Beverages

Shake, fast food, vanilla

FDC 173226fl oz (21 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 25 · -4 vs Beverages median

A fast food vanilla shake earns a Nutrient Density Score of 25 of 100, a Low band that ranks 30 of 60 in Beverages, just below the category's median of 29, with a good 10% DV of vitamin A per 100 g standing out among an otherwise simple dairy-and-sugar profile.

It is built to be sipped alongside a meal or as a stand-alone treat, thick enough to eat with a straw or spoon. No sodium, sugar, or fat limit is flagged for this one specifically, though at 148 calories per 100 g a large cup adds up quickly, so it is worth treating as dessert rather than a drink to have daily.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.4 g · 9%Carb 19.6 g · 52%Fat 6.5 g · 39%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories148 kcal7%
Total fat6.5 g8%
Saturated fat4 g20%
Cholesterol23 mg8%
Sodium81 mg4%
Carbohydrate20 g7%
Dietary fiber0.9 g3%
Sugars14 g
Protein3.4 g7%
Potassium166 mg4%
Calcium115 mg9%
Iron0.46 mg3%
Magnesium13 mg3%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A91 µg10%
Vitamin E0.25 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173226

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.

Vitamin A10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the beverages median

Nutrient density25 vs 29 median
Protein / 100 g3.4 vs 0.2 median
Fiber / 100 g0.9 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g81 vs 12 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Alcoholic beverage, daiquiri, prepared-from-recipeDensity 28 vs 25Alcoholic beverages, wine, roseDensity 29 vs 25Beverages, Energy Drink with carbonated water and high fructose corn syrupDensity 29 vs 25

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

A fast-food vanilla shake is a blended drink made from a soft-serve or shake base run through a machine until thick and smooth, then served with a straw and often a spoon since it is too thick to sip easily at first. It is a menu staple alongside burgers and fries, and many chains let customers add mix-ins like crushed cookies, syrup swirls, or malt powder to customize the flavor. The appeal is largely about texture, a cold, creamy, pourable dessert that sits between a drink and a dessert, and many people order it purely for a treat rather than to quench thirst.

Because it is diluted with milk and air during blending, a fast-food vanilla shake is relatively modest in calories per 100 grams compared to solid desserts, at 148 calories, with 6.52 grams of fat and 13.6 grams of sugar. It provides a small amount of vitamin A, about 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams, from the dairy base. A typical fluid ounce serving weighs about 21 grams. As a fountain drink it is meant to be consumed fresh right after ordering rather than stored, since it will separate and lose its texture if left to sit or melt.

Frequently asked questions about shake, fast food

How many calories are in a fast-food vanilla shake?

It has 148 calories per 100 grams, with a typical fluid ounce serving weighing about 21 grams.

Does a vanilla shake provide any vitamin A?

It contributes about 10% of the Daily Value for vitamin A per 100 grams from its dairy base.

What is a vanilla shake typically served with?

It is a common companion to burgers and fries on fast-food menus, often ordered as a dessert alongside the meal.

View the USDA source record