Biscoff Shake Sugar Content: Vendor Breakdown
When you indulge in a Biscoff shake, the exact amount of sugar you consume depends heavily on where you buy it and what size you order. A look at the nutritional information from various fast-food and dessert chains reveals that these shakes are packed with far more sugar than a single Biscoff cookie.
Carvel
- 12oz Biscoff Thick Shake: This size packs a substantial 61g of sugar.
- 16oz Biscoff Thick Shake: Upsizing to the 16oz portion increases the sugar count to a hefty 92g, which is approximately 23 teaspoons of sugar. This single drink far exceeds the daily recommended added sugar intake for an average adult, which is typically around 25-36 grams, or 6-9 teaspoons, depending on health guidelines.
McDonald's (Australia)
- Large Lotus Biscoff Shake: A large version of this shake was found to contain 97.8g of sugar. This is one of the highest sugar counts reported and highlights the caloric and sugar density of large-sized dessert drinks.
Hungry Jack's (Australia)
- Biscoff® Shake: A standard shake from this chain contains 70.5g of sugar.
- Large Biscoff Shake: A larger size from Hungry Jack's brings the sugar count up to 81g.
Krispy Kreme
- Regular Biscoff Kreme Shake: This version has a slightly lower, though still significant, 51.8g of sugar.
- Lotus Biscoff Kreme Shake: A different listing for a shake from this brand indicated 57.4g of sugar.
Unpacking the Ingredients: Where All the Sugar Comes From
A Biscoff shake's high sugar content is not a mystery when you consider its components. It is a perfect storm of sugary ingredients, with sweetness coming from multiple sources, including both natural and added sugars.
Common ingredients that contribute to the sugar load include:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Most shakes start with a base of ice cream, which contains substantial amounts of sugar. Ice cream adds not only sweetness but also fat, which makes the shake richer but increases its caloric density.
- Lotus Biscoff Spread: This is a major contributor to the unique caramelized flavor. The spread itself is high in sugar, with each 2-tablespoon serving containing 7g of sugar. A shake recipe often calls for a half-cup or more, significantly boosting the total.
- Biscoff Cookies: The crushed cookies mixed into and topped onto the shake also add to the sugar. Each four-cookie serving of Biscoff cookies contains 12g of sugar.
- Sweetened Milk and Toppings: Milk contains naturally occurring lactose sugar, but many shake mixes and toppings, such as whipped cream or extra drizzles of Biscoff spread, add even more sugar.
Biscoff Shake Sugar Comparison Table
| Vendor (Size) | Serving Size (approx.) | Calories (approx.) | Sugar (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carvel (12oz) | 355g | 850 kcal | 61g |
| Carvel (16oz) | 473g | 1270 kcal | 92g |
| McDonald's Large | 1 serving | 767 kcal | 97.8g |
| Hungry Jack's Large | 1 serving | N/A | 81g |
| Krispy Kreme Regular | 379g | 596 kcal | 51.8g |
| Average Milkshake | Per 100g | 112 kcal | 18g |
Healthier Alternatives to a High-Sugar Biscoff Shake
For those who love the taste but want to avoid the sugar overload, healthier homemade versions are a great option. By controlling the ingredients, you can significantly reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor. Here's a list of potential substitutions:
- Swap Ice Cream: Instead of full-fat vanilla ice cream, use a frozen banana base for a thick, creamy texture with natural sweetness. You can also opt for a low-sugar or keto-friendly vanilla ice cream.
- Reduce the Spread: Use less Biscoff spread and rely more on the flavor from the crushed cookies. You can also make a healthier, homemade spiced nut butter alternative with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Choose Lower-Sugar Milk: Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. This eliminates unnecessary added sugars while providing a creamy consistency.
- Add Protein Powder: Incorporate a scoop of vanilla or maple-flavored protein powder to make the shake more filling and reduce the need for excessive sweetness.
- Enhance with Spices: A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can amplify the classic Biscoff flavor profile without adding any sugar.
Conclusion
While a Biscoff shake is a delicious and indulgent treat, its extremely high sugar content, often exceeding recommended daily limits in a single serving, is cause for concern. The sugar comes from a combination of sweetened ice cream, the Biscoff spread, and the cookies themselves. For the occasional indulgence, a small size from a fast-food chain is the best option, but for regular enjoyment, creating a healthier, homemade version by substituting ingredients is the wisest choice. Enjoy this treat in moderation and be mindful of your overall sugar intake.
For more information on the impact of high sugar consumption, refer to the Action on Sugar website.
