Dairy & eggs

Milk shakes, thick chocolate

FDC 170883fl oz (28 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 12 · -23 vs Dairy & eggs median

Thick chocolate milkshake scores 12 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band result ranking 54th of 60 in Dairy & eggs. It carries 10% DV of calcium per serving from its dairy base, a modest but real contribution, while carbohydrate leads its 119 calories per 100 g.

It is the classic fountain or drive-through treat, sipped through a straw rather than eaten with a spoon, with a fluid ounce serving weighing about 28 g. The sweetness adds up fast: 20.8 g of sugars per 100 g puts it well into dessert territory rather than an everyday dairy choice. Milk shakes, thick vanilla, scores higher on the density index for a same-category swap.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around milk shakes, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.1 g · 10%Carb 21.2 g · 70%Fat 2.7 g · 20%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories119 kcal6%
Total fat2.7 g3%
Saturated fat1.7 g8%
Cholesterol11 mg4%
Sodium111 mg5%
Carbohydrate21 g8%
Dietary fiber0.3 g1%
Sugars21 g
Protein3.1 g6%
Potassium224 mg5%
Calcium132 mg10%
Iron0.31 mg2%
Magnesium16 mg4%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A18 µg2%
Vitamin E0.05 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170883

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Calcium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density12 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g3.1 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0.3 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g111 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Milk shakes, thick vanillaDensity 14 vs 12Ice cream bar, covered with chocolate and nutsDensity 16 vs 12Cheese spread, cream cheese baseDensity 16 vs 12

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

A thick chocolate milkshake is a blended cold drink of chocolate ice cream and milk whipped until dense and spoonable. In the kitchen or at the counter it is served in a tall glass with a wide straw, sometimes topped with whipped cream or a cherry, and it doubles as a base for floats and blended dessert drinks. Cooks tweak it by adding malt powder for a malted shake, a spoon of peanut butter, or a shot of espresso for a mocha version. The texture is smooth, cold, and thick enough to resist the straw, and the flavor is sweet and cocoa-forward, which is why it pairs well with salty fries, a splash of coffee, or tart fruit that cuts the sweetness.

Measured here by the fluid ounce, about 28 g, it is a sweet treat, and its per 100 g numbers show it: 119 calories, 21.2 g carbohydrate with 20.8 g sugar, 3.05 g protein, and a low 2.7 g fat, plus 10% of the Daily Value for calcium and 111 mg sodium. Enjoying it in a modest glass keeps the sugar in perspective. It is best made fresh and drunk right away, since it thins and separates as it sits and warms. Blend it just before serving, keep the ice cream frozen solid until the last moment for a thicker shake, and serve it cold with a bold or salty side so the chocolate stays balanced rather than overwhelming.

Frequently asked questions about milk shakes

Why drink a milkshake right away?

It thins and separates as it warms, so it is best blended just before serving and drunk cold.

How can I make it thicker?

Keep the ice cream frozen solid until the last moment and use less milk when you blend.

How much sugar is in it?

It contains 20.8 g of sugar per 100 g, typical of a sweet blended dessert drink.

View the USDA source record