Malts vs Shakes: Decoding Ingredients, Taste, & Preparation

The milkshake. The malt. They look the same, they taste similar, and they’re both decadent, creamy treats. It’s easy to get them confused.

So, what’s the real difference between malts vs shakes? Which one is more nutritious? How do they taste different? And how did these desserts become so popular in the first place?

This article will explore how malts and shakes evolved. We’ll compare their ingredients, preparation styles, and health impacts, highlighting the subtle differences that set these classic desserts apart.

Defining the Drinks: What Exactly Are Milkshakes and Malts?

At first glance, a malt and a milkshake look pretty much the same. So what exactly are they?

Milkshakes: The Creamy Classic

A milkshake is a blended drink made with milk, ice cream, and flavorings. They come in almost any flavor you can imagine, from classic chocolate to birthday cake to salted caramel pretzel.

Milkshakes started out as something more like an eggnog, with eggs and whiskey in the mix. Over time, the recipe evolved into the creamy, kid-friendly treat we know today.

Malts: The Malted Twist

A malt is basically a milkshake with malted milk powder added in. Malted milk powder is made of malted barley, wheat flour, and milk solids.

The malted milk powder gives the malt a distinctive flavor that’s a little richer and more complex than the flavor of a plain old milkshake.

Nutritional Showdown: A Detailed Comparison

So, which one wins when it comes to nutrition? Let’s break it down.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Let’s compare the calorie, protein, and fat content per 100g serving of each treat:

• Calories: Milkshakes come in a bit higher at 112 calories, compared to malts at 85.
• Protein: Milkshakes edge out malts slightly, with 3.86g of protein versus 3.37g.
• Fat: The fat content is pretty comparable, with milkshakes at 3.03g and malts at 3.29g.

Carbohydrates and Sugars

Here’s where we see a more significant difference, particularly in the sugar department:

• Carbohydrates: Milkshakes have 17.75g of carbs, while malts have 11.2g.
• Sugars: The sugar content is where malts really shine. Milkshakes have a whopping 17.75g of sugar, compared to malts with a much lower 6.68g. If you’re watching your sugar intake, a malt is definitely the better choice.

Vitamins and Minerals

Both milkshakes and malts offer some vitamins and minerals, but they differ in what they provide:

• Vitamins: Milkshakes contain vitamin D, which isn’t found in malts. However, malts pack more B vitamins and vitamin A.
• Minerals: Malts generally contain more selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese than milkshakes. On the other hand, milkshakes boast higher levels of phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
• Calcium: Milkshakes have 146mg of calcium, while malts have 98mg.
• Sodium: Milkshakes contain 95mg of sodium, and malts have 60mg.

So, nutritionally, it’s a mixed bag. If you’re looking for less sugar, a malt is the clear winner. But if you need Vitamin D, a milkshake might be better. As always, moderation is key!

Health Implications: Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Okay, so they’re both delicious. But how do malts and milkshakes stack up in terms of health?

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

The glycemic index (GI) tells you how quickly a food raises your blood sugar levels. Glycemic load (GL) takes the amount of food into account, giving you a more complete picture.

Here’s how these two treats measure up:

• Milkshake GI: 27, GL: 15
• Malt GI: 59, GL: 17

These numbers suggest that malts may cause a quicker spike in blood sugar compared to milkshakes. If you’re watching your blood sugar, this is something to keep in mind.

Cardiovascular Health

Both malts and milkshakes tend to be high in sugar, calories, and saturated fat. All of those things can negatively impact your cardiovascular health. They also contain cholesterol. A milkshake typically has about 12mg of cholesterol, while a malt has around 10mg.

Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

The high sugar content in these drinks can contribute to insulin resistance, potentially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Moderation is key, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk.

Digestive Health and Lactose Intolerance

If you’re lactose intolerant, you might experience digestive discomfort after drinking a milkshake or malt. The good news is that you can often find lactose-free milk alternatives to use instead.

Potential Cancer Risks

While there’s no direct link, the high sugar and calorie content in these drinks could indirectly influence cancer risk through obesity and inflammation. More research is needed to understand these connections fully.

The Art of Preparation: Making Milkshakes and Malts

Both milkshakes and malts are pretty simple to make at home. Here’s a little about the process.

Milkshake Preparation

A milkshake usually comes together with just a few ingredients: milk, ice cream, and some kind of flavoring. You toss them all in a blender and blend until smooth. You can use different kinds of milk, like whole milk, skim milk, or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The ice cream possibilities are endless, and you can add fruits, chocolate, or other toppings to make it your own.

Malt Preparation

Making a malt is a lot like making a milkshake, but with one key addition: malted milk powder. You have to get that malted milk powder mixed in well, or you’ll end up with clumps. As for how much malt powder to add, it’s really up to you and your taste buds. Some people like a subtle malt flavor, while others want it to be front and center.

Regional and Personal Variations

Just like with any recipe, there are lots of different ways to make a milkshake or a malt. Some people swear by using a blender, while others prefer to mix everything by hand. And depending on where you are, you might find different ingredients or techniques being used. Experiment and find what you like best!

Taste and Texture: Experiencing the Difference

A milkshake is typically creamy, sweet, and smooth. It’s a blank canvas for flavors, and you can make a milkshake taste like almost anything, depending on the ingredients you add.

A malt, on the other hand, has a particular flavor profile. It’s also creamy and sweet, but you’ll notice a distinct “malted” taste that comes from the malted milk powder. Some people also notice a slightly grainy texture, again because of the malted milk powder.

Ultimately, choosing between a malt and a shake is a matter of personal preference. Taste is subjective, and what one person loves, another might not care for. If you’re a fan of that unique malted milk flavor, then a malt is the obvious choice. If you prefer a simpler, cleaner taste, then a milkshake might be more your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

So, what’s the difference between a malt and a shake? The main difference comes down to malted milk powder. A shake is simply milk, ice cream, and flavoring, while a malt includes malted milk powder, giving it a distinctive nutty flavor and slightly thicker consistency.

Nutritionally, both are fairly similar – high in sugar and calories. Both malts and shakes can be a delicious occasional treat. However, given their sugar and calorie content, they’re best enjoyed in moderation.

Ultimately, the choice between a malt and a shake comes down to personal preference and individual health needs. If you love that malty flavor, go for it! If you prefer the classic simplicity of a shake, that’s great too. Just remember to enjoy them responsibly as part of a balanced diet.