I’ve always steered clear of milkshakes because, let’s face it, they don’t exactly sound healthy. It’s pretty obvious they’re often loaded with sugar. But Yazoo milkshakes are a bit different—or at least, that’s what they want you to believe. They’re marketed as being packed with calcium, protein, and B vitamins, which makes them sound like a smarter choice.
But is this just clever marketing? It’s no surprise people wonder whether Yazoo milkshakes are as healthy as they claim. That’s why I decided to dig deeper into the ingredients and nutritional values of Yazoo drinks to find out what’s really going on.
Quick Answer: Is Yazoo Milkshake Actually Healthy?
Yazoo milkshakes aren’t exactly healthy. While they do provide calcium, protein, and B vitamins, they’re also high in sugar, especially the standard versions. Yazoo Kids milkshakes are a better option since they don’t contain added sugar, but even these should be enjoyed in moderation.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on a link. This does not cost you anything. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s Really Inside Yazoo Milkshakes?
Yazoo proudly claims that their milkshakes contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners—a big plus for anyone looking to avoid overly processed drinks. But what’s actually inside them?
Yazoo offers several classic flavours, including Strawberry, Banana, Vanilla, and Chocolate. They’ve also introduced the Yazoo Kids range, which is marketed as lactose-reduced and free from added sugar. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in each version:
| Yazoo flavour | Ingredients |
| Strawberry | Semi-skimmed MILK, skimmed MILK, sugar, strawberry juice from concentrate (1%), natural flavouring, stabiliser: gellan gum; colour: beta-carotene |
| Banana | Semi-skimmed MILK, skimmed MILK, sugar, banana juice from concentrate (1%), stabiliser: gellan gum; natural flavouring, colour: carotenes |
| Vanilla | Semi-skimmed MILK, skimmed MILK, flavouring, stabiliser: gellan gum |
| Chocolate | Semi skimmed MILK, Sugar, fat reduced cocoa powder1 (1%), stabilisers: cellulose, cellulose gum and carrageenan, natural flavouring. |
| Yazoo Kids Strawberry | Lactose Reduced Semi Skimmed Milk, Lactose Reduced Skimmed Milk, Strawberry Juice from Concentrate (1%), Natural Flavouring, Stabiliser: Gellan Gum, Colour: Beta Carotene |
| Yazoo Kids Chocolate | Lactose Reduced Semi Skimmed Milk, Lactose Reduced Skimmed Milk, Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder¹ (1.2%), Stabilisers: Cellulose, Cellulose Gum and Carrageenan: Natural Flavouring, ¹Rainforest Alliance Certified |
Key Ingredients to Note
Across the range, some standout ingredients include:
- Milk: The main base is semi-skimmed milk, with the Yazoo Kids range featuring lactose-reduced versions.
- Sugar: Present in the standard flavours but notably absent in Yazoo Kids options.
- Natural Flavourings: Used across the board, with fruit juice concentrate in some flavours for added taste.
- Stabilizers: These maintain the texture, with common ones being gellan gum, cellulose, and carrageenan.
- Colouring: Beta-carotene and carotenes provide natural colouring.
Yazoo Kids: A Slightly Healthier Alternative
The Yazoo Kids range is designed to be lower in sugar and uses lactose-reduced milk, which may make it easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose. These drinks skip added sugar entirely, relying on the natural sweetness of milk and small amounts of fruit juice concentrate for flavour.
What Do the Ingredients Tell Us?
Yazoo milkshakes keep things simple, avoiding artificial additives, which is a good start. However, the added sugar in the standard versions remains a concern for anyone mindful of their sugar intake. Yazoo Kids offers a better option, though it’s still worth checking labels and enjoying these drinks in moderation.
What’s in a Yazoo Milkshake? A Look at Nutrition
If you’re wondering how Yazoo milkshakes stack up nutritionally, there’s quite a bit to unpack. While they’re marketed as a source of calcium and protein, the sugar content and calorie count might make you think twice.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at the nutrition per 100ml for both the standard Yazoo flavours and the Yazoo Kids range:
| Nutrition per 100ml | Strawberry | Vanilla | Banana | Kids Chocolate | Kids Strawberry |
| Fat | 1.2 g | 1.2 g | 1.2 g | 1.4g | 1.2g |
| – Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 0.9 g | 0.9 g | 1.0 g | 0.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.6 g | 9.6 g | 9.6 g | 5.0 g | 4.6 g |
| – Sugar | 9.6 g | 9.6 g | 9.6 g | 4.7 g | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 3 g | 3 g | 3 g | 3.3 g | 3 g |
| Salt | 0.1 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 120 mg | 120 mg | 105mg | 105mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Calories | 60 kcal | 60 kcal | 60 kcal | 48 kcal | 46 kcal |
How Much Are You Really Consuming?
