How Many Calories in a Banana Milkshake with Milk?

A single medium-sized banana contains approximately 105 calories. This article explores how adding milk and other ingredients affects the total number of calories in a banana milkshake, helping you make smarter, more conscious dietary decisions.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a banana milkshake depends heavily on the type of milk and any extra ingredients added. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to calculate the total calories and offers tips for customizing your shake for specific dietary needs.

Key Points

• Variable Calories: A banana milkshake's calorie count varies significantly based on the type of milk and any extra ingredients added.

• Milk Type is Key: Whole milk increases calories substantially, while skim milk or unsweetened almond milk offers a much lower-calorie option.

• Beware of Add-ins: Ingredients like ice cream, sugar, and nut butters can dramatically increase the total calorie count, sometimes over 500 calories.

• Customize for Goals: Use skim milk for weight loss, or whole milk and calorie-dense additions like peanut butter for weight gain.

• Post-Workout Benefits: For muscle recovery, a shake with protein powder can be an effective post-workout drink.

• Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so added sugar is often unnecessary, especially for a healthy, low-calorie version.

• Frozen Banana Trick: For a thick, creamy texture without ice cream, use a frozen banana.

Calorie Breakdown of a Classic Banana Milkshake

A simple banana milkshake, made with one medium banana and one glass (around 250ml) of milk, contains a variable number of calories. The primary factors influencing this number are the type of milk and any additional sweeteners or ingredients.

Milk Type and Its Impact on Calorie Count

The most significant variable in determining the calorie content of your milkshake is the milk you choose. The fat content of the milk directly correlates to its energy density.

• Whole Milk: A glass (250ml) of whole milk can add around 150 calories to your shake. When combined with a banana, the total can reach approximately 220-250 calories for a standard unsweetened preparation.
• Reduced-Fat (2%) Milk: Opting for 2% milk can lower the calorie count slightly. A cup (250ml) of this milk typically contains around 125 calories, reducing the total milkshake calories to about 190-210 calories.
• Low-Fat (1%) or Skim Milk: These options offer the lowest calorie counts among dairy milks. Skim milk can have as few as 80-100 calories per cup (250ml), bringing your total unsweetened milkshake to as low as 160-180 calories.
• Non-Dairy Alternatives: Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk also vary. Unsweetened almond milk is very low in calories (around 30-40 per cup), while oat milk is closer in calories to 2% dairy milk. Always check the nutrition label for precise figures.

Additional Ingredients That Add Calories

Toppings and mix-ins can drastically change the final calorie count. While a basic banana and milk shake is healthy, many popular additions can increase the energy density significantly.

• Sugar or Honey: Adding just one teaspoon of sugar can add 20 calories. For honey, the calorie count is similar, with one teaspoon containing about 21 calories. Depending on your preference for sweetness, this can add up quickly.
• Ice Cream: Using a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make the shake creamy can add 150-200 calories or more. This is a common way to turn a simple shake into a high-calorie dessert.
• Nut Butters: Peanut butter or almond butter is often added for extra protein and healthy fats. Two tablespoons of peanut butter can add over 190 calories.
• Protein Powder: A single scoop of whey or plant-based protein powder can contribute anywhere from 100 to 150 calories, in addition to boosting the protein content.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkling a handful of almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds adds healthy fats and fiber but also calories. A handful of almonds (about 23 nuts) is around 164 calories.

Low-Calorie vs. High-Calorie Banana Milkshakes: A Comparison

Feature	Low-Calorie Banana Milkshake	High-Calorie Banana Milkshake
Milk Type	Skim or unsweetened almond milk	Whole milk, heavy cream, or sweetened condensed milk
Sweeteners	None, or a very small amount of low-calorie sweetener	Sugar, honey, maple syrup, or chocolate syrup
Add-ins	A sprinkle of cinnamon, dash of vanilla extract	Ice cream, peanut butter, nuts, protein powder
Total Calories	Typically between 160-220 calories	Can exceed 400-500 calories, or even more
Ideal For	Weight management, healthy snack	Weight gain, post-workout recovery
Taste Profile	Lighter, cleaner, emphasizes natural banana sweetness	Creamier, richer, more decadent
Nutritional Emphasis	Lower fat, higher protein depending on additions	Higher fat, higher protein and carb content

How to Create Your Perfect Banana Milkshake

Creating a banana milkshake to meet your specific dietary needs is simple with a bit of planning. You can use these guidelines to tailor your recipe.

