Milkshakes no longer have the health halo they once enjoyed. Where before, shakes were mainly skimmed milk, today they are laden with ice-cream, sugars, syrups and heaps of calorie-packed toppings.

They are sundaes hidden as ‘quick drinks’ – and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by health advocates. In fact, as recently as November 2018, Action on Sugar proposed a stand against unhealthy milkshakes. This came after they found some milkshakes in restaurants and shops contained more than half the recommended daily calories for an adult.

It’s a huge and horrifying amount – and, quite frankly, they’re not worth the calories.

But what if you could have the same sweet, creamy treat, without all the bad stuff? It might sound crazy, but it’s possible. Trust us, we found the recipes to prove it.

See how you can make your own healthy milkshakes, below.

Healthy alternatives to ice cream shakes

Best coffee milkshake recipe

Espresso Booster Shake

The kick of caffeine in this milkshake makes this the ultimate get-up-and-go drink, while the sweetener-based syrup balances out the bitterness of your typical cold brew.

• 2 tbsp Sweet Freedom chocolate syrup
• 1 tsp instant espresso granules
• 2 tbsp low-fat yogurt
• A splash of almond milk

Best dessert milkshake recipe

Creamy date shake

Who says you need heaps of sugar to enjoy a creamy, dreamy milkshake? The Medjool dates add a delicious caramel flavour without going overboard on the calorie count.

• 10 Medjool dates (blitzed to a paste)
• 2 tbsp low-sugar vanilla yogurt
• A splash of skimmed milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Related: What’s the Difference: Medjool Dates vs Pitted Dates

Best low-fat milkshake recipe

Berry Blast Shake

Super easy to make and antioxidant-rich, this is an ideal shake if you want something sweet to start your day.

• 2 tbsp fat-free natural yogurt (ideally Skyr)
• Handful of blackberries/blueberries/strawberries
• A splash of milk (or mylk)

Best vegan milkshake recipe

Peanut Butter Banana Shake

The peanut butter makes the healthy, filling base to this shake, while the creamy nut milk and bananas replicate the taste and mouth-feel of ice-cream (just without any of the trans fats or the dairy!)

• 2 very ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 100ml unsweetened nut milk
• 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Best protein milkshake recipe

Low Sugar Chocolate Whey Shake

The almond milk and whey pack this milkshake with a protein punch. But that’s not all – you’ve also got iron (from the leafy greens) and antioxidants (from your strawberries). Delicious!

• 50g spinach or kale
• 100ml water
• Handful frozen strawberries, sliced
• 50ml almond milk
• 2 scoops low-sugar chocolate protein powder
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Which healthy milkshake will you be trying this weekend? Let us know in the comments, below!