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Freddy's Chocolate and Vanilla Shakes

Malt vs. Shake: The Scoop on These Cool, Blended Treats

January 14, 2026

Today, there are many different types of blended drinks to enjoy on their own or as part of a meal, such as the Lemon Frost on the Freddy’s menu. However, despite all of these new or reimagined creations, malts and shakes continue to be favorites for many people. Whether you are undecided about which one to treat yourself to today or simply curious about the characteristics of a malt vs. a shake, keep reading to learn more!

 

A Breakdown of the Malt vs. the Shake

 

From their ingredients to their availability at some of the quick and delicious lunch spots near you, there are more similarities than there are differences in terms of the malt vs. the shake. For example, when looking at a frosty malt and a creamy shake side by side, you may not even be able to tell the difference between the two. Regarding what is used to make them, the difference between these treats often comes down to a single ingredient – just as the greater amount of egg yolks typically distinguishes frozen custard from ice cream. In comparing the malt vs. the shake, it’s the addition of the malted milk powder that differentiates them. So, how does this ingredient impact the other characteristics of the finished treat?

 

Malts and shakes are often available in similar flavors like chocolate. However, as explained at The Spruce Eats, the presence of malted milk powder can be used to bring greater depth or other nuances to the existing flavors. As with choosing frozen custard instead of ice cream for a shake, use of this powder may also make for a thicker, richer treat. Importantly, since malted milk powder includes wheat and barley ingredients, individuals with gluten sensitivities may want to avoid sweet treats that include it.

 

Malt vs. Shake: Choosing Your Treats at the Freddy’s Near You!

 

As highlighted in the above overview of a malt vs. a shake, the key difference between the two is the addition of malted milk powder. At first glance of the Freddy’s menu, it may seem like malts aren't available. However, since the malt is essentially a shake plus this one not-so-secret ingredient, guests can create a malt by using the shake ordering option, adding this powder to one of our curated frozen custard shakes, or creating their own malt combination (as can also be done for shakes). Here’s how each of these ordering approaches might work!

 

Vanilla Malt: Vanilla is a classic flavor for both malts and shakes alike. To order a vanilla malt at Freddy’s, simply add malt to your usual vanilla frozen custard shake order. You’ll have the same choice of item sizes as well as the option to include any other toppings that you like. If you really want to experience the difference between a malt and a shake, then ordering a familiar flavor like vanilla or chocolate both as a shake and a malt may be a fun way to do so.

 

Cold Brew Caramel Crunch Malt: Caramel and nutty notes are often associated with malt in general, so its addition to the Cold Brew Caramel Crunch shake may be a great way to further enhance the similar flavors of this menu selection. While it may seem impossible to improve upon the delicious combination of HEATH Toffee, caramel sauce, vanilla frozen custard and cold brew coffee, the transformation into a malt may be one way to make it even tastier!

 

Custom Creation: If you want to experiment with making different malts or shakes, then choose to create your own shake (or add malt to make it a malt) at the Freddy’s near you. For a decadent chocolate malt treat, consider combining our fresh chocolate frozen custard with hot fudge, chocolate chips and rich chocolate brownies. Alternatively, you might take inspiration from the nutty nuances of the malted milk powder itself by incorporating peanut butter sauce and peanut butter candy pieces into your treat.

 

When it comes to the malt vs. the shake, you choose your own winner at the Freddy’s near you. However, these two drinkable treats are not the only ones that feature our fresh creamy frozen custard. We also offer frozen custard sandwiches, sundaes and pints and quarts. After joining the Freddy’s Rewards program and earning the specified amount of points, a regular shake or malt is also one of the FREE rewards you can currently enjoy. On frozen custard selections like shakes and malts, as well as steakburgers, chicken club sandwiches and more, start earning Freddy’s Rewards points today when you order for dine-in, carry-out or delivery!