Shakes and malts are both creamy, ice cream-based treats, but the key difference boils down to one special ingredient: malted milk powder. A classic milkshake delivers straightforward sweetness and chill, while a malt brings a richer, nuttier twist that's been delighting soda fountain fans for generations.

Core Ingredients

Shakes start simple with ice cream, milk, and flavorings like chocolate syrup or fruit purees.

Malts take that base and mix in malted milk powder —a blend of malted barley, wheat flour, and evaporated milk—for a signature toasty depth.

Without the powder, it's just a shake; with it, you get that unmistakable malt magic.

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

Aspect| Shake| Malt 13
---|---|---
Flavor| Clean, bold ice cream taste (e.g., vanilla or strawberry shines through)| Nutty, caramel-like richness from malted powder; more complex layers
Texture| Smooth, icy, and sippable—thinner if less ice cream| Thicker, creamier, velvety; enzymes in malt powder break down milk sugars for silkiness
Sweetness| Straightforward sugar hit| Slightly toasty undertone tempers the sweet

Malts often feel more indulgent, like sipping a grown-up root beer float minus the fizz.

A Quick History Tale

Picture 1920s drugstore counters: the electric blender revolutionized shakes, but malts trace back to 1887 when William Horlick invented malted milk powder as a health tonic.

By the mid-20th century, malts were diner staples—think Happy Days vibes—while shakes went mainstream everywhere from McDonald's to artisanal shops.

Today, in January 2026, retro spots like Whataburger still spark Reddit debates: "Malt's thicker, worth the upcharge!"

Multiple Perspectives

  • Purists insist : "No malt powder, no malt—end of story." A thick shake? Close, but no cigar.
  • Casual fans say : "They're basically the same; malt's just a fancy shake." Great for burgers, though—cuts grease better.
  • Health angle : Malts edge out with minor vitamins from barley, but both are calorie bombs (400-800 each).

When to Choose Each

  1. Go shake for pure flavor pops—kids' parties or hot summer days.
  2. Pick malt for cozy nostalgia—pair with fries or as a post-work treat.
  1. DIY tip : Blend 2 scoops ice cream, ½ cup milk, flavoring; add 2-3 tbsp malt powder for the upgrade.

TL;DR: Shakes = ice cream + milk + fun; malts = that + malted powder for nutty thickness.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.