Quick Answer
A Chick-Fil-A chocolate milkshake contains between 780-1,140 calories, depending on the size. A small chocolate milkshake has 780 calories, a medium has 950 calories, and a large has 1,140 calories.
Calorie Content of Chick-Fil-A Milkshakes
Chick-Fil-A offers milkshakes in 3 sizes – small, medium, and large. The calorie content varies based on the size:
| Milkshake Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Small | 780 |
| Medium | 950 |
| Large | 1,140 |
As you can see, the small milkshake has 780 calories, while the medium has 950 calories, and the large has a whopping 1,140 calories. The calories increase with each larger size.
Nutritional Information in Chick-Fil-A Milkshakes
In addition to calories, Chick-Fil-A milkshakes contain other nutritional components like fat, protein, sugar, and carbs.
Here is the complete nutritional breakdown for a Chick-Fil-A large chocolate milkshake:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,140 |
| Total Fat | 48g |
| Saturated Fat | 30g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 153g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 123g |
| Protein | 14g |
As you can see, the large chocolate shake provides lots of calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and carbs with very little protein or fiber. The high sugar content (123g) is responsible for the indulgent sweet taste.
How Chick-Fil-A Makes Their Milkshakes
Chick-Fil-A uses a straightforward process to make their ice cream milkshakes:
Step 1: Ice Cream Base
The base for Chick-Fil-A milkshakes is their Icedream frozen dessert. Icedream is the restaurant’s custom ice cream formula made from milk, cream, cane sugar, egg yolks, and natural vanilla flavor. This provides a thick, creamy, and rich foundation for their shakes.
Step 2: Milk and Syrup
The Icedream gets blended with milk and chocolate syrup to make a chocolate milkshake. The restaurant likely uses a proprietary chocolate syrup recipe made from corn syrup, cocoa, and other natural flavors. The milk helps thin out the texture.
Step 3: Blending
The ice cream base, milk, and chocolate syrup get combined in a commercial blender to create the signature Chick-Fil-A shake texture – thick, but drinkable through a straw. The blending incorporates air for a lighter, frothier mouthfeel.
Step 4: Serving
The milkshake is poured into a plastic cup with a dome lid and served with the signature Chick-Fil-A straw. Customers can enjoy their creamy chocolate shake on-the-go or in the restaurant.
Tips for Making a Chick-Fil-A Shake at Home
Want to recreate the Chick-Fil-A chocolate shake experience at home? Here are some tips:
Use High-Quality Ice Cream
Start with a premium ice cream like vanilla bean for the base. Chick-Fil-A likely uses a French vanilla custard-style ice cream with egg yolks for a rich, decadent foundation.
Use Whole Milk
For the milk, opt for whole milk instead of skim or low-fat varieties. This will provide creaminess and a better consistency.
Use Chocolate Syrup
You can find chocolate syrup at any grocery store or make your own by melting chocolate chips with cream and sugar. Use just enough for chocolate flavor without overpowering the vanilla.
Blend Thoroughly
Use a blender for 2-3 minutes to achieve a smooth, frothy milkshake. Blend in batches if needed to incorporate enough air.
Customize with Toppings
Take your shake experience over the top with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or cherry on top.
Enjoy Immediately
Homemade shakes melt fast, so drink up quick for the ideal thick, creamy texture. Use a straw and dome lid for maximum nostalgia.
Health Impact of Chick-Fil-A Milkshakes
While tasty, Chick-Fil-A’s milkshakes pack a lot of calories and sugar. Here is the health impact:
High in Calories
The large size provides 1,140 calories, which is over half the recommended daily intake for most adults. Consuming these high-calorie shakes frequently can lead to weight gain over time.
High in Sugar
A large chocolate shake has 123g of sugar – over 4 days worth for an average adult! This amount of added sugar is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
Low in Nutrients
There is very little nutritional value in Chick-Fil-A shakes. You get some calcium and protein, but mostly empty calories and sugar. Not ideal for a growing kid or teen.
Satiating But Not Filling
The thickness and creaminess can be satiating, but shakes don’t contain much fiber or protein to keep you full. You may end up hungry again soon after drinking something so sugary.
Negative Effects If Consumed Regularly
While fine as an occasional treat, regularly drinking these high-calorie, sugary shakes can negatively impact your health and waistline over time. Moderation is key.
Healthier Milkshake Alternatives
If you want to satisfy a milkshake craving without all the sugar and calories, try these healthier homemade options:
Protein Powder Shake
Blend ice cream with milk and a scoop of protein powder for a nutrition-packed shake. Look for whey or plant-based proteins with minimal added sugar.
Yogurt and Fruit Shake
For a lighter shake, combine frozen yogurt with milk and fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or mango. Sweeten if needed with honey or maple syrup.
Avocado Shake
For a creamy, thick texture without the dairy, blend ripe avocado with milk and cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate vegan shake.
Peanut Butter Cup Shake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate peanut butter shake made from milk, banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a little maple syrup for sweetness.
Green Tea Shake
Get an antioxidant boost in your shake by blending matcha green tea powder with plain Greek yogurt, milk, banana, and honey.
The Bottom Line
Chick-Fil-A’s chocolate milkshakes are an indulgent, sugary treat with 780-1,140 calories depending on the size. While fine in moderation, the high calorie, fat, and sugar content make these shakes more of a dessert than a nutritious snack. Satisfy your cravings with homemade shakes using healthier ingredients for a lower calorie option that still tastes delicious. Be mindful of your overall diet and get plenty of exercise to balance out the occasional milkshake treat.
