Whataburger Malts vs Shakes – A Complete Guide
Whataburger, a beloved fast-food chain, offers a delightful array of beverages to complement their savory menu. Among these, their malts and shakes stand out as classic favorites. While both are creamy and indulgent, they have distinct characteristics.
This article aims to clarify the differences between Whataburger malts vs shakes, helping you choose the perfect treat for your taste buds.

Whataburger Malts vs Shakes
A milkshake is a delightful blend of ice cream, milk, and flavorings like chocolate or fruit syrups. This combination creates a sweet, creamy beverage that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

A malt, on the other hand, starts with the same base as a milkshake but includes an extra ingredient: malted milk powder. This addition imparts a toasty, nutty flavor, giving the drink a unique taste and a slightly thicker texture. Malted milk powder, made from barley malt, wheat, and milk, is also known for adding a roasty, caramelized flavor to various sweets.
In essence, while both drinks are creamy and sweet, the malt offers an additional layer of flavor and richness due to the malted milk powder.
Key Differences Between Malts and Shakes
While both malts and milkshakes are creamy, sweet beverages, the addition of malted milk powder in malts introduces a toasty, nutty flavor and a slightly thicker texture, distinguishing them from traditional milkshakes.
Flavor Profile
Adding malted milk powder to a malt introduces a rich, toasty, and slightly nutty flavor. This sets it apart from the straightforward sweetness of a traditional milkshake. The malted milk powder, made from barley malt, wheat, and milk, contributes to this distinctive taste.
Texture and Consistency
Malts often have a thicker and creamier texture due to the inclusion of malted milk powder. This ingredient adds body, resulting in a more luxurious mouthfeel compared to the smoother, lighter consistency of milkshakes.
Nutritional Content
When comparing nutritional aspects, milkshakes generally contain more carbohydrates and calories than malts. For instance, per 100g serving, a milkshake provides approximately 112 calories and 17.75g of carbohydrates, while a malt contains about 85 calories and 11.2g of carbohydrates. Both beverages have similar protein and fat content, but the added malted milk powder in malts contributes to their unique nutritional profile.
In summary, while both malts and milkshakes are delightful treats, the addition of malted milk powder in malts offers a distinct flavor, texture, and nutritional difference.
Whataburger’s Malt and Shake Offerings
At Whataburger, you can indulge in classic malt and shake flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. For a seasonal twist, they also introduce limited-time flavors such as the Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake, blending bittersweet chocolate with cinnamon.
Customization is key at Whataburger. You can personalize your malt or shake by adding mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re craving a traditional flavor or eager to try a new creation, Whataburger offers a variety of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in Whataburger’s malts and shakes is a delightful treat, but it’s helpful to be aware of their caloric content, especially if you’re health-conscious.
Caloric Content
- Large Chocolate Malt: Approximately 900 calories per 32 fl oz serving.
- Large Vanilla Malt: Around 830 calories per 32 fl oz serving.
These beverages are rich and indulgent, contributing a significant amount of calories to your daily intake.
Healthier Choices
If you’re looking to enjoy these treats with a lighter touch, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for a Smaller Size: Choosing a smaller portion can substantially reduce calorie consumption. For instance, a Small Vanilla Malt contains about 415 calories, nearly half the calories of the large size.
- Skip Added Toppings: Foregoing extra toppings or mix-ins can help keep the calorie count lower.
By making mindful choices, you can savor Whataburger’s delicious malts and shakes while aligning with your dietary preferences.
FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In summary, while both malts and shakes are creamy, sweet beverages, the addition of malted milk powder in malts imparts a toasty, nutty flavor and a slightly thicker texture, distinguishing them from traditional milkshakes. Nutritionally, malts may have a slightly higher calorie content due to the added malted milk powder.
I encourage you to visit Whataburger and sample both their malts and shakes to determine your personal preference. With classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, along with seasonal offerings, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Remember, you can customize your beverage with additional toppings or mix-ins to create a treat that perfectly suits your taste. Enjoy exploring these classic delights!