🔍
Milk based drinks

What are some popular milk-based drinks?

Quick answer

Popular milk-based drinks include hot chocolate, milkshakes, lattes and other milky coffees, chai latte, malted milk drinks, lassi and flavored milk. Some, like lassi, are made from yogurt rather than plain milk. Check labels for added sugar, and know that the NHS suggests choosing lower-fat milks.

Free download

Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.

We use your email only for this download and, if you tick the box, to tell you about the pack. No spam. We do not sell it. Delete it any time: contact@drinkstype.com. Privacy policy

Thank you

Your chart is ready

Download the PDF

We use your email only for this download.
In this article
  1. What are the most popular milk-based drinks?
  2. What counts as a milk-based beverage?
  3. How do they differ?
  4. Are milk-based drinks healthy?
  5. Non-dairy versions
Drink What it is Served
Hot chocolate Milk with cocoa or chocolate and sugar Hot
Milkshake Milk blended with ice cream and flavor Cold
Latte and cappuccino Espresso with steamed milk Hot or iced
Chai latte Spiced tea brewed with or mixed with milk Hot or iced
Lassi Yogurt drink, sweet or salty, often with fruit Cold
Flavored milk Milk with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla flavor Cold
Malted milk drinks Milk with malt powder Hot or cold
Warm spiced milk Milk with spices such as turmeric or cardamom Hot

What counts as a milk-based beverage?

The common meaning is a drink where milk is the main ingredient. Hot cocoa and malted milk drinks fit this definition. Lassi is closer to a yogurt drink, so it sits at the edge of the group.

How do they differ?

  • Milk vs yogurt base: most drinks above use plain milk; lassi uses yogurt.
  • Caffeine: lattes and chai contain caffeine, hot chocolate has a small amount, milkshakes and flavored milk usually little or none (check the label).
  • Sugar: syrup, ice cream and chocolate add sugar. Plain milk has none added.

Are milk-based drinks healthy?

Milk is a good source of calcium, according to the NHS. The NHS also says dairy fat is mostly saturated and that it is a good idea to choose lower-fat milks, and that pasteurized whole cows’ milk can be a main drink for children from 1 year. For yogurts it advises checking the label for added sugar. Milk drinks made with syrups or ice cream can be high in sugar and calories, so treat them as occasional drinks. People with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy should avoid them or choose suitable alternatives; ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Non-dairy versions

Most of these drinks can be made with plant milks. The taste and texture change, and calcium content depends on the product, so read the label.

People also ask

What is a milk based drink?

A drink where milk is the main ingredient, such as hot chocolate, a latte, a milkshake or flavored milk.

Is lassi a milk drink?

Lassi is made from yogurt, so it is a dairy drink but not a plain milk one.

Which milk drinks are lowest in sugar?

Plain milk and unsweetened lattes have no added sugar. Milkshakes, flavored milk and sweet syrups add the most, so check labels.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. NHS: Milk and dairy nutrition, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Sep 19, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

What would help you most next?

One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.

More in Milk based drinks

All Milk based drinks ›
Milk based drinks

History of Shamrock Shake

When and where did the Shamrock Shake start? McDonald’s credits a Connecticut owner-operator with creating the shake in 1967 as a St. Patrick’s Day…

By Drinks Type Editorial Team · Updated Nov 2026