Quick Answer
A cookies and cream milkshake can contain between 500-1200 calories depending on the recipe, size of the milkshake, and ingredients used. On average, a 16 oz cookies and cream milkshake from a restaurant or fast food chain will contain around 800-1000 calories. Homemade milkshakes with low fat milk and light ice cream can be between 500-800 calories.
Calories in Milkshake Ingredients
The number of calories in a cookies and cream milkshake depends on the specific ingredients used and their amounts. Here is a breakdown of the typical calorie counts for common milkshake ingredients:
Milk
– Whole milk: 150 calories per cup
– 2% milk: 120 calories per cup
– 1% milk: 100 calories per cup
– Skim milk: 90 calories per cup
– Almond milk: 60 calories per cup
– Coconut milk: 550 calories per cup
Using lower fat milk options like 1% or skim milk can help reduce the calorie count of a milkshake versus fuller fat milk options.
Ice Cream
– Regular ice cream: 100-150 calories per 1/2 cup
– Light ice cream: 100-140 calories per 1/2 cup
– Low fat ice cream: 140-200 calories per 1/2 cup
– Non-dairy ice cream: 120-180 calories per 1/2 cup
The type of ice cream used makes a major difference in calories. Light or low-fat ice cream options contain fewer calories per serving compared to regular ice cream.
Cookies
– Chocolate chip cookies: 140 calories per 2-3″ cookie
– Oreo cookies: 160 calories for 3 cookies
– Shortbread cookies: 120 calories per 2 cookies
– Gingersnap cookies: 105 calories per 2 cookies
Using crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate chip cookies can add more calories versus lower calorie options like shortbread or gingersnaps. You can use just a few cookies crumbled on top instead of adding whole cookies to the milkshake.
Whipped Cream
– Regular whipped cream: 15-30 calories per tablespoon
– Light whipped cream: 8-15 calories per tablespoon
Adding a dollop of whipped cream can taste delicious but tacks on extra calories. Light whipped cream contains roughly half the calories as regular varieties.
Chocolate Syrup
– 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup: 50 calories
Just a drizzle of chocolate syrup to flavor a milkshake adds a decent amount of calories.
Average Calories in Common Milkshake Sizes
Milkshake calories also depend heavily on the serving size. Here are the typical calorie counts for different popular milkshake sizes:
Fast Food Small Milkshake (12 oz)
– McDonald’s: 530 calories
– Burger King: 580 calories
– Wendy’s: 540 calories
– Sonic: 490 calories
A small fast food chain milkshake ranges from 500-600 calories depending on the brand.
Fast Food Medium Milkshake (16 oz)
– McDonald’s: 780 calories
– Burger King: 800 calories
– Wendy’s: 780 calories
– Sonic: 740 calories
A medium-sized fast food milkshake contains 700-800 calories usually.
Fast Food Large Milkshake (21-32 oz)
– McDonald’s: 1140 calories (21 oz)
– Burger King: 920 calories (24 oz)
– Wendy’s: 1070 calories (30 oz)
– Sonic: 1480 calories (32 oz)
Large fast food milkshakes with bigger serving sizes can contain over 1000 calories.
Restaurant Milkshake (16 oz)
– Chili’s Cookies & Cream Milkshake: 1140 calories
– The Cheesecake Factory Brownie Batter Shake: 1150 calories
– Steak ‘n Shake Classic Hand-Dipped Milkshake: 780 calories
– Red Robin Chocolate Hazelnut Milkshake: 950 calories
Restaurant milkshakes often have more elaborate recipes and contain over 1000 calories for a 16 oz serving.
Homemade (16 oz)
– Basic recipe: 500-800 calories
– Loaded recipe: 800-1200+ calories
Homemade milkshakes can provide more control over calories based on low or high calorie ingredients used and serving size. Basic lighter recipes clock in around 500-800 calories, while loaded shakes with more mix-ins can reach up to 1200+ calories.
How to Make a Lower Calorie Milkshake
Here are some easy tips to make a lower calorie cookies and cream milkshake at home:
Use Low Fat or Skim Milk
Choosing skim or 1% milk can save you 70-100 calories per cup compared to whole milk.
Choose Light Ice Cream
Light and low-fat ice cream options contain at least 50% fewer calories than regular ice cream.
