Malt vs. Milkshake — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Calories

Both milkshakes and malt are high-calorie foods. In each 100g serving, a milkshake provides 112 calories, while malt has 85 calories.

Protein

The protein amounts are relatively close. A milkshake contains approximately 3.86g of protein, while a malt contains around 3.37g.

Fats

In terms of fat content, a malt contains approximately 3.29g, while a milkshake has around 3.03g. 

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Malt

2

Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 1.883 g

Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.827 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.208 g

Milkshake

1

Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 1.886 g

Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.875 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.113 g

Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat

+84.1%

~equal in Saturated fat ~1.886g

~equal in Monounsaturated fat ~0.875g

Cholesterol

When comparing the cholesterol content between milkshakes and malt, milkshakes generally contain slightly higher levels. For example, a milkshake serving may contain around 12mg of cholesterol, while a malt serving typically contains about 10mg.

Carbohydrates

Milkshakes are higher in carbohydrates compared to malt. A 100g milkshake serving provides 17.75 grams of carbs, whereas malt contains 11.2 grams.

All 100% of carbohydrates in milkshakes comprise net carbs, and malt comprises net carbs, sugar, and 0.5g of fiber.

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Malt

0

Milkshake

0

Vitamins

Malt contains slightly higher amounts of vitamin A (91 IU compared to 95 IU), vitamin C (0.1 mg), vitamin B3 (0.259 mg), and vitamin B1 (0.054 mg). Both contain almost the exact content of vitamin E (0.05–0.06 mg), vitamin K (0.2–0.3 mg), vitamin B6 (0.042–0.046 mg), vitamin B2 (0.195-0.184 mg), and vitamin B5 (0.368–0.354 mg) than the milkshake. On the other hand, the milkshake has higher levels of vitamin D (48 IU) and a slightly higher vitamin B12  compared to malt, which lacks vitamin D.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Malt

6

100 g 300 g

Milkshake

3

100 g 300 g 1 fl oz - 28.4g

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+20%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+80%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+77.4%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+50%
Contains more FolateFolate	+28.6%

Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12

+23.8%

~equal in Vitamin A ~25µg

~equal in Vitamin B2 ~0.195mg

~equal in Vitamin B5 ~0.368mg

~equal in Vitamin B6 ~0.042mg

Minerals

Milkshake has more calcium content at 146mg, and malt follows closely at 98mg. Malt is slightly higher in iron (0.21 mg), magnesium (15mg), selenium (5.4mg), and manganese (0.08mg). Milkshake has more phosphorus content at 115mg and potassium at 183mg, whereas malt follows closely with 172mg. In sodium content, malt contains 60mg, while milkshake has a slightly higher level at 95mg. 

Zinc content is comparable, with malt at 0.41mg and milkshake at 0.39mg. Milkshake has a slightly higher copper content (0.051mg) than malt (0.037mg). 

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Malt

5

100 g 300 g

Milkshake

3

100 g 300 g 1 fl oz - 28.4g

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+25%
Contains more IronIron	+110%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-36.8%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+471.4%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+134.8%

Contains more CalciumCalcium	+49%
Contains more CopperCopper	+37.8%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+26.4%

~equal in Potassium ~183mg

~equal in Zinc ~0.39mg

Glycemic Index

Malt has a glycemic index of 59, which categorizes it as a medium-glycemic food. In contrast, milkshake has a glycemic index of  27, placing it in the low-glycemic category.

Glycemic Load

Both milkshake and malt have medium glycemic loads, with malt slightly higher at 17 compared to milkshake's 15.

Acidity

Milkshake is slightly acidic, with an acidity score of 0.1 based on PRAL, indicating a neutral effect on the body's acid-base balance. In contrast, malt has a score of -0.3, indicating an alkaline effect. 

Cardiovascular Health

Both milkshakes and malts typically contain ingredients like ice cream, milk, and flavorings such as syrups or malted milk powder. These ingredients are high in sugar, calories, and saturated fat. Due to their high calorie, sugar, and saturated fat content, milkshakes and malts can negatively affect cardiovascular health. Drinking these drinks in excess can lead to weight gain, obesity, and high triglyceride and cholesterol levels—all of which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke (1, 2).

Diabetes

Milkshakes and malts' high sugar content can also affect blood sugar levels, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes or exacerbating symptoms in those who already have the disease. Frequent intake of these high-sugar beverages might increase the risk of problems connected to diabetes by causing insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction (3,4).

Digestive Health

Regarding digestive health, excessive sugar and saturated fat intake from milkshakes and malts can disrupt gut microbiota balance and contribute to gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation (5, 6). Additionally, the additives and preservatives found in malted milk powder may irritate the digestive system in some individuals, leading to discomfort or digestive disturbances (7).

Cancer

While there is limited direct evidence linking milkshakes and malts to cancer, their high calorie and sugar content can indirectly impact cancer risk by promoting obesity and inflammation, both of which are associated with a high likelihood of developing certain types of cancer (9).