What is the unhealthiest milkshake? A Deep Dive into Nutritional Nightmares

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2009 survey by Men's Health magazine, a large Chocolate Oreo Shake from Baskin-Robbins was once crowned the worst food in America. This notorious drink exemplifies what is the unhealthiest milkshake: a dessert loaded with excessive calories, sugar, and saturated fat.

Quick Summary

This article explores the contenders for the title of unhealthiest milkshake, analyzing the extreme calorie, sugar, and fat content that earned them their reputation. It delves into the health consequences of such high-indulgence drinks and provides practical guidance on how to make healthier, homemade versions.

Key Points

Extremely High Calories: The unhealthiest milkshakes can contain over 2,000 calories in a single serving, often representing more than a day's worth of calories for many adults.
Hidden Sugar Overload: Milkshakes from popular fast-food chains are packed with excessive amounts of added sugar, sometimes containing over 100 grams, or several times the recommended daily limit.
Excessive Saturated Fat: High-fat ice cream, cream, and sugary syrups contribute to dangerous levels of saturated fat that can negatively affect cardiovascular health.
Inflammatory Effects: Studies show that even one high-fat milkshake can cause inflammatory responses in the body that can lead to heart disease risk factors.
Healthier Homemade Alternatives: By using ingredients like frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners, it is possible to create satisfying and nutritious milkshakes at home that avoid the pitfalls of fast-food versions.

Defining the 'Unhealthiest' Milkshake

When identifying what makes a milkshake unhealthy, it's not just about a single ingredient but the combination of excess calories, absurdly high sugar levels, and dangerous amounts of saturated fat. While the infamous large Baskin-Robbins Chocolate Oreo Shake is no longer widely available, its legacy of extreme nutritional data serves as a prime example. It famously contained a staggering 2,600 calories, 135 grams of fat, and 263 grams of sugar. To put that in perspective, this single beverage contained more sugar than a two-liter bottle of Coca-Cola and saturated fat equivalent to over 59 strips of bacon.

Another historical contender, the Baskin-Robbins Heath Bar Shake, was dubbed the "Unhealthiest Drink in America" by Men's Health magazine in 2008 for its 2,310 calories. These examples highlight that the unhealthiest milkshakes often involve a large portion size combined with an overload of high-fat ice cream, sugary syrups, and decadent toppings like cookies or candy pieces.

The Rise of Modern Calorie Bombs

Even with the disappearance of some of the most egregious offenders, today's fast-food and restaurant menus still feature numerous milkshakes with nutritional profiles that are cause for concern. Many options from chains like Cheesecake Factory, Sonic, and Five Guys can easily exceed 1,000 calories and contain double or triple the daily recommended sugar intake for an adult.

Sonic's Oreo and Reese's Peanut Butter Master Shake: This decadent drink has been noted to contain up to 1,720 calories.
Cheesecake Factory's Oreo Milkshake: One large serving can hit 1,630 calories, with other flavors close behind.
Five Guys' customized milkshakes: By adding multiple high-calorie mix-ins like chocolate and peanut butter, a Five Guys shake can reach nearly 1,200 calories and over 100 grams of sugar.
Wayback Burger Oreo Mint Milkshake: This shake once contained 1,270 calories and 144 grams of sugar, equivalent to 43 Oreos.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Sweet Treat

Beyond the sheer numbers, the true health risks of these milkshakes lie in their ingredients and impact on the body. A study published in Laboratory Investigation showed that consuming just one high-fat, 1,000-calorie milkshake can cause inflammation and alter healthy red blood cells within hours, setting the stage for cardiovascular disease. This is due to the perfect storm of excessive sugar and saturated fats, which lead to a cascade of negative effects.

Comparison of High-Calorie Fast-Food Shakes


Shake (Large/Regular)	Chain	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugars	Contextual Comparison
Oreo and Reese's Peanut Butter Master Shake	Sonic Drive-In	1,720	>100g (estimated)	Similar to consuming several fast-food burgers.
Oreo Milkshake	Cheesecake Factory	1,630	>100g (estimated)	Exceeds the daily calorie count for many.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Milkshake	Baskin-Robbins (Older data)	1,520	~204g (estimated)	More than double the daily recommended sugar intake.
Cold Stone PB&C	Cold Stone Creamery (Older data)	2,010	153g	Equates to eating 68 strips of bacon in saturated fat.
'Unicorn Freakshake'	Toby Carvery (UK)	1,280	156g	Over half an adult's daily calories and 6x a child's sugar limit.

How to Make a Healthier Milkshake at Home

For those who love the taste of a creamy shake but want to avoid the nutritional pitfalls, making one at home offers full control over the ingredients. A healthier milkshake can still be rich and delicious without the excessive sugar and fat. The key is to swap out high-calorie items for nutrient-dense ones.

Here's a simple guide:

Base: Instead of full-fat ice cream, use frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, or a low-fat or plant-based milk. Frozen bananas provide a naturally sweet, creamy texture. Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces sugar content.
Sweeteners: Avoid adding refined sugar or syrups. Rely on the natural sweetness of ripe fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance flavor without overwhelming sugar.
Add-ins: Boost the nutritional profile with healthy add-ins. Consider a spoonful of natural peanut butter for protein and healthy fats, a handful of spinach for vitamins, or a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Texture: If you desire a thicker consistency, add a small amount of avocado, chia seeds, or protein powder. These add nutrients and fiber, keeping you full longer. Remember, portion control is also important, even with healthier versions.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Indulgence Choices

Identifying what is the unhealthiest milkshake reveals that fast-food behemoths, with their oversized servings of ice cream, syrup, and candy, are the primary offenders. Their high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie content far exceed daily nutritional needs, posing significant health risks like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While these extravagant drinks might be tempting, understanding their nutritional impact empowers consumers to make more informed decisions. Opting for homemade, healthier alternatives using natural ingredients and lean protein sources provides the same creamy satisfaction without compromising long-term health goals. Moderation is key, but for those seeking a truly healthy treat, a homemade fruit and yogurt smoothie is the clear winner.

For more information on the dangers of excessive sugar intake, consult the Action on Sugar website: https://www.actiononsugar.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

While specific menus change, modern contenders often come from places like Cheesecake Factory, Sonic Drive-In, and Five Guys, with some creations exceeding 1,000 calories and containing extremely high levels of sugar.

Historically, the Baskin-Robbins large Chocolate Oreo Shake and Heath Bar Shake were notorious, with the Oreo shake reportedly containing 2,600 calories and the Heath Bar version over 2,300 calories.

A single unhealthy milkshake, especially a high-fat one, can cause immediate inflammation and damage to red blood cells, potentially increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease over time. High sugar intake can also contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues.

Yes, a healthy milkshake can be made at home by using low-fat or plant-based milk, frozen fruits like bananas for natural sweetness and creamy texture, and healthy additions like Greek yogurt or natural nut butter.

Smoothies are generally healthier than milkshakes because they are typically made with fruit, vegetables, and yogurt rather than high-fat ice cream and sugary syrups. However, watch for added sugars in store-bought options.

To make a healthier choice, avoid milkshakes made with excessive amounts of full-fat ice cream, added sugar, sugary syrups, and decadent toppings like cookies or candy.

You can reduce calories and sugar by swapping full-fat ice cream for frozen bananas or low-fat yogurt, using plant-based milks, avoiding added sugars, and incorporating fruits for sweetness.