Limit Cookies to 1-2
Add in just 1 or 2 crushed Oreo cookies instead of an entire sleeve of them.
Use Light Whipped Cream
Light whipped cream has half the calories of regular whipped topping.
Skip the Chocolate Syrup
Drizzling chocolate syrup can tack on an extra 50+ calories.
Use Smaller Glass Size
Make your milkshake in a 12-16 oz glass instead of a giant pint glass to control portion sizes.
Add Banana for Creaminess
Blend in a frozen banana for a creamy texture instead of extra ice cream.
Boost Fiber with Chia Seeds
Chia seeds add protein, fiber and thickness.
Sub Greek Yogurt for Ice Cream
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt adds creaminess for fewer calories than ice cream.
Making some simple swaps and downsizing high calorie ingredients can help you enjoy a satisfying cookies and cream milkshake for 500 calories or less!
Nutrition Facts for an Average Cookies and Cream Milkshake
Here are the nutrition facts for an average 16 oz cookies and cream milkshake containing around 800 calories:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 800 |
| Total Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Carbohydrates | 108g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 94g |
| Protein | 11g |
As you can see, the majority of calories come from fat (36g) and carbohydrates (108g). There is also a high amount of sugar (94g).
The saturated fat (23g) and sodium (270mg) counts are quite high for a single serving milkshake as well.
Fiber is low (2g) and protein provides 11g.
So while milkshakes taste great, they pack a lot of calories, fat, carbs and sugar into one thick treat. Finding ways to lighten them up can make them a bit healthier!
The Most Important Factors for Calories
The most important factors determining the calorie count of a cookies and cream milkshake are:
Serving Size
The bigger the milkshake, the more calories it will contain. A small 12 oz shake has 25% fewer calories than a large 24 oz shake.
Ice Cream
The type of ice cream makes a major calorie difference. Regular ice cream can have up to 50% more calories than low fat varieties.
Milk
Using whole milk instead of skim or 1% milk adds 50-75 more calories per cup.
Number of Mix-ins
Adding more cookies, chocolate syrup, whipped cream etc tacks on extra calories fast.
Specialty vs Homemade
Elaborate restaurant milkshakes often have more calories than a simple homemade shake.
So be mindful of these key factors when considering milkshake calories and making your own at home for the best nutrition.
Comparing Milkshake Calories to Other Desserts
It’s interesting to compare the calorie count of an average milkshake to other popular dessert treats.
Here’s how it stacks up against some other sweet indulgences:
– 1 slice chocolate cake with frosting: 230 calories
– 1 slice apple pie with ice cream: 410 calories
– 1 chocolate chip cookie: 140 calories
– 1 slice cheese cake: 270-370 calories
– 1 brownie: 230 calories
– 1 scoop ice cream: 150 calories
As you can see, a milkshake containing 800+ calories has a larger calorie count than enjoying a slice of cake, apple pie, a couple cookies or a brownie.
It’s equivalent to eating about 4-6 regular servings of other desserts!
So while milkshakes make a great occasional treat, keep these calorie comparisons in mind for your overall diet.
Key Takeaways on Milkshake Calories
Here are the key takeaways on calories in a cookies and cream milkshake:
– Cookies and cream milkshakes range from 500-1200 calories based on serving size, ingredients and recipe
– On average, a 16 oz cookies and cream milkshake contains around 800-1000 calories
– Lower calorie milkshakes can be made by using skim or 1% milk, light ice cream, fewer mix-ins, and smaller sizes
– Milkshakes contain more calories than many other common desserts
– Be mindful of your serving size, ice cream and milk types to keep calories in check
Enjoy your milkshake as an occasional treat, and consider lighter ice cream, low fat milk and less toppings to keep calories down while still satisfying your sweet tooth!
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cookies and cream milkshake can range quite a bit in calories based on factors like serving size, ingredients, and restaurant versus homemade. On average though, a 16 oz cookies and cream milkshake contains 800-1000 calories. By using lighter ingredients and keeping portions controlled, you can enjoy these sweet milkshake treats while maintaining a balanced diet. Just be aware of how the calories add up quickly, especially at restaurants that load up the frozen blended drinks. Knowing the calorie counts can help you stay mindful when indulging in a creamy cookies and cream milkshake!
