How much sugar do milkshakes have? A deep dive into sweet treats

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 survey by Action on Sugar, some high-street milkshakes contain a shocking 39 teaspoons of sugar, more than six times the recommended daily amount for a child. This astonishing fact raises the critical question of how much sugar do milkshakes have in reality, and how these sweet treats can impact our health.

Quick Summary

Milkshakes, particularly from fast-food chains, often contain extremely high levels of added sugar, frequently exceeding daily recommended limits. The sugar content varies significantly depending on serving size, flavor, and ingredients, with some containing over 100 grams of sugar per serving. Homemade milkshakes can be controlled to reduce sugar by using healthier ingredient substitutes.

Key Points

Extremely High Sugar: Fast-food and high-street milkshakes often contain dangerously high levels of sugar, sometimes exceeding 100 grams per serving, far more than the recommended daily limit.
Variable Content: Sugar content varies dramatically by restaurant, flavor, and serving size, with toppings and syrups adding a significant sugar load.
Health Risks: Frequent consumption of high-sugar milkshakes is linked to health problems like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
DIY Control: Making milkshakes at home allows for total control over ingredients, enabling you to drastically reduce the sugar content.
Healthy Swaps: Use natural fruit sweetness, Greek yogurt, or plant-based milks instead of ice cream and sugary syrups for a healthier alternative.

The Hidden Sugars in Fast-Food Milkshakes

When you order a milkshake from a popular fast-food or high-street restaurant, you are likely consuming a massive dose of sugar that far exceeds daily dietary guidelines. These drinks are formulated to be hyper-palatable, and one of the primary ways to achieve this is by packing them with sweeteners like ice cream, flavored syrups, and corn syrup. The seemingly innocent 'treat' can quickly become a nutritional landmine, contributing to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.

For example, some large fast-food milkshakes have been found to contain over 100 grams of total sugar, with a significant portion being added sugar. To put that into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends that most adult men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day and women no more than 25 grams. A single large milkshake can contain more than three times the daily limit for added sugar. The natural lactose sugar from the milk and ice cream is often overshadowed by the high quantities of added syrups and other sugary ingredients.

Factors Influencing Milkshake Sugar Content

Several factors contribute to the total sugar count in a milkshake, explaining the vast differences between brands and flavors:

Size: Larger servings, such as 'large' or 'freakshakes', are notorious for their excessive sugar content, with some reaching astronomical levels.
Flavoring: Ingredients used for different flavors greatly impact the sugar count. Chocolate and certain fruit flavors often contain added sugary syrups and toppings. For instance, a Pina Colada milkshake flavor has been noted to contain over 100 grams of sugar.
Toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate chips, cookies, and other sugary toppings pile on extra grams of sugar and calories.
Base Ingredients: The choice of ice cream (premium vs. low-fat), milk (whole vs. skim), and added sweeteners like corn syrup all play a huge role.

The Health Implications of High-Sugar Milkshakes

Consuming large quantities of sugar frequently can have a detrimental effect on your health. High-sugar intake is linked to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. For children, the excessive sugar in milkshakes can also contribute to unhealthy eating habits and sugar addiction from a young age. The rapid intake of so much sugar can cause a blood sugar spike, followed by a crash, leading to fatigue and cravings. Making healthier choices or enjoying these drinks in moderation is key to maintaining overall health.

Comparison of Milkshake Sugar Content

To highlight the dramatic differences in sugar levels, here is a comparison table of various milkshakes, based on available nutrition information. Please note that values can vary depending on location and formulation.


Milkshake Type	Approximate Sugar (g) per Serving	Notes
Fast-Food Large (e.g., McDonald's, US)	90-110+	Contains more than a day's recommended sugar.
High-Street 'Freakshake'	90-120+	Often includes additional sugary toppings.
Fast-Food Medium (e.g., McDonald's UK Vanilla)	60	Significantly less than the US equivalent, but still high.
Packaged Supermarket Milkshake (400ml)	40-45	Better than fast-food, but still a sugary treat.
Standard Homemade Milkshake	30-50	Can vary widely based on ingredients used.
Healthier Homemade Alternative	<15	Uses natural sweeteners and low-sugar fruits.

Creating Low-Sugar Homemade Milkshakes

Taking control of your ingredients is the most effective way to manage and reduce the sugar in your milkshake. A few simple swaps can transform an unhealthy dessert into a more balanced and nutritious treat.

Tips for making healthier milkshakes:

Use Natural Sweeteners: Instead of sugar or high-sugar syrups, rely on the natural sweetness of ripe, frozen fruits like bananas, mangoes, or berries. Dates can also be used for sweetness.
Choose a Low-Sugar Base: Opt for unsweetened almond milk, skim milk, or a plant-based milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Substitute Ice Cream: Replace high-sugar, full-fat ice cream with Greek yogurt, frozen yogurt, or frozen bananas to add a creamy texture without the extra sugar and calories.
Boost with Nutrients: Incorporate nutritious additions like protein powder, nut butter, spinach, or chia seeds. These not only improve the nutritional profile but also help control blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

While milkshakes are often a beloved treat, the answer to "how much sugar do milkshakes have?" is often a shocking reality. Commercial and fast-food milkshakes can contain staggering amounts of sugar, far exceeding daily recommendations and posing significant health risks with frequent consumption. By understanding the ingredients and making smarter choices, especially by creating your own healthier versions at home, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy beverage without the excessive sugar load. With simple ingredient substitutions, you can significantly reduce the sugar content while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

For more detailed nutritional information on specific fast-food items, resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest can provide valuable insights and comparisons on various menu items.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical large fast-food milkshake can contain over 50 to 100+ grams of sugar, with a large portion being added sugar from syrups and flavorings. This amount can be more than double the daily recommended limit for an adult.

Not necessarily. A traditional homemade milkshake with lots of ice cream and added sugar can still be very high in sugar. However, by using healthier ingredients like frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners, you can make a significantly lower-sugar version.

Yes, you can substitute ice cream with healthier, low-sugar alternatives. Options include using frozen bananas for a creamy texture, or adding Greek yogurt or a blend of frozen fruits.

The healthiest method involves using unsweetened milk (dairy or plant-based), relying on ripe, frozen fruit for sweetness and thickness, and adding a protein source like Greek yogurt or protein powder. You can also add nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach or seeds.

Yes, the sugar content can vary significantly between flavors. Flavors that rely on added sugary syrups, like chocolate or fruity versions, tend to be higher in sugar than a simple vanilla base. Specialty shakes with added cookies or caramel will also have more sugar.

You can try ordering a smaller size, asking for fewer toppings like whipped cream or syrups, or inquiring if a low-sugar or low-fat version is available. Some places may offer a fruit-based smoothie alternative as well.

Yes, milk naturally contains lactose, which is a type of sugar. However, in commercial milkshakes, the amount of added sugar from ice cream and syrups is typically far greater than the natural sugar from the milk.