Is it bad to drink a milkshake every day?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the journal Laboratory Investigation, a single high-fat milkshake can cause unhealthy changes to your blood vessels within hours. Given this, the question arises: is it bad to drink a milkshake every day? The answer is a resounding 'yes,' due to the high levels of sugar, saturated fat, and calories found in most commercial milkshakes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health risks associated with drinking milkshakes daily, focusing on the high sugar and fat content, impact on heart and brain function, and potential for weight gain. It also outlines healthier alternatives and offers tips for enjoying a creamy treat responsibly.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Most daily milkshakes exceed daily recommended sugar limits, leading to blood sugar spikes and potential long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes.
Saturated Fat Damage: The high saturated fat content can impair blood vessel function and affect blood flow, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
Risks to Brain Health: Studies show that high-fat meals can temporarily harm brain blood flow and potentially increase the long-term risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Leads to Weight Gain: High calories and low satiety in daily milkshakes contribute to weight gain and obesity, as they displace more nutritious foods.
Healthy Alternatives Exist: Making homemade milkshakes with frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, or plant-based milks offers a healthier, lower-calorie option.
Moderation is Crucial: While an occasional milkshake is fine, daily consumption poses serious health risks that should be avoided.

The Hidden Health Dangers of Your Daily Milkshake Habit

While a milkshake might seem like a simple and harmless treat, drinking one every day can introduce significant health risks that accumulate over time. A typical large milkshake from a fast-food chain or restaurant can contain staggering amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and calories, far exceeding the daily recommended limits. This section dives into the specific ways a daily milkshake can harm your body.

Excessive Sugar Intake and Its Effects

Most commercial milkshakes are loaded with added sugars, often containing several times the recommended daily amount in a single serving. This sugar overload can have several negative consequences:

Blood Sugar Fluctuation: Rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar can damage brain cells over time and are linked to an increased risk of memory loss and other neurological diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Consistent high sugar intake is a major contributing factor to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Nutrient Displacement: The high calorie count from sugar, often called 'empty calories,' displaces healthier, nutrient-dense food choices, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

The Impact of Saturated and Empty Fats

Milkshakes are typically made with ice cream and whole milk or heavy cream, which are high in saturated fats. A single high-fat milkshake can impair the function of your blood vessels for hours after consumption, affecting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder.

Vascular Impairment: Research shows that high-fat meals can cause temporary stiffening of blood vessel walls, reducing their ability to relax and contract properly.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk: Over time, repeated exposure to high-fat meals can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol.
Brain Health Concerns: The impaired blood vessel function can also affect blood flow to the brain. Some studies suggest a link between high-fat diets and an increased risk of cognitive issues and dementia, particularly in older adults.

The Link to Weight Gain and Obesity

It's no surprise that consuming a high-calorie, sugar-laden milkshake daily can lead to weight gain. Milkshakes often lack the fiber and nutrients that promote a feeling of fullness, making it easy to consume excessive calories without feeling satisfied. This cycle of high-calorie, low-satiety consumption is a dangerous formula for long-term weight gain and obesity.

Healthier Milkshake Alternatives and Modifications

If you find it hard to give up your creamy drink habit, there are several ways to enjoy a healthier version. The key is to control the ingredients, prioritizing nutrient-dense options over empty calories. These modifications can provide a delicious taste without compromising your health.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Healthy Milkshakes


Feature	Standard Commercial Milkshake	Healthy Homemade Milkshake
Base	Full-fat ice cream, whole milk	Frozen banana, low-fat Greek yogurt, almond milk
Sweetener	High-fructose corn syrup, added sugar	Natural sweetness from fruit, a touch of maple syrup, or stevia
Fat Content	High saturated fat from ice cream and cream	Healthy fats from avocado, nut butter, chia seeds
Nutrients	Low fiber, limited vitamins	High fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fruit and seeds
Calorie Count	Often 500-1000+ calories	Typically 200-400 calories
Satiety	Low; often triggers more cravings	High; helps you feel full and satisfied longer

Recipes for a Guilt-Free Treat

Green Goddess Milkshake: Blend spinach, avocado, cucumber, low-fat Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a nutrient-packed, creamy shake.
Banana Peanut Butter Shake: Combine a frozen banana, natural peanut butter, almond milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a protein-rich and filling treat.
Strawberry Vanilla Shake: Blend frozen strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic flavor with less sugar.
The Power of Frozen Fruit: Using frozen bananas, berries, or mango can create a thick, ice cream-like texture without the added sugar and fat.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Drinking a commercial, high-sugar, high-fat milkshake every day is undoubtedly bad for your health. The daily intake of excessive sugar, saturated fat, and empty calories can lead to serious, long-term health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline. While the occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause lasting harm, making healthier choices for frequent consumption is crucial for overall well-being. By switching to homemade versions with healthier ingredients, you can enjoy the creamy texture and flavor of a milkshake without the significant health risks. Treat milkshakes as a rare indulgence, not a daily habit, and your body and brain will thank you. For more insights on diet and nutrition, you can explore resources like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single high-fat milkshake can temporarily impair blood vessel function, affecting blood flow throughout the body and even to the brain, which can last for several hours.

Fast-food milkshakes are typically packed with excessive amounts of added sugar, saturated fat, and calories, offering very little nutritional value in return. Some contain multiple days' worth of sugar in a single serving.

Yes, due to their high calorie content and low satiety, consuming a milkshake every day can easily lead to a calorie surplus, resulting in weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.

Use low-fat or plant-based milk, substitute ice cream with frozen bananas or Greek yogurt, and naturally sweeten with fruit instead of added sugars or syrups.

Regular consumption of high-fat milkshakes can lead to repeated vascular stress and inflammation, increasing the long-term risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

While traditional milkshakes offer minimal nutritional benefits, healthier homemade versions can provide protein, calcium, and vitamins, especially if fortified or made with nutrient-dense ingredients like fruits and Greek yogurt.

Consider alternatives like a fruit smoothie made with yogurt and almond milk, or a simple glass of low-fat milk, to get a similar creamy texture with less sugar and fat.