Defining a Milkshake: A Culinary Identity Crisis
The fundamental question of "What category is a milkshake in?" arises from its very nature. It is a liquid, often served with a straw, which points towards the 'beverage' classification. However, its primary ingredient is typically ice cream, a staple of the 'dessert' category. This duality is the source of the debate and highlights the nuances of food categorization. Traditional definitions often describe it as a sweet, cold drink made with milk and ice cream. Yet, its indulgent and rich characteristics, often topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, or cherries, firmly plant it in the dessert camp for many consumers. The categorization is not universally agreed upon and often depends on how and where the item is served.
The Case for the Milkshake as a Beverage
Those who argue for the milkshake as a beverage point to its form factor. Like a smoothie or a coffee drink, it is a liquid served in a glass and consumed via a straw. This perspective treats the milkshake as a dairy-based drink, albeit a very rich one. In many fast-food settings, it is ordered alongside a meal, similar to a soda, further supporting its beverage status in that context. The core ingredients—milk and flavorings—are the foundation of many other non-dessert drinks. The addition of ice cream simply changes the texture and richness, not the core function as a liquid refreshment.
The Case for the Milkshake as a Dessert
Conversely, the dessert argument is compelling and often more persuasive. The inclusion of ice cream as a key ingredient is the strongest point, as ice cream is almost universally classified as a dessert. Furthermore, milkshakes are frequently featured on dessert menus in restaurants, often listed among sundaes, cakes, and pies. The high sugar and calorie content of many milkshakes, especially those loaded with toppings and syrups, align perfectly with the characteristics of an indulgent, post-meal treat rather than a casual drink. A milkshake's rich and creamy texture, sometimes thick enough to require a spoon, further blurs the line, making it resemble a melted sundae.
The Hybrid Model: A Modern Classification
Given the valid arguments on both sides, many food enthusiasts and even restaurants have settled on a more accurate classification: a hybrid or 'dessert beverage'. This category acknowledges that a milkshake possesses qualities of both. It is a drinkable dessert, a compromise that reflects its unique composition and consumption habits. This perspective avoids the binary choice and provides a more holistic view of the milkshake's role in the culinary world. Many people enjoy milkshakes as a standalone snack or an occasional treat, rather than as a strict accompaniment to a meal, further solidifying its status as more than just a simple beverage.
Types of Milkshakes and Their Categorization
The way a milkshake is prepared can also influence its categorization. Different variations exist, each with a slightly different identity.
- Classic Milkshake: Made with milk, ice cream, and syrup, this is the archetypal shake. Its balanced consistency allows it to function as both a rich drink and a lighter dessert.
- Malted Milkshake (Malt): This variation adds malted milk powder, giving it a distinctive nutty flavor. The addition of a non-ice cream ingredient can make it feel more like a fortified beverage, though it remains a dessert.
- Thick Shake / Frappe: Thicker shakes, sometimes known as frappes in New England, are almost entirely reliant on a higher ice cream-to-milk ratio. This consistency places them more firmly in the dessert category, sometimes requiring a spoon rather than just a straw.
- Specialty/Freakshakes: These are elaborate, over-the-top creations loaded with cakes, cookies, and other toppings. Their complexity and sheer indulgence clearly designate them as desserts, even though they are still consumed in a liquid form.
Comparison: Milkshake vs. Smoothie
To better understand the milkshake's category, it helps to compare it to a similar blended beverage, the smoothie. This comparison highlights the factors that differentiate a beverage from a dessert beverage.
| Feature | Milkshake | Smoothie |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Ice cream and milk | Fruit, yogurt, and juice or milk |
| Purpose | Indulgent treat or dessert | Healthy snack or meal replacement |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth | Thicker, often with fibrous pulp |
| Sweetness | Very sweet, from ice cream and syrups | Sweetness derived from fruit, often less sweet overall |
| Nutritional Profile | High in calories, sugar, and fat | Lower in calories, higher in fiber and vitamins |
| Typical Toppings | Whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate sauce | Granola, chia seeds, fresh fruit |
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no single, simple answer to what category a milkshake is in. Its classification is highly contextual. While it can be considered a beverage due to its liquid form, its rich, dairy-based ingredients and indulgent nature align it more strongly with the dessert category. Many people correctly view it as a hybrid, a 'dessert drink,' that satisfies the criteria for both categories depending on preparation and consumption. So next time you order one, feel free to call it a drinkable dessert—you'll be technically correct either way. For more on how different food items are classified, a useful resource is the official MyPlate guidelines from the USDA, which categorizes dairy items and other food groups to help promote balanced eating habits.