• For Weight Loss: Focus on using low-fat or skim milk and avoid added sugars. Using a frozen banana can create a thicker, creamier texture without needing ice cream. A dash of cinnamon can add flavor without calories.
• For Weight Gain: Combine whole milk with two bananas instead of one to increase the calorie density. Adding a tablespoon of peanut butter, a scoop of protein powder, or a handful of nuts can further boost the calorie count and nutrient profile.
• Post-Workout Recovery: The combination of natural carbohydrates from the banana and protein from the milk and optional protein powder makes for an excellent post-workout snack. The carbs help replenish muscle glycogen stores, while the protein aids in muscle repair.

Basic Banana Milkshake Recipe

To illustrate the process, here is a simple recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium ripe banana
  • 1 cup (250ml) milk of your choice
  • (Optional) 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • (Optional) A few ice cubes
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and slice the banana. For a colder, thicker shake, use a pre-frozen banana.
  2. Add the banana, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) to a blender.
  3. If desired, add a few ice cubes for extra chill and thickness.
  4. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Serve immediately.

Conclusion: How many calories in a banana milkshake with milk

In conclusion, the answer to "how many calories in a banana milkshake with milk?" is not a single number, but a range that depends on your ingredient choices. A basic, unsweetened milkshake with a medium banana and skim milk can contain as few as 160-180 calories, making it a healthy and filling snack. However, adding whole milk, sugar, ice cream, or nut butters can quickly increase the calorie count, sometimes exceeding 400 or 500 calories. By understanding the nutritional impact of each component, you can customize your banana milkshake to fit your specific health and dietary goals, whether for weight management, gain, or simple enjoyment.

References

• [1] Yogant Foundation. High Calorie & Protein Banana Milkshake [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 13]. Available from: https://www.yogantfoundation.com/blog/high-calorie-protein-banana-shake/
• [2] Healthline. Bananas with Milk: A Great Combination or Bad Idea? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 13]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bananas-with-milk
• [3] Eat This Much. Banana Milk Shake [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 13]. Available from: https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/banana-milk-shake-971152
• [4] Fitelo. Banana Shake For Weight Gain Recipe And How It Helps [Internet]. [cited 2025 Oct 13]. Available from: https://fitelo.co/recipes/banana-shake-for-weight-gain/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a banana milkshake good for weight loss or weight gain?

A banana milkshake can be customized for either weight loss or gain. For weight loss, use skim milk and no added sugar. For weight gain, use whole milk and add high-calorie ingredients like peanut butter or ice cream.

How many calories are in a banana milkshake without sugar?

A standard banana milkshake made with one medium banana and 250ml of milk, and no added sugar, typically contains between 200 and 220 calories, depending on the milk's fat content.

Can I use frozen bananas in a milkshake?

Yes, using a frozen banana is an excellent way to create a thicker, creamier milkshake without needing to add ice cream, helping to reduce the overall calorie count.

What is a healthy, low-calorie alternative to a traditional banana milkshake?

A healthy alternative is to use unsweetened almond milk and skip any added sugar. You can also boost flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract without adding significant calories.

Is a banana milkshake a good post-workout drink?

Yes, a banana milkshake is a great post-workout drink. The natural carbohydrates from the banana help replenish energy, while the protein from the milk supports muscle repair.

What's the difference in calories between using skim milk and whole milk?

There's a significant difference. Using a cup of whole milk adds about 150 calories, while a cup of skim milk adds only around 80-100 calories, making skim milk a lower-calorie option for your shake.

How can I increase the protein in my banana milkshake?

To increase the protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder (whey or plant-based) or a spoonful of nut butter like peanut or almond butter. Greek yogurt is another excellent high-protein addition.