Milkshakes are a delicious summertime treat that many people enjoy. Their creamy, cold, and sweet flavor makes them the perfect refreshment on a hot day. However, traditional milkshakes are made with ice cream, which can be high in calories and fat. If you want a thick and creamy milkshake without all the extra calories, there are several methods you can use to thicken and emulsify your milkshake without ice cream.
Use Frozen Fruit
One of the easiest ways to thicken and add creaminess to a milkshake without ice cream is to use frozen fruit. Bananas, strawberries, mangoes, and pineapples all work very well. The fruit adds natural sweetness and the freezing process helps thicken the shake when blended. For 1 tall milkshake, use around 2 cups of frozen fruit. Allow the fruit to partially thaw for 5-10 minutes before adding the other ingredients so it blends up smoother.
Blend with Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is an unlikely milkshake thickener but it works incredibly well. The cheese curds blend into the milkshake adding creaminess without an overly cheesy flavor. Low fat or fat free cottage cheese works best. Add 1/2 cup cottage cheese per tall milkshake along with the milk and other ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is very cold before blending.
Use Instant Pudding
Instant pudding mix makes an easy milkshake thickener. The pudding powder dissolves into the milkshake adding stabilizers that mimic the texture of ice cream. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of dry pudding mix per 1 tall milkshake. Instant vanilla, chocolate, or cheesecake pudding all work well. Make sure to thoroughly blend the powder before drinking for the best consistency.
Add Silken Tofu
Blended tofu is an unlikely but effective milkshake thickener. Silken tofu is best since it has the smoothest consistency. Drain excess water from the tofu and add 1/4 block per tall milkshake along with the other ingredients. The tofu blends smoothly into the shake adding creaminess without a strong flavor. It also boosts the nutrition of the shake with extra protein.
Use Avocado
Avocados are rich, creamy, and delicious blended into milkshakes. The healthy fats in avocado help create a smooth, thick texture just like ice cream. Use 1/2 an avocado per tall milkshake, peeled and pitted. The avocado flavor is not very pronounced so it works well with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla shakes.
Blend in Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is naturally thick and tangy, making it perfect for boosting the texture of milkshakes. Use 2-4 ounces of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt per tall milkshake. Make sure the yogurt is very cold before blending. The probiotics in Greek yogurt also make this a gut-friendly shake thickener.
Add Nut Butters
Nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter all dissolve beautifully into milkshakes with extra creaminess. They also add a nice roasted nutty flavor. Use 2-3 tablespoons nut butter per tall milkshake. The nut butter may need to be slightly warmed to fully incorporate into the cold milk. Nut butters also add protein and healthy fats.
Use Cooked White Beans
Cooked white beans may seem like a strange milkshake addition but they actually create a wonderfully thick and creamy texture when blended. The white bean flavor is not really detectable. Add 1/4 cup drained and rinsed canned white beans per tall milkshake for a thicker, frothier texture.
Thicken with Oats
Blended oats create a smooth, thick texture perfect for milkshakes. Use 1/4 cup dry oats per tall milkshake. Make sure to blend the oats into a fine flour before adding the other ingredients. For best results, use quick cooking oats or old fashioned oats ground into flour.
Add Protein Powder
Whey, pea, or other protein powders can thicken up milkshakes nicely. They also boost the nutrition with extra protein. Use 2-4 tablespoons protein powder per tall milkshake. Make sure to blend thoroughly to prevent clumping. Unflavored or vanilla protein powders work best for versatility.
Use Chia Seeds
When chia seeds are hydrated in liquid they form a gel that thickens and adds body. For milkshakes, grind 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds in a blender to a fine powder first. Then add to the other milkshake ingredients. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before drinking to thicken.
Blend in Coconut Cream
Coconut cream adds delicious coconut flavor while thickening milkshakes without dairy. Look for coconut cream sold in a can, not the cream that rises to the top of cans of coconut milk. Use 2-4 tablespoons per tall milkshake. Refrigerate cans of coconut cream before using.
Add Cooked Potato
Cooked white potato may seem like an odd milkshake addition but it actually enhances creaminess and texture beautifully. Use 1/3 cup cooked, chilled, and mashed potato per tall milkshake. The potato flavor will not be detectable.
Use Soy Milk or Nut Milks
Soy milk and nut milks like almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk beverages add thickness and creaminess to milkshakes. They have natural emulsifiers that help boost the texture. Substitute soy or nut milks 1:1 for regular dairy milk.
Whip Egg Whites
Whipped egg whites fold beautifully into milkshakes with extra froth and thickness. Use 2 egg whites per tall milkshake. Whip the egg whites until fluffy peaks form before gently folding into the blended milkshake.
Conclusion
There are many ways to achieve a thick, creamy milkshake texture without using ice cream. Ingredients like frozen fruit, avocado, Greek yogurt, nut butters, and even beans can help create a rich, frosty milkshake. Get creative with combinations and try some of these healthy, natural thickeners in your next milkshake.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a 16 ounce chocolate milkshake using some of these popular thickening ingredients:
| Thickening Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2% milk | 150 | 5 | 12 | 8 |
| + 2 tablespoons cocoa powder | 20 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| + 1 medium banana | 105 | 0 | 27 | 1 |
| Total | 275 | 6 | 42 | 10 |
| + 1/2 avocado | 114 | 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Total | 389 | 16 | 49 | 12 |
| + 1/4 cup Greek yogurt | 35 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Total | 424 | 16 | 52 | 18 |
| + 2 tablespoons peanut butter | 188 | 16 | 6 | 8 |
| Total | 612 | 32 | 58 | 26 |
As you can see, ingredients like avocado, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter add healthy fats and protein to bulk up the nutrition in addition to thickening the milkshake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Thick Milkshake
Here are some helpful tips for getting the perfect thick, creamy milkshake texture when using ice cream alternatives:
- Use very cold ingredients – this helps emulsify and thicken the shake
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor
- Top with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
- Use a straw and tall mixing glass for the classic milkshake experience
- Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a decorative touch
Possible Combination Ideas
Here are some tasty flavor combinations to try with your thickened milkshakes:
- Chocolate – cacao powder, avocado, banana
- Vanilla – vanilla protein powder, cashew butter, almond milk
- Strawberry – strawberries, Greek yogurt, chia seeds
- Cookies and Cream – Oreo cookies, peanut butter, almond milk
- Mint Chocolate Chip – avocado, mint extract, cocoa powder
- Mocha – coffee, almond butter, cocoa powder, almond milk
- Banana – banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, 2% milk
- Piña Colada – pineapple, coconut cream, almond milk
Vegan Milkshake Options
Here are some ways to make thick and creamy vegan milkshakes without dairy products:
- Use a vegan milk like soy milk, almond milk, oat milk or coconut milk beverage as the base
- Blend in silken tofu for a protein boost
- Mix in avocado for creamy richness
- Add coconut cream for thick texture
- Use frozen bananas for thickness and natural sweetness
- Stir in nut butters like cashew or peanut butter
- Mix in plant-based protein powder for extra thickness
- Top with coconut whipped cream
Delicious flavors for vegan shakes include chocolate avocado, strawberry banana, peanut butter chocolate, and piña colada. Get creative with your own combinations!