The drink with the most calories is typically a high-calorie smoothie or milkshake, often exceeding 1,000 calories per serving due to added sugars and fats.
Some drinks contain more calories than an entire meal. While most people focus on food calories, beverages can be hidden calorie bombs that sabotage weight goals or help with weight gain when needed.
The Highest-Calorie Drinks You Can Buy
1. Milkshakes (Up to 1,000+ Calories)
Thick restaurant milkshakes often contain:
- Full-fat ice cream
- Whole milk or cream
- Sweet syrups
- Whipped cream toppings
- Candy mix-ins
A large specialty milkshake can easily exceed 1,000 calories. For comparison, a homemade milkshake with quality ingredients typically ranges 500-800 calories.
2. Nutritional Supplement Drinks (530+ Calories)
Products like BOOST® Very High Calorie provide:
| Nutrient | Amount per 8oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 22g |
These are designed for medical weight gain but can be calorie traps if consumed casually.
3. Alcoholic Cocktails (500-800 Calories)
According to MedlinePlus, popular high-calorie alcoholic drinks include:
- Pina Colada (12oz): 526 calories
- White Russian (8oz): 568 calories
- Mudslide (12oz): 820 calories
Surprising High-Calorie Beverages
1. Bubble Tea
A 16oz milk tea with boba pearls contains:
- 300-500 calories
- 50-80g sugar
2. Hot Chocolate
Large specialty hot chocolates with whipped cream can reach 400-600 calories, similar to a milkshake.
3. Smoothies
While often considered healthy, large smoothies with:
- Nut butters
- Full-fat yogurt
- Sweeteners
- Juice bases
Can contain 600-900 calories. The NHS notes that drinking calories doesn’t satisfy hunger like solid food, potentially leading to overconsumption.
Why Liquid Calories Matter
The NHS warns that alcohol alone provides 7 calories per gram – nearly as much as fat. When combined with mixers, the calorie count skyrockets.
Key Considerations:
- Liquid calories are less filling than solid food
- Sweet drinks spike blood sugar rapidly
- Alcohol impairs judgment about food choices
- Regular consumption leads to steady weight gain
Making Smarter Drink Choices
For those monitoring calories:
- Choose smaller sizes
- Request skim milk options
- Skip whipped cream toppings
- Use zero-calorie mixers with alcohol
- Alternate with water
For weight gain goals, high-calorie drinks can be helpful when consumed intentionally as part of a balanced diet.
