What are some healthy milkshake alternatives?
For a lighter milkshake, blend frozen banana or other frozen fruit in place of ice cream, use milk or a plant milk, and add plain Greek yogurt or nut butter for body. Weight Watchers' tips also include spinach and protein powder. These are healthier swaps, not health claims: they usually cut sugar and fat, but check labels and portions.
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What can you use instead of a milkshake?
A classic milkshake is ice cream, milk and often syrup, so it is high in sugar and fat. Easy alternatives keep the thick, cold texture with different ingredients.
Frozen banana shake (nice cream style)
Freeze ripe, peeled banana slices, then blend with a splash of milk or plant milk until thick. Weight Watchers calls frozen overripe banana a good alternative to ice cream in blended drinks. Add cocoa, peanut or almond butter, strawberries or vanilla for flavor.
Smoothie-style shakes
- Frozen fruit and milk: blend frozen berries, mango or other fruit with a little milk, adding liquid slowly for a thick result.
- Greek yogurt: a spoonful of plain or natural Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Plain is better than flavored, which often contains added sugar.
- Nut butter: a spoonful adds fiber and unsaturated fat and can keep you feeling fuller for longer, per a Weight Watchers tip sheet.
- Spinach: a handful blends in with little change in taste and adds a green color.
Dairy-free options
Almond, soy, oat or coconut milk work as the liquid. Choose unsweetened versions to keep sugar down, and shake the carton before use.
Shake or smoothie bowl
Pour a thick blend into a bowl and top with berries, nuts or granola; eating with a spoon slows you down.
| Swap | Instead of |
|---|---|
| Frozen banana | Ice cream |
| Plain Greek yogurt | Flavored yogurt or whipped topping |
| Cocoa powder | Chocolate syrup |
| Unsweetened plant milk | Sweetened milk drinks |
Things to watch
- Fruit-based shakes still contain natural sugar, and honey or maple syrup adds more.
- Large portions add up in calories whatever the base.
- A homemade version is not automatically low calorie; nut butter and protein powder add calories too.
- Check allergens: nuts, dairy and soy are common ones.
If you need a specific diet for health reasons, ask a doctor or registered dietitian.
People also ask
What can I use instead of ice cream in a milkshake?
Frozen banana is the most common swap; other frozen fruit and plain Greek yogurt also work.
Is a smoothie healthier than a milkshake?
Usually it has less added sugar and fat if it is based on fruit and plain yogurt, but check the ingredients and portion size.
How do I make a dairy-free milkshake?
Blend frozen banana with unsweetened almond, soy, oat or coconut milk, and add cocoa or nut butter for flavor.
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