While the table shows values for 100ml, Yazoo bottles are typically 400ml, so it’s unlikely you’ll stop at just one small serving. If you finish an entire 400ml bottle of a standard Yazoo milkshake, here’s what you’re consuming:
- Calories: 240kcal
- Sugar: 38.4g (that’s 9.5 teaspoons of sugar!)
- Protein: 12g
- Salt: 0.4g
That’s a hefty amount of sugar and calories for a drink. To put it into perspective, the average adult needs about 2000kcal a day, so one Yazoo bottle accounts for 12% of your daily calories—all from a drink that won’t fill you up.
What About Vitamins and Minerals?
Yazoo milkshakes are rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and muscle function. Each 400ml bottle contains 480mg of calcium, making it a decent source if you’re looking to boost your intake. They also provide a small amount of riboflavin (vitamin B2), which helps the body convert food into energy and supports red blood cell production.
Is the Protein Worth It?
With 12g of protein in a 400ml bottle, Yazoo milkshakes provide a reasonable amount of this macronutrient. However, the protein comes paired with a lot of added sugar, which diminishes its overall health benefits.
Sugar: The Big Concern
Standard Yazoo milkshakes are loaded with sugar—38.4g per 400ml bottle (9.5 teaspoons of sugar). While some of this sugar comes naturally from milk (lactose) and fruit juice concentrates, a significant portion is added sugar with no nutritional value.
To put this into perspective, 400ml of plain semi-skimmed milk contains only 19.2g of natural sugars (all lactose). This means that the additional sugar in a Yazoo milkshake more than doubles the sugar content compared to plain milk. Considering that adults should have no more than 30g of added sugar per day, drinking a full bottle of Yazoo can make it challenging to stay within this guideline, especially as other foods and drinks throughout the day may contribute added sugars as well.
If you’re aiming to stay healthy, it’s best to avoid drinking Yazoo milkshakes regularly. That said, you could still enjoy them in smaller portions to keep your sugar intake in check. For instance, drinking half a bottle (200ml) instead of the full 400ml can help limit the sugar and calorie impact while still allowing for an occasional treat.
The Yazoo Kids range is a better option, as it contains no added sugar. Instead, it relies on natural sugars from milk and a small amount of fruit juice. A 200ml bottle of Yazoo Kids Chocolate, for example, contains just 9.4g of sugar—equivalent to just over 2 teaspoons (about 2.3 teaspoons) of sugar.
Is Yazoo Milkshake Bad for You?
Yazoo milkshakes have both pros and cons. They’re a good source of calcium, protein, and riboflavin, but their high sugar content—especially in the standard versions—makes them less than ideal for regular consumption.
If you’re having a Yazoo milkshake occasionally, it’s not likely to cause harm, but drinking them frequently could contribute to weight gain and increase your sugar intake significantly. For a healthier alternative, the Yazoo Kids range is a better choice, as it’s free from added sugar and relies on the natural sweetness of milk and fruit juice.
Whether you’re looking for a quick post-workout boost or a treat for your kids, Yazoo milkshakes can fit into your diet—but moderation is key.
FAQs About Yazoo Milkshakes
Is Yazoo Good for Building Muscle?
Yazoo milkshakes can offer some benefit for muscle recovery because they contain both protein and carbs. A 400ml bottle provides 12g of protein, which is decent for a general milkshake. Consuming it after a workout might help with muscle repair and recovery, thanks to the combination of protein and sugar.
However, Yazoo isn’t designed specifically for muscle building. There are better protein shakes on the market that provide a higher protein-to-carb ratio without the added sugar. If building muscle is your goal, it’s worth choosing a shake tailored for that purpose.
Is Yazoo Milkshake Safe in Pregnancy?
Yes, Yazoo milkshakes are safe to consume during pregnancy. They’re pasteurized and free from any raw or harmful ingredients. However, they are high in sugar, so it’s important to drink them in moderation.
Too much added sugar during pregnancy can lead to unnecessary weight gain and increase the risk of complications. If you enjoy Yazoo, consider opting for smaller portions or the Yazoo Kids range, which contains no added sugar.
Is Yazoo Milkshake Fattening?
Yazoo milkshakes can be fattening if consumed in large amounts or too frequently. The high sugar content in the standard versions contributes to excess calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain over time.
If you’re mindful of your calorie intake, stick to smaller portions or choose the Yazoo Kids range, which is a lower-sugar alternative.