What is the difference between a smoothie and a fruit milkshake?
We found no official definition of either drink. USDA FoodData Central data shows the practical difference: a fruit smoothie with whole fruit and dairy has 66 kcal and 1.1 g fat per 100 g, while a fast-food shake (non-chocolate) has 148 kcal and 6.52 g fat per 100 g. Shakes are higher in calories and fat, and a bottled smoothie has similar sugars.
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What is the difference between a smoothie and a milkshake?
We found no official definition of either drink from USDA or FDA, so we compare what the USDA database measures. Its survey entries (FNDDS, 2024) list smoothies and milk shakes as separate foods.
| USDA entry | Calories per 100 g | Fat per 100 g | Sugars per 100 g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit smoothie, with whole fruit and dairy | 66 kcal | 1.1 g | 8.91 g |
| Fruit smoothie, bottled | 50 kcal | 0.27 g | 10.0 g |
| Milk shake, home recipe, other than chocolate | 113 kcal | 5.98 g | 10.7 g |
| Milk shake, fast food, other than chocolate | 148 kcal | 6.52 g | 13.6 g |
Which has more calories?
Per 100 g, the shakes in USDA’s data have roughly 1.7 to 3 times the calories of the smoothies (our calculation), mainly because they have about 6 g of fat against 0.3 to 1.1 g.
Which has more sugar?
Sugars are close: 8.9 to 10 g per 100 g for the smoothies and 10.7 to 13.6 g for the shakes. A bottled fruit smoothie has about the same sugars as a home-recipe shake. Smoothie does not mean low sugar.
Is a milkshake a smoothie?
The USDA lists them under different names and with different nutrition, so they are treated as different drinks. What goes in is up to the recipe, and results change with the amount of fruit, ice cream and milk used. The numbers above are generic averages, not a specific recipe.
People also ask
What is the difference between a smoothie and a milkshake?
No official definition found. USDA data lists shakes at 113 to 148 kcal and about 6 g fat per 100 g; fruit smoothies at 50 to 66 kcal and 0.3 to 1.1 g fat.
Is a smoothie healthier than a milkshake?
Per 100 g the USDA smoothie entries have fewer calories and less fat, but similar sugars. 'Healthier' depends on the recipe and portion.
Is a milkshake a smoothie?
USDA lists them as separate foods with different nutrition, so no.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Fruit smoothie, with whole fruit and dairy (FNDDS 2705514), read 5 Nov 2026
- USDA FoodData Central: Fruit smoothie, bottled (FNDDS 2709339), read 5 Nov 2026
- USDA FoodData Central: Milk shake, fast food, flavors other than chocolate (FNDDS 2705509), read 5 Nov 2026
- USDA FoodData Central: Milk shake, home recipe, flavors other than chocolate (FNDDS 2705504), read 5 Nov 2026
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