Calories in Milkshakes: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 cup (240ml)
Per 100g
Source: Web research, March 2026.
One cup of milkshake (250g) contains 280 calories with 9.8g of protein, 45.8g of carbs, and 7.5g of fat. Per 100g, a milkshake provides 112 calories, 3.9g protein, 18.3g carbs, and 3g of fat. Milkshakes are a high-sugar, moderate-protein blended drink made from ice cream and milk, with most of the carbohydrates coming from added sugars at 18g per 100g. The calorie density is significant for a liquid. The standout nutrient is calcium at 146mg per 100g, derived from the dairy base. Milkshakes also provide vitamin B12 at 0.5mcg per 100g, along with phosphorus (115mg) and potassium (183mg). Protein at 3.9g per 100g contributes to the total, though the macros skew heavily toward carbs and sugar. For those in a calorie surplus or bulking phase, a milkshake is a high-calorie liquid option that is easy to consume. For fat loss or cutting phases, the high sugar content and calorie density make milkshakes a food to limit.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (240ml) | 280 | 9.8g | 45.8g | 7.5g | 0g |
| 100g | 112 | 3.9g | 18.3g | 3g | 0g |
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Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 112 | 6% |
| Protein | 3.9g | 8% |
| Total Fat | 3g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9g | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18.3g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | |
| Sugars | 18g | 36% |
| Sodium | 95mg | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 1.9g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 146mg | 11% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 183mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 30mcg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 1.2mcg | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1mg | 6% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5mcg | 21% |
| Magnesium | 12mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 115mg | 9% |
| Zinc | 0.4mg | 4% |
| Selenium | 2.3mcg | 4% |
| Folate | 5mcg | 1% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 15% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.1mg | 1% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Milkshakes
Milkshakes are not a health food in the conventional sense, but they have specific use cases in a fitness context. For anyone in a hard calorie surplus trying to gain muscle mass, a milkshake provides 280 calories per cup in an easily drinkable form. Liquid calories digest faster than solid food and do not produce the same level of fullness, making milkshakes practical for hitting high calorie targets without feeling overstuffed.
The protein content at 9.8g per cup is not negligible. Combined with a protein supplement or blended with protein powder, a milkshake can serve as a high-calorie recovery shake after intense training sessions. The fast-digesting carbohydrate load from sugars also replenishes muscle glycogen quickly following depleting workouts.
The calcium at 146mg per 100g is a genuine benefit from the dairy base. Calcium is essential for muscle contraction and bone density, both of which are directly relevant for young adults who are still building peak bone mass. That said, the high sugar content (45g per cup) makes milkshakes a poor choice for daily consumption and should be treated as an occasional calorie-dense option rather than a regular part of the diet.
Dietary Considerations
Milkshakes are not keto-friendly due to the very high carb and sugar content at 18.3g carbs per 100g, mostly sugar. They are not suitable for calorie-restricted diets given their calorie density of 112 calories per 100g and 280 calories per cup. Milkshakes are gluten-free in their standard form, though mix-ins like cookies or brownies may introduce gluten. They are not vegan as they contain dairy (milk and ice cream). Milk is a top allergen, so milkshakes must be avoided by anyone with a dairy allergy. The saturated fat content is moderate at 1.9g per 100g. Those who are lactose-intolerant may experience digestive discomfort.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of milkshake provides 6% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a milkshake?
A standard cup of milkshake (250g) contains 280 calories. Per 100g, a milkshake has 112 calories. Fast food and restaurant milkshakes are often larger and can range from 400 to over 800 calories depending on size and added ingredients.
Is a milkshake good for weight loss?
Milkshakes are not well-suited for weight loss. At 280 calories per cup with 45g of sugar and minimal fiber, they are high-calorie, low-satiety drinks. The liquid form means they do not produce the same fullness as solid food, making it easy to overconsume calories. Choosing whole foods or lower-calorie drinks is a better strategy for a calorie deficit.
How much protein is in a milkshake?
A standard milkshake has 3.9g of protein per 100g and 9.8g of protein per cup (250g). This comes from the milk and ice cream base. Adding protein powder to a milkshake can significantly boost this number, which is a common approach for those using milkshakes as a high-calorie recovery drink.
Is a milkshake gluten-free?
A basic milkshake made from milk and ice cream is gluten-free. However, many milkshakes include mix-ins such as cookies, brownies, or malt, which may contain gluten. Always check the specific recipe or restaurant's allergen information if you are sensitive to gluten.
How many calories are in a chocolate milkshake?
A chocolate milkshake is typically similar to a standard milkshake in calorie count, around 280 calories per cup, though adding chocolate syrup or fudge can increase this. Fast food chocolate milkshakes often range from 400 to 600+ calories depending on size.
Can I drink a milkshake after a workout?
A milkshake can work as a post-workout drink for those in a bulking phase who need extra calories and fast carbs to replenish glycogen. The 9.8g of protein per cup is helpful but may not be enough on its own. Adding protein powder turns it into a more complete recovery shake. For those focused on fat loss, a milkshake post-workout is not ideal given the high sugar and calorie content.
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