When “Just a Drink” Takes Over Your Arteries
What’s a little soda here? A little milkshake there? Surely, fast-food drinks can’t be that bad for you…can they? We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but though they look harmless next to a burger and fries, the most indulgent shakes and frozen treats can pile on calories fast. If you’re the kind of person who likes to know what you’re ordering, these are the drinks that can easily turn your meal into an all-day calorie splurge.
1. Sonic Large Vanilla Shake
You might expect vanilla to be the “safe” choice, but this behemoth doesn’t play that game. Sonic’s Large Vanilla Shake clocks in at 1,200 calories, which is basically a full commitment in a cup. As soon as you pair it with the average meal, you stack a lot of extra energy without even touching dessert.
2. Culver’s Regular Vanilla Heath Bar Concrete Mixer
Well, with a name like that, what did we expect? Culver’s frozen custard mixers are famously dense, and this one proves the point. The Regular Vanilla Heath Bar Concrete Mixer contains a whopping 1,070 calories. It’s honestly smarter to think of it as a dessert, not a beverage.
3. Sonic Large Strawberry Shake
A strawberry shake sounds bright and fruity, but don’t let the name fool you—it’s still a heavyweight. It packs 1,160 calories, which adds up quickly alongside typical staples. There’s no shame in reaching for it, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into!
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4. Dairy Queen Large Cinnamon Roll Shake
Let’s be honest: cinnamon rolls are basically an invitation to go all-in, and you will with this one. The Large Cinnamon Roll Shake at Dairy Queen has 1,130 calories, making it a bold choice even on its own.
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5. Sonic Large Banana Pudding Shake
Why can’t things with “banana” in the name be good for us? Sadly, this one’s comfort-food energy in liquid form, hitting 1,500 calories at its max. You’ll probably enjoy it more if you’re not pretending it’s a small decision.
6. Jack in the Box Large Vanilla Shake w/ Whipped Topping
Okay, well, there was no way this one was healthy! Jack in the Box doesn’t hide what this is: a full dessert in a cup. Their vanilla shake is 1,000 calories, so if you’re already getting a combo, this can easily push things into post-nap territory.
7. Sonic Large Oreo Peanut Butter Shake
Peanut butter’s already iffy on a good day, but this is the kind of order that turns heads. Sonic itself lists the Large Oreo Peanut Butter Shake at 1,720 calories, which is an enormous calorie load for a beverage.
8. Dairy Queen Large Caramel Cheesecake Shake
Cheesecake flavors tend to mean seriously sweet business—Dairy Queen’s shake is no different. At its peak, it clocks in at 1,000 calories, which may make it a tasty choice, but also one you’ll want to count as a real part of the meal.
9. Dairy Queen Large Oreo Shake
Oreo’s the kind of classic that’s deceptively easy to order on autopilot. This big boy carries 1,100 calories, which easily pushes your total far beyond what you intended. Forget about watching your intake; this is one of those drinks worth pausing on before you say yes.
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10. Sonic Large Oreo Chocolate Shake
Say hello to 1,430 calories in a cup, the kind of number that’s enough to make any meal feel secondary. You might as well go without all the traditional fast-food fixings, cause this one’s more than enough for one sitting.
11. Dairy Queen Large Peanut Butter Shake
Peanut butter tends to raise the stakes, and this is a strong example. This peanut butter option is listed at 1,250 calories, which can eclipse the rest of your order. If you’re in the mood for something rich, you’re definitely going to get it here.
12. Dairy Queen Large Choco Hazelnut Chip Shake
At least the name didn’t hide what was in store! This one leans straight into decadent dessert territory at 1,340 calories. It’s the sort of drink that’s easiest to enjoy when you’ve decided in advance that today’s not a “light” day.
13. Sonic Large Brownie Batter Master Shake
Who knew drinking brownies would be so terrible for our hearts? This overly sweet treat carries 1,540 calories and overwhelms our precious meal plan in a hurry. At the very least, it helps to treat it like the star of the outing rather than an add-on.
14. Dairy Queen Large Caramel Mocha Chip Shake
Coffee-flavored shakes can feel like a “pick-me-up,” but this one’s more like a full dessert course. It has 1,100 calories, so it’s bringing a lot more than caffeine energy—you can still enjoy it, but it’s wise to treat it like a splurge rather than a casual bevvy.
15. Jack in the Box Large Chocolate Shake w/ Whipped Topping
Chocolate plus whipped topping is a classic move, and it’s also one that’s notoriously bad for your waistline. This one comes in at 1,150 calories, dramatically inflating your meal’s total. There’s no denying it’s a fun order, but it’s also a quick diet destroyer.
16. Culver’s Regular Chocolate Concrete Mixer with Heath Bars
Chocolate and Heath bars bring crunch. They bring richness. And they definitely bring a big calorie tag. Culver’s lists this one at 1,000 calories. If we’re being honest with ourselves, this one turns a simple order into a major splurge.
17. Sonic Large Chocolate Shake
Chocolate fans, take a breath before you size up. Sonic’s large option carries 1,200 calories, so it’s less of a side and more of a centerpiece. It can be delicious, but you’ll want to know it’s bringing serious weight to the order.
18. Culver’s Regular Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer
Cookie dough doesn’t come quietly! Culver’s lists the Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer at 1,010 calories, pushing your total over the top faster than you’d expect. If you’re torn between sizes, this is one of those times when smaller can still feel plenty satisfying.
19. Culver’s Regular Crazy for Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer
Oh, we’re not done yet. The name might be enthusiastic, but so is the nutrition panel. Culver’s Regular Crazy for Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer has 1,130 calories, putting it well past the line for a high-calorie “drink.” If you’re treating yourself, it’ll deliver, but it’s not a low-key choice.
20. Jack in the Box Large Strawberry Shake w/ Whipped Topping
Strawberries often sound lighter, but the calorie count says otherwise—especially this one, which clocks in at 1,120 calories. If you want the sweetness, you’ll get it, but you’ll also get the calories right along with it.
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