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McDonald's Milkshake Calories
Sweet, high-sugar, dairy-based beverage
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of McDonald's Milkshake (250 g) has 450 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 72.5 g of carbs, 8.8 g of protein, 10.5 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 225 mg of Phosphorus covers 32% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
McDonald's Milkshake Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 250 g
450
KCAL / 250G
Carbs
72.5g
· 26% DV
Protein
8.8g
· 18% DV
Fat
10.5g
· 13% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 69% · Protein 8% · Fat 23%
McDonald's Milkshake nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (250 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal | |
| Total fat | 10.5 g | 13% |
| Saturated fat | 6.75 g | 34% |
| Trans fat | 0.25 g | |
| Sodium | 175 mg | 8% |
| Total carbohydrate | 72.5 g | 26% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 8.8 g | 18% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of McDonald's Milkshake?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 250 g | 450 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 180 kcal |
| 1 cup (small) | 250 g | 450 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 250 g | 450 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 250 g | 450 kcal |
| 1 cup (medium) | 350 g | 630 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 350 g | 630 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 350 g | 630 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 500 g | 900 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 500 g | 900 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 500 g | 900 kcal |
Calculated from 180 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald's Milkshake
What flavors does McDonald's Milkshake come in?
McDonald's Milkshake flavors vary by country and sometimes by season. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are common options in some markets, but the current choices depend on the local menu and participating restaurants.
What is in McDonald's Milkshake?
McDonald's Milkshake is generally made with a dairy-based shake mix, sweetener, and flavoring. Exact ingredients differ by flavor and country, so the local ingredient information is the best source for a particular serving.
Is McDonald's Milkshake made with real ice cream?
Not necessarily with scoops of conventional ice cream. Depending on the country, McDonald's Milkshake may use a dairy-based soft-serve mix blended with flavoring; recipes and product descriptions vary between markets.
Why is McDonald's Milkshake unavailable at some restaurants?
McDonald's Milkshake can be unavailable when a restaurant's equipment needs cleaning or maintenance, or when ingredients are out of stock. A temporary outage does not necessarily mean the drink has been removed from the menu.
Does McDonald's Milkshake contain real fruit?
Not always. A fruit-flavored McDonald's Milkshake may get its taste from flavoring or syrup rather than whole fruit or fruit pieces, and the ingredients vary by flavor and country.
How is McDonald's Milkshake different from a McFlurry?
McDonald's Milkshake is a drinkable dairy-based beverage, while a McFlurry is a thicker spoon-eaten dessert with mix-ins. Their textures and toppings differ, and local menus may offer different varieties of each.
Does McDonald's Milkshake contain lactose?
Yes, McDonald's Milkshake is dairy-based and contains lactose. People with lactose intolerance may experience symptoms after drinking it; choosing a non-dairy option, where available, avoids the milk ingredient.
Is McDonald's Milkshake halal?
There is no single answer for every country: McDonald's Milkshake ingredients and certification can vary by market. Check the local McDonald's ingredient and halal information rather than assuming that a product sold elsewhere has the same status.
Can people with diabetes drink McDonald's Milkshake?
McDonald's Milkshake contains added sugar and can raise blood glucose, so it may need to be limited or accounted for in a diabetes meal plan. If you use insulin or glucose-lowering medication, ask your clinician or dietitian how it fits your plan.
Can you freeze leftover McDonald's Milkshake?
You can freeze leftover McDonald's Milkshake, but it will usually become icy and lose its smooth texture as it freezes and thaws. For best quality, drink it soon after purchase rather than saving it as a frozen dessert.
McDonald's Milkshake Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.75µg · 31% DV
B2
0.38mg · 29% DV
Biotin
5µg · 17% DV
B5
0.75mg · 15% DV
Minerals
Phosphorus
225mg · 32% DV
Calcium
300mg · 30% DV
Iodine
20µg · 13% DV
Potassium ⭐
400mg · 12% DV
Sodium
175mg · 8% DV
McDonald's Milkshake Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off McDonald's Milkshake
To burn the 450 calories in 1 cup (medium) (250 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is McDonald's Milkshake?
McDonald's Milkshake is a chilled, sweet dairy-based drink sold at McDonald’s, with the thick, smooth texture associated with a classic milkshake. It is usually served in a cup and works as either a drink alongside a meal or a dessert in its own right.
Around the world, people commonly pair it with burgers and fries or enjoy it on its own as a cool treat. It is a sugary drink rather than a light refreshment: each 100 g provides 29 g of carbohydrate. If you want a smaller treat, choose a smaller serving or share one; its creamy sweetness also pairs well with a savoury meal.
How Nutritious Is McDonald's Milkshake?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is McDonald's Milkshake Processed?
NOVA 4
Ultra-Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does McDonald's Milkshake Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is McDonald's Milkshake Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
McDonald's Milkshake Fat Profile
SATURATED
6.75g
MONOUNSATURATED
2.75g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.25g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4.3:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (4.3:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.