fast-food versions containing well over 1,000 calories. Homemade versions can be controlled to reduce sugar and fat, creating a lighter option.

Key Points

Fast-food milkshakes can be extremely high in calories: Large restaurant-brand Oreo milkshakes often contain over 1,000 calories, with some reaching up to 1,600 calories.
Homemade versions offer calorie control: By using lighter ingredients like low-fat milk and frozen bananas, a homemade Oreo milkshake can be made for significantly fewer calories.
Ingredients are the main calorie driver: The type of milk, ice cream, and the addition of whipped cream and syrups are the primary factors that determine the final calorie count.
Calorie counts vary dramatically by brand and size: There is no single answer to how many calories are in an Oreo milkshake, so it's essential to check the nutritional information for the specific product and size.
Healthier modifications are possible: Substituting high-fat ingredients with healthier alternatives like frozen bananas, almond milk, and protein powder is an effective way to reduce calories while still enjoying a flavorful treat.

Calorie Breakdown of a Classic Oreo Milkshake

At its core, a traditional Oreo milkshake is a blend of vanilla ice cream, milk, and Oreo cookies. The ingredients' fat and sugar content, and the portion size, are the primary drivers of its high caloric value. A standard homemade recipe using a few scoops of full-fat vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and several cookies can easily start at around 500-700 calories. Restaurant versions are often even higher due to the use of larger quantities of high-calorie ingredients and extra toppings like whipped cream and syrup.

The Impact of Ingredients on Calorie Count

Vanilla Ice Cream: Using a premium, full-fat vanilla ice cream significantly increases the calorie and fat content. Opting for a low-fat, low-sugar, or even fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt is a simple way to reduce the calorie base of the shake.
Milk: Whole milk adds more calories and saturated fat than its alternatives. Switching to skim milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy, low-calorie milk alternative can make a big difference.
Oreo Cookies: While essential for the flavor, the number of cookies added directly correlates to the calorie count. Using fewer cookies or opting for a healthier, lower-sugar alternative can help keep calories in check.
Toppings: Toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and extra cookie crumbles add substantial, often unnecessary, calories and sugar.

Calorie Comparison: Homemade vs. Fast Food Oreo Milkshakes

The stark difference between a homemade Oreo milkshake and one from a fast-food chain highlights the importance of understanding portion control and ingredients. Fast-food restaurants are infamous for their oversized, high-calorie beverages.

Comparing Oreo Milkshakes from Major Chains


Restaurant	Item	Calories (approx.)	Notes
Baskin-Robbins	OREO Cookies n' Cream Milkshake (Large)	1,440	A very high-calorie indulgence.
Cheesecake Factory	Oreo Milkshake	1,630	One of the highest-calorie restaurant shakes.
Cold Stone Creamery	Milk and OREO Cookies	1,280	A single serving can easily exceed half of a person's daily calorie needs.
Jack in the Box	Oreo Shake (with Whipped Topping)	1,170	A large and rich option with significant caloric impact.
IHOP	OREO® Cookie Milkshake	730	A slightly more moderate option among fast-food chains.

Making a Lighter, Healthier Homemade Oreo Milkshake

Creating a lower-calorie Oreo milkshake at home is surprisingly easy. You can replace high-calorie ingredients with healthier alternatives to reduce the total caloric load. For instance, substitute full-fat ice cream with frozen bananas and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a filling, high-protein shake with a creamy consistency. Using almond milk and limiting the cookies to just a few for flavor can also greatly reduce the calorie count.

Here are some tips for a healthier alternative:

Use a frozen banana for creaminess instead of ice cream.
Swap whole milk for a lower-fat or dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk.
Include a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make it more filling.
Use fewer Oreos, or use a sugar-free pudding mix for flavor.
Skip the whipped cream and excessive toppings.
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

The number of calories in an Oreo milkshake can vary from a manageable 300-500 calories for a simple homemade version to a staggering 1,000+ calories for a large restaurant shake. The significant difference is driven by portion size and ingredient choices. While the occasional indulgent fast-food shake can be a treat, a calorie-conscious approach means understanding what's in your drink. For those seeking a delicious yet healthier option, creating a homemade version with lighter ingredients offers a satisfying alternative that doesn't derail dietary goals.

The takeaway on how many calories does an Oreo milkshake contain

An Oreo milkshake can be a high-calorie beverage, with restaurant versions often exceeding 1,000 calories. The calorie count is a direct result of the ingredients used, including high-fat ice cream, milk, and added toppings. Being mindful of these factors allows for a more informed choice or the option to create a healthier, homemade alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard homemade Oreo milkshake, made with vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and several cookies, typically ranges from 500 to 700 calories per serving.

Fast-food milkshakes are high in calories due to their large portion sizes and the use of high-fat ice cream, whole milk, and calorie-dense toppings like whipped cream and syrups.

Yes, you can make a low-calorie version by substituting ingredients. For example, use frozen bananas instead of ice cream, opt for low-fat or almond milk, and limit the number of cookies.

The number of Oreos can vary, but homemade recipes often call for 4 to 8 cookies per recipe, with restaurants potentially using more.

The Cheesecake Factory has been cited as having one of the highest-calorie Oreo milkshakes, containing up to 1,630 calories for a single serving.

Yes, for a healthier option, consider blending a frozen banana, almond milk, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder with a couple of Oreos. You can also find recipes online using Greek yogurt and chia seeds.

Toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and extra cookie crumbles can add a significant number of additional calories, sugar, and fat to a milkshake.