5 Yummy Ways to Make a Milkshake Without Milk

It strikes when you least expect it: that late-night snacking urge. You’re craving a milkshake, but you find yourself missing milk. Is it possible to make a milkshake without milk, or can you substitute milk with other ingredients?

Here are 5 ways to make a milkshake without milk:

1. Substitute milk with chunks of frozen bananas. 
2. Add rolled oats to thicken the milkshake.
3. Mix in chopped avocado for creaminess.
4. Use yogurt to enhance the consistency.
5. Opt for plant milk in case of allergies.

Read on to see how and why you should consider some of these easy milk substitutes for your milkshake craving.

1. Substitute Milk With Chunks of Frozen Bananas

Whether you are trying to reduce calories or cut out dairy altogether, frozen bananas may be your best fruit-based substitution for both milk and ice cream in your late-night dessert.  

It’s true that among dieters, bananas frequently find themselves the subject of controversy, occasionally seen under such headlines as “Worst Foods for Fat-loss” or “Avoid These Breakfasts.” However, though bananas have a relatively high-fat content compared to some other fruits, a bit of healthy fat isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and studies show the benefits far outweigh the downsides.

Bananas are high in fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C, making them incredibly healthy and easy to digest. For those suffering from stomach issues associated with lactose intolerance, this makes them a godsend. They’re also heart-healthy, containing a large amount of potassium.

Not only that, but once frozen and blended, they have a creamy texture not too far from that of ice cream!

Related How To Store a Milkshake (So It’s Still Good Later).

2. Add Rolled Oats To Thicken the Milkshake

Grains make a great, easy substitution for milk in a milkshake, the best option being old-fashioned rolled oats. Once blended, oats take on a light, powdery consistency that, mixed with water, can create a fantastic substitute for milk.  

While many substitutions contribute a sharper tang to the flavor profile of your milkshake, oats add only a very subtle, nutty note that floats easily in the background. If what you are looking for is a thickening agent that won’t distract from the sweetness of your other ingredients, oat very well may be the substitute for you.

3. Mix In Avocado for Creaminess

The healthy fats in avocado make a fantastic substitution for the creaminess of milk, and what’s more, it contributes to bountiful health benefits.  Using avocado will add valuable vitamins and easily make this milkshake edible for those with lactose intolerance.

Though it’s not uncommon to see the use of avocado preached throughout the internet, in this case, it’s for a good reason. According to the Harvard Health Institute, at only 80 calories a serving, avocado provides over twenty different heart-healthy vitamins. Even if health isn’t why you’re making this milkshake, can’t it be an added plus? 

Related Is It Safe to Eat Unripe Avocado? | What You Need to Know.

4. Use Yogurt To Enhance the Consistency

The creaminess of all yogurts makes an excellent substitute for milk. Be aware, though, that unless otherwise noted on the packaging, all yogurt contains lactose. If lactose intolerance is your reason for seeking a milk substitute, this option is not for you!

Like avocado, Greek yogurt is another food that recently rose in popularity. This gut-healthy yogurt is creamy, tangy, and packs a punch that can spice up your milkshake. Don’t be turned off by its tartness. This yogurt can bring an interesting Mediterranean sweetness to your snack when paired with honey and a dash of vanilla. 

5. Opt for Plant Milk in Case of Allergies

Plant milk is likely the most obvious of the substitution options. Plant milk offers greater variety than traditional milk, all for fewer calories and the added benefit of iron and other nutrients. Even for the least checked-in to health trends, it’s clear that plant milk is all the craze. 

Though all plant milk options are worth considering, a few of the most popular include:

• Soy Milk – Nutritionally the most similar to cows’ milk, this is likely one of the first options that come to mind when you think of plant milk.
• Almond Milk – This is a fantastic, lower-calorie alternative. It’s nutritionally balanced and offers a warm, nutty taste.
• Rice Milk – If you are close to anyone with a nut allergy, this will be the best alternative for you. Rice milk is subtle in flavor, with a hint of sweetness.
• Hemp Milk – This alternative is one of the only types of plant milk available to boast a complete protein. Though it does come from the same plant as marijuana, it contains none of the hallucinogenic effects. 

