Is banana milkshake high in calories? The surprising truth about this popular drink

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

A basic banana milkshake made with one banana and low-fat milk can contain as few as 160-180 calories, a figure that many people find surprising. So, is banana milkshake high in calories? The final count depends entirely on your choice of ingredients and portion size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a banana milkshake is highly variable, depending on the milk type, sweeteners, and additional mix-ins. A basic, homemade recipe is moderate in calories, while commercial or indulgent versions with ice cream can be very high.

Key Points

Ingredient-Dependent Calories: The calorie content of a banana milkshake is highly variable and depends on the specific ingredients used, not just the banana itself.
Milk Choice is Crucial: Using low-fat or skim milk instead of full-fat milk can significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content of your shake.
Watch for Added Sugar: Many commercial and homemade recipes add extra sweeteners like sugar or honey, which dramatically increases the calorie count.
Moderation for Weight Loss: A basic, homemade banana milkshake can be a moderate-calorie snack, but over-indulging or adding high-calorie extras can lead to weight gain.
Nutrient Boosters can Add Calories: While healthy additions like nuts, seeds, and protein powder are nutritious, they also add calories and should be accounted for when tracking intake.
DIY for Control: To truly manage the calorie count, the most effective approach is to make your banana milkshake at home, giving you complete control over the ingredients.

The Calorie Question: A Breakdown of Ingredients

To determine if a banana milkshake is high in calories, it's essential to look at its core components. While a single banana contains around 90-100 calories, the milk and any other additions are what truly dictate the total nutritional impact. A simple shake with one banana and low-fat milk will be significantly different from one loaded with full-fat dairy, ice cream, and sugar.

The Foundational Ingredients

The Banana: As the base, the banana provides natural sweetness, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6. Its calorie contribution is fairly consistent and moderate.
The Milk: The type of milk you choose makes one of the biggest differences. Skim or low-fat milk keeps the calorie count down, while full-fat milk or even a high-fat plant-based milk will increase it considerably. For example, 250ml of full-fat milk can add around 150 calories, compared to just 100-120 for toned milk.
Added Sweeteners: While bananas offer natural sweetness, many recipes and commercial shakes add extra sugar, honey, or syrups. A single tablespoon of honey or sugar can add 60-64 calories to your shake. It's a common mistake to think that natural sweeteners are always low-calorie.

Comparing Calorie Counts: A Detailed Table

Here is a comparison demonstrating how different ingredients can drastically change the total calorie count of a single-serving banana milkshake, assuming one medium banana is used in all scenarios.


Milk Type / Add-in	Approx. Calorie Count	Key Factor for Calorie Difference
Toned (Low-Fat) Milk Only	160–180 calories	Lower fat content in milk keeps calories down.
Full-Fat Milk Only	200–250 calories	Higher fat content significantly increases total calories.
With 1 tbsp Honey or Sugar	230–260 calories	Added simple sugars boost the total calorie load.
With Nuts (e.g., Almonds)	290–300 calories	Nuts add healthy fats and protein but are calorie-dense.
With Ice Cream (Commercial)	301–481+ calories	Ice cream is high in fat and sugar, making for a very high-calorie drink.
With Whey Protein	300–320 calories	Protein powder adds significant calories, mostly from protein.
Vegan (Plant-Based Milk)	200–450+ calories	Highly variable, depends on ingredients like added dates, cocoa, or protein powder.

Customizing Your Shake for Your Needs

Your personal health goals should dictate how you build your banana milkshake. What's considered "high-calorie" for someone on a weight loss journey might be a perfect energy boost for an athlete. Here are some strategies for customization:

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Banana Milkshake

Use the Right Milk: Opt for skim milk, a low-fat plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk, or water for a significant calorie reduction. Some recipes even use reduced-fat yogurt for creaminess.
Skip Added Sweeteners: Ripe bananas are naturally sweet enough. Avoid adding sugar, honey, or syrup.
Boost with Fiber: Add a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds. They add very few calories but contribute fiber, which increases satiety and slows sugar absorption.
Use Half a Banana: If you're really watching your intake, use half a banana to cut down on carbs and sugar while still getting the flavor.

Tips for a Higher-Calorie, Weight-Gain Shake

For those looking to gain weight or needing a substantial post-workout meal, a banana milkshake can be a great tool. Here's how to boost the calories healthily:

Use Full-Fat Dairy: Start with full-fat milk and a scoop of full-fat Greek yogurt or ice cream for a creamier texture and higher calorie count.
Add Nuts and Seeds: Ingredients like peanut butter, almond butter, and chia seeds significantly increase calories and add healthy fats and protein.
Include Oats: A tablespoon of rolled oats can add complex carbs and fiber, making the shake more filling and energy-dense.
Incorporate Protein Powder: Adding a scoop of whey or casein protein powder can boost the protein and calorie content, ideal for muscle recovery.

The Final Word: Context is Key

The perception of whether a food item like a banana milkshake is "high-calorie" is all about context. For a child needing extra nutrition or an athlete after a heavy workout, a calorie-dense milkshake is beneficial. For someone focused on weight loss, a lighter, homemade version is a better choice. The potential downside comes with commercial, store-bought shakes, which are often loaded with extra sugars and fats that negate the nutritional benefits of the banana itself. As highlighted by Healthline, depending on the ingredients, these shakes may be high in calories and added sugars, making mindful consumption crucial. By taking control of the ingredients, you can ensure your banana milkshake aligns with your health and fitness goals. When made mindfully, it can be a nutritious treat, but vigilance is required to avoid it becoming a sugar-laden trap.

A Simple Low-Calorie Banana Milkshake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 ripe medium banana
1 cup (250ml) skim milk
1 tbsp flax or chia seeds
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

Add the banana, skim milk, and seeds to a blender.
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
For a colder shake, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
Pour into a glass and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question "is banana milkshake high in calories?" has no single answer. The variability in ingredients, from the type of milk to the addition of sweeteners or ice cream, means a banana milkshake can be a low-calorie health drink or a high-calorie indulgence. The key lies in being aware of what goes into your cup. By making smart choices and focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious banana shake that perfectly fits your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. Homemade banana milkshakes allow you to control the ingredients, avoiding excessive added sugars, syrups, and unhealthy fats often found in commercial versions.

A basic shake with one medium banana and a cup of low-fat milk contains approximately 160-180 calories. This can increase with more ingredients or full-fat milk.

Yes, but with caution. Opt for a lower-calorie version using skim milk, no added sugar, and a single banana. The key is moderation and ingredient choice.

Adding a scoop of protein powder can increase the calorie count to around 300-320 calories per serving, but it also boosts the protein content, which is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety.

Not necessarily. While some plant-based milks like unsweetened almond milk are low-calorie, other ingredients like dates, nuts, or rich coconut milk can make a vegan shake just as high in calories as its dairy counterpart.

For maximum fiber and to slow down sugar absorption, it is often better to eat the whole fruit. Blending a banana breaks down its fibrous structure, which can cause a quicker spike in blood sugar, especially when combined with other sugars.

A basic banana milkshake lacks the complete nutritional profile of a full meal. A more calorie-dense, customized shake with protein powder, nuts, and oats might be considered a meal replacement, especially for weight gain, but a standard shake is best considered a snack.