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Eating enough can be hard when your appetite is low, your schedule is packed, or you’re recovering from illness. That’s where high calorie shakes come in. They’re quick to make, easy to sip, and far less filling than a big plate of food.
Gaining weight comes down to consistently eating more calories than you burn over time. Liquid calories make that easier because they deliver protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals without leaving you uncomfortably full or bloated.
Below you’ll find 12 high calorie shakes, four quick classics, and practical tips for getting the most out of every glass.
Why Choose High Calorie Shakes?
A shake can deliver 400 to 1,100 calories in a single glass, and most blend in under five minutes. They’re also flexible. You can add protein with Greek yogurt, kefir, whey, casein, tofu, or egg whites, and you can swap dairy for soy, coconut, or pea protein if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
When Should You Drink Them?
There’s no single “best” time. Total calories over the day matter most, so choose the moment that fits your routine. Some people enjoy high calorie shakes with breakfast or lunch, others sip one as an afternoon snack or right after a workout, and some prefer one before bed.
Tips to Make Any Shake Higher in Calories
- Use whole milk, kefir, or full-fat yogurt instead of water or skim milk.
- Add nut butter, avocado, oats, chia seeds, or hemp hearts.
- Sweeten with honey or dates for extra carbs.
- Blend in a scoop of ice cream or a splash of heavy cream for the richest results.
- If a shake feels too big, split it into two servings and drink the second within 24 hours.
12 High Calorie Shakes to Try
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Shake
Ingredients: 1 large banana, 3/4 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa, 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp peanut butter.
Method: Blend on high until thick and smooth, adding the cocoa gradually so it doesn’t clump.
Nutrition: about 587 calories, 30 g protein.
2. Triple Berry Egg White Smoothie
Ingredients: 3/4 cup pasteurized egg whites, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup raspberries, 1 small avocado, 1/2 cup orange juice.
Method: Blend on medium until smooth. Pasteurized egg whites add protein without changing the taste.
Nutrition: about 491 calories, 26 g protein.
3. Green Pineapple Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 cup pineapple, 3 cups spinach, 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 6 oz fruit juice.
Method: Blend until smooth.
Nutrition: about 495 calories, 28 g protein.
4. Mocha Whey Protein Smoothie
Ingredients: 2/3 cup cold brewed coffee, 6 to 8 ice cubes, 1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp cocoa, 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 scoop chocolate whey, 2 tbsp chia seeds.
Method: Blend in a high-speed blender, thinning with extra coffee if needed. The caffeine makes it a handy pre-workout option.
Nutrition: about 385 calories, 14.5 g protein.
5. Apple Cinnamon Hemp Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 2 small apples, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 2 tbsp almond butter, 2 tbsp hemp hearts, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 Medjool date, 1 tsp vanilla, cinnamon, ice.
Method: Blend on high until smooth.
Nutrition: about 895 calories, 32 g protein.
6. Strawberry Banana Kefir Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries, 1 ripe banana, 1 cup whole milk kefir, 1/4 cup oats, ice (optional).
Method: Blend into a smooth purée. Kefir adds protein and gut-friendly bacteria.
Nutrition: about 403 calories, 14 g protein.
7. Chocolate Avocado Flax Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 ripe avocado, 4 to 6 dates, 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa, 1 banana, 1/4 cup chocolate whey, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, 1 tsp vanilla, ice.
Method: Blend on high, adding more dates if you like it sweeter.
Nutrition: about 671 calories, 36 g protein.
8. Blueberry Silken Tofu Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 cup silken tofu, 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, 1 banana, 1 cup blueberries, 1 tbsp honey, ice (optional).
Method: Blend the tofu, soy milk, and banana first, then add the blueberries and honey and blend until smooth.
Nutrition: about 493 calories, 28 g protein.
9. The 1,000-Calorie Whey Smoothie
Ingredients: 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 banana, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup oats, 2 scoops whey protein, 1 1/2 cups whole milk.
Method: Add everything to the blender in that order and blend until free of chunks.
Nutrition: about 1,100 calories, 69 g protein.
10. Bedtime Casein Smoothie
Ingredients: 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop casein powder, 2 tbsp cocoa, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 2 to 3 ice cubes.
Method: Blend until smooth. Casein digests slowly, so it keeps you fueled overnight.
Nutrition: about 655 calories, 44 g protein.
11. Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Shake
Ingredients: 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 3 tbsp chocolate syrup, 1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream.
Method: Blend until creamy. This is the richest option here.
Nutrition: about 1,070 calories.
12. Peaches and Cream Shake
Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 cup canned peaches, 1 cup vanilla ice cream, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp vanilla.
Method: Blend until smooth.
Nutrition: about 630 calories.
More Quick Classics
| Shake | Ingredients | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Apple pie à la mode | 1 cup apple pie filling, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup vanilla ice cream, cinnamon | 525 |
| Breakfast shake | 1 cup half-and-half, 1 packet instant breakfast mix, 3/4 cup ice cream | 505 |
| Old-fashioned milkshake | 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup ice cream | 420 |
| Instant breakfast drink | 1 packet instant breakfast mix, 1 cup whole milk | 280 |
High Calorie Shakes During Illness or Cancer Treatment
Treatment can blunt appetite, change how food tastes, and make large meals unappealing. In these cases, high calorie shakes can help you keep up your energy and protect your weight when solid food feels like too much. Smaller, more frequent servings often work better than one big glass, and cold or frozen blends are usually easier to tolerate. Always check with your doctor or a registered dietitian first, especially if you have food-safety restrictions or a weakened immune system.
FAQ
Are high calorie shakes healthy?
They can be, especially when built on whole foods like fruit, milk, yogurt, nuts, and oats. High calorie shakes work best as a supplement to regular meals, not a replacement for them.
How many high calorie shakes should I drink a day?
One or two is a good starting point for most people. Adjust based on your calorie goal, your appetite, and your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.
Can I make shakes ahead of time?
Yes. Store them in a sealed jar in the fridge and drink within 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving, since ingredients can separate.
Final Thoughts on High Calorie Shakes
Whether you’re building muscle, regaining weight after illness, or simply struggling to eat enough, the right blend can make hitting your calorie goal far easier. High calorie shakes are quick, customizable, and genuinely tasty. Pick one recipe above, try it this week, and pick up one of these high calorie shakes again whenever you need an easy boost.