Related Does Almond Milk Help With Spicy Food? (With 18 Other Cures).

How Do You Make a Milkshake Without Milk?

You can make a milkshake without milk by adding substitute ingredients, such as frozen bananas, rolled oats, avocados, yogurt, or plant-based milk, to a few scoops of your favorite ice cream, and combining them in a blender. Blitz the mixture until it’s smooth before serving.

What Can You Substitute Milk for in a Milkshake?

Perhaps you aren’t looking for dairy-free alternatives to using milk in a milkshake and just want to make use of the ingredients in your fridge. In that case, there are other alternatives you can add to your milkshake instead.

You can substitute milk in a milkshake with other liquids, including water, heavy cream, half and half, chocolate milk, almond milk, and yogurt. Dairy products with higher fat content, however, can alter both the sugar and texture of a milkshake.

Can You Make a Milkshake With Water Instead of Milk?

Water can be used as a substitute for milk in your milkshake, but you may find yourself less than happy with the result. In addition to loosening the ice cream in a shake, water can dilute the milkshake, making it taste blander. 

By omitting milk in favor of water, you’ll miss out on some of what makes your milkshake so enjoyable. Instead, I’d suggest trying some of the more delicious, often healthier, options I’ve suggested.

Can You Make a Milkshake With Heavy Cream?

You can make a milkshake with heavy cream. Heavy cream will increase the creaminess of your milkshake, as well as the fat content. If you use this substitute, you may need to add a splash of water to make your milkshake easily drinkable.

Surprisingly, though heavy cream has a much higher fat content than milk, it actually has a lower concentration of lactose.  If you’re making a milkshake for someone who misses that buttery flavor of dairy and is willing to fudge a bit, heavy cream may be the substitute for you!

Can You Make a Milkshake With Half and Half?

Half and half is an ideal substitute for milk in a milkshake. By using half and half, you’ll enjoy your milkshake without sacrificing the creamy quality, the drinkability, or the flavor.  For most, there will be no noticeable difference whatsoever.

Keep in mind that while you may not taste much of a difference, the scale might feel differently.  If you’re hoping to fit this milkshake into your regular diet, you may want to turn to a different, healthier option. 

Can You Make a Milkshake With Chocolate Milk?

Chocolate milk makes a great substitute for regular milk in a milkshake. Keep in mind that, while this substitute will not alter the consistency of your milkshake, it will change the flavor and sugar content. 

If you’re making a chocolate milkshake, you’ll notice no difference, but you may find your strawberry milkshake ruined.

Can You Make a Milkshake With Almond Milk?

You can make a milkshake with almond milk if you have an allergy to dairy milk or prefer the taste of almond milk. It’s a low-calorie option and can help maintain the consistency of your milkshake.

To add a subtle sweetness to your milkshake, choose vanilla almond milk.

Can You Make a Milkshake With Yogurt?

You can make a milkshake with yogurt if you aren’t lactose intolerant. Both plain yogurt and Greek yogurts will suffice, but you’ll want to opt for flavorless yogurts that won’t alter the flavor of your milkshake. 

Vanilla or chocolate-flavored yogurts likely won’t make too much of a difference in taste, but adding berry and other fruit-flavored yogurts probably will.

Final Sip

There are various alternatives available to the basic dairy milk in a milkshake. Yes, water is always an option, though a less tasty one. Yes, you can use fruit, grains, avocado, or various other options, including your very own dairy-free plant milk!  

Whether or not health is behind your reasoning, there are so many delicious, dairy-free options available. You can experiment until you find the one that you like best.

So pick your favorite, break out the blender, and enjoy that milk-free milkshake. Thanks for stoppin’ by!

For more, don’t miss The Best Substitutes for Milk in a Recipe | Ultimate Guide.