What are some healthy and low-calorie options for specialty milkshakes?
To make a lighter milkshake, swap ice cream for frozen banana, use Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond or skim milk, and flavor it with fruit, cocoa or extracts instead of syrup. Check labels, since add-ins add up quickly.
Free download
Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF): How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. 19 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
How do you make a low-calorie milkshake?
Replace the heaviest ingredients: ice cream, whole milk and sweet syrups. A published set of skinny shake recipes uses frozen bananas instead of ice cream, plus Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond milk. Cocoa powder and extracts give flavor without syrup.
Simple swaps
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Ice cream | Frozen banana, Greek yogurt |
| Whole milk | Skim milk or unsweetened almond milk |
| Chocolate syrup | Unsweetened cocoa powder |
| Whipped cream and candy | Fresh fruit or a pinch of cinnamon |
Ideas
- Strawberry: two frozen bananas, strawberries, Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract.
- Mint chocolate: two frozen bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, a little peppermint extract, Greek yogurt and almond milk.
- Vanilla: frozen banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk and vanilla extract, topped with a few sprinkles if you like.
Tips
- Freeze ripe banana slices beforehand for a thick, ice-cream-like texture.
- Use less liquid for a thicker shake; blend until smooth.
- Measure peanut butter or honey; a spoonful adds noticeable calories.
- Calories vary by brand and portion; check the label of milk and yogurt, or enter your recipe in a nutrition tracker.
- Choose unsweetened plant milk if you want to avoid added sugar; flavored versions can be sweetened.
Watch the marketing
Words like skinny or healthy on a menu do not tell you the numbers. Compare the nutrition panel when one is available, and treat shakes from cafes as occasional drinks.
People also ask
What is the lowest-calorie milkshake base?
Frozen banana or fruit blended with unsweetened plant milk, skim milk or Greek yogurt is a lighter base than ice cream. Check labels for exact calories.
Can I make a milkshake without ice cream?
Yes. Frozen banana, frozen fruit or Greek yogurt give thickness.
How do I cut sugar in a milkshake?
Use ripe fruit for sweetness, unsweetened milk, cocoa instead of syrup, and measure any honey or sugar.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
