Love the shamrock shake from McDonald's? It's your lucky day! This easy, healthier shamrock shake recipe gives you all the flavor with less of a hit to your macros. Plus, it comes together in a pinch!
Healthy Shamrock Shake
Along with the changing weather, new seasons bring plenty of special menu items to remind us of the times. Shakes are a great item for marking the seasons. Chick-fil-a has the peach shake in summer and the peppermint shake for the holidays, but when St. Patrick's Day rolls around, there's nothing like the iconic Shamrock Shake from McDonald's.
Cool, minty, creamy—it's a great way to welcome the spring. I decided I wanted a shamrock shake on my own terms: easy, tasty, and even a bit healthier. This recipe is what I came up with to check all those boxes.
Shamrock Shake Recipe
I don't often have time to make a shake from scratch, as good as that would be. Instead, I decided to start with one of my favorite mint-flavored light ice creams. From there, it's a matter of combining ingredients I usually have on hand to create the perfect texture.
Shamrock Shake Ingredients
For a healthy Shamrock Shake:
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder I use Bad Athletics (code JORDO for a discount)
- 1.5 cups mint chocolate chip light ice cream I use Sundae Shoppe but Halo Top or regular mint ice cream works!
- ½ cup oat milk or preferred milk
- green food coloring a few drops
- Optional toppings: whipped cream & Lucky Charms cereal
What is the flavor of Shamrock Shake?
Although the color green could represent a number of flavor possibilities—some of them less suitable for shakes—the flavor of the shamrock shake is mint!
What is the Shamrock Shake made of?
A medium McDonalds Shamrock Shake is 560 calories and contains 72 grams of sugar! The macros look like this: 93 carbs, 12 g protein, 15 g fat
My take on the shake looks like this: 362 calories 37 grams protein, 49 grams carbs, 11 grams fat, 21 grams sugar.
It's not going to win any health food awards, but I'll always take a better nutritional option that doesn't sacrifice on flavor. In fact, I prefer this version—plus, there's no rolling the dice with the infamous McDonald's ice cream machine!
How much sugar is in a McDonald's Shamrock Shake?
A medium-size shamrock shake has 72 grams of sugar, and a large has 113 grams!
Mine is 21 grams, which makes it easier for me to fit into my overall nutritional goals.
How does McDonalds make a Shamrock Shake?
McDonald's uses a "shamrock syrup" to whip up their version of this treat. It's basically sugar, food coloring, and "natural flavor"–in this case, the mint.
Now that you know how they do it at the golden arches, I'll tell you how I make mine.
How to make a Shamrock Shake:
- Add the ice cream, milk, food coloring, and protein powder to the blender.
- Blend until mixture reaches shake consistency.
- Add more milk for desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream & Lucky Charms cereal.
- Note: Depending on the ice cream you use (if you use Halo Top or a low-calorie ice cream), you might need to let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften.
Need more recipes?
Why not try one of these Jordo's World staples?
Shamrock Shake Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder I use Bad Athletics (code JORDO for a discount)
- 1.5 cups mint chocolate chip light ice cream I use Sundae Shoppe but Halo Top or regular mint ice cream works!
- ½ cup oat milk or preferred milk
- green food coloring a few drops
- Optional toppings: whipped cream & Lucky Charms cereal
Instructions
- Add the ice cream, milk, food coloring, and protein powder to the blender.
- Blend until mixture reaches shake consistency.
- Add more milk for desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream & Lucky Charms cereal.
- Note: Depending on the ice cream you use (if you use Halo Top or a low-calorie ice cream), you might need to let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften.