Shake vs. Malt: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 3, 2024
A shake is a cold, creamy beverage made with milk, ice cream, and flavorings, while a malt, or malted milkshake, adds malted milk powder for a distinct, richer flavor.
Comparison Chart
Base Ingredients
Milk, ice cream, flavorings
Milk, ice cream, flavorings, malted milk powder
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Feb 03, 2024
Flavor
Depends on ice cream and added flavorings
Richer, with a distinct nutty and toasty flavor
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Feb 03, 2024
Cultural Association
American diners, fast food
Classic soda fountains, nostalgia
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Feb 03, 2024
Customization
Wide range of flavors and additions
Central malt flavor, with variations in additives
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Feb 03, 2024
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Shake and Malt Definitions
Shake
A cold, blended beverage made with milk and ice cream.
I ordered a chocolate shake at the diner.
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Jan 20, 2024
Malt
Known for its unique nutty and toasty flavor.
The malt flavor in my milkshake was deliciously distinctive.
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Jan 20, 2024
Shake
Can be flavored with a variety of syrups and toppings.
I love a vanilla shake with caramel syrup.
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Jan 20, 2024
Malt
A milkshake with added malted milk powder for richness.
I always choose a malt over a regular shake.
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Jan 20, 2024
Shake
Can be made with different types of ice cream and milk.
I prefer my shake with almond milk and strawberry ice cream.
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Jan 20, 2024
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Malt
Originally developed as a nutritional supplement.
Malted milk powder was added to shakes for extra nutrition.
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Jan 20, 2024
Shake
To cause to move from side to side or up and down with jerky movements
I shook the juice container.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
A traditional and timeless American beverage.
At the diner, I opted for the classic chocolate malt.
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Jan 20, 2024
Shake
To cause to tremble, vibrate, or rock
The earthquake shook the ground. The wind shook the barley.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
Associated with the nostalgia of old-fashioned soda fountains.
Drinking a malt takes me back to the soda fountain days.
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Jan 20, 2024
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Malt
Grain, usually barley, that has been allowed to sprout, used chiefly in brewing and distilling.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To cause to lose stability or strength, as of conviction
A crisis that has shaken my deepest beliefs.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To disturb or agitate emotionally; upset or unnerve
She was shaken by the news of the disaster.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To remove or dislodge by jerky movements
Shook the dust from the cushions.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To get rid of or put an end to
Could not shake the feeling that things would not work out.
Wanted to shake his habit of snacking.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To get away from (a pursuer)
Couldn't shake the man who was following us.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
Malted grain sprouted grain (usually barley), used in brewing and otherwise.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To bring to a specified condition by or as if by shaking
"It is not easy to shake one's heart free of the impression" (John Middleton Murry).
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To clasp (hands) in greeting or leave-taking or as a sign of agreement.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
(transitive) To convert a cereal grain into malt by causing it to sprout (by soaking in water) and then halting germination (by drying with hot air) in order to develop enzymes that can break down starches and proteins in the grain.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To move from side to side or up and down in short, irregular, often jerky movements
The trees shook in the wind.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To move something vigorously up and down or from side to side, as in mixing.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
Barley or other grain, steeped in water and dried in a kiln, thus forcing germination until the saccharine principle has been evolved. It is used in brewing and in the distillation of whisky.
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
A lager of high alcohol content; by law it is considered too alcoholic to be sold as lager or beer
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Jan 19, 2024
Malt
A cereal grain that is kiln-dried after having been germinated by soaking in water; used especially in brewing and distilling
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
A rough shingle used to cover rustic buildings, such as barns
Cedar shakes.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Shakes(Informal) Uncontrollable trembling, as in a person who is cold, frightened, feverish, or ill. Often used with the
Was suffering from a bad case of the shakes.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To cause (something) to move rapidly in opposite directions alternatingly.
The earthquake shook the building.
He shook the can of soda for thirty seconds before delivering it to me, so that, when I popped it open, soda went everywhere.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
(transitive) To move (one's head) from side to side, especially to indicate refusal, reluctance, or disapproval.
Shaking his head, he kept repeating “No, no, no”.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
(transitive) To move or remove by agitating; to throw off by a jolting or vibrating motion.
To shake fruit down from a tree
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
(transitive) To disturb emotionally; to shock.
Her father’s death shook her terribly.
He was shaken by what had happened.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
(transitive) To lose, evade, or get rid of (something).
I can’t shake the feeling that I forgot something.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
The act of shaking or being shaken; tremulous or back-and-forth motion.
The cat gave the mouse a shake.
She replied in the negative, with a shake of her head.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
A beverage made by adding ice cream to a (usually carbonated) drink; a float.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Shake cannabis, small, leafy fragments of cannabis that gather at the bottom of a bag of marijuana.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
A basic wooden shingle made from split logs, traditionally used for roofing etc.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
(music) A rapid alternation of a principal tone with another represented on the next degree of the staff above or below it; a trill.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
The redshank, so called from the nodding of its head while on the ground.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To cause to move with quick or violent vibrations; to move rapidly one way and the other; to make to tremble or shiver; to agitate.
As a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Ascend my chariot; guide the rapid wheelsThat shake heaven's basis.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Fig.: To move from firmness; to weaken the stability of; to cause to waver; to impair the resolution of.
When his doctrines grew too strong to be shook by his enemies, they persecuted his reputation.
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and loveCan by his fraud be shaken or seduced.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To move or remove by agitating; to throw off by a jolting or vibrating motion; to rid one's self of; - generally with an adverb, as off, out, etc.; as, to shake fruit down from a tree.
Shake off the golden slumber of repose.
'Tis our fast intentTo shake all cares and business from our age.
I could scarcely shake him out of my company.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Shake
To be agitated with a waving or vibratory motion; to tremble; to shiver; to quake; to totter.
Under his burning wheelsThe steadfast empyrean shook throughout,All but the throne itself of God.
What danger? Who 's that that shakes behind there?
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
The act or result of shaking; a vacillating or wavering motion; a rapid motion one way and other; a trembling, quaking, or shivering; agitation.
The great soldier's honor was composedOf thicker stuff, which could endure a shake.
Our salutations were very hearty on both sides, consisting of many kind shakes of the hand.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
A fissure or crack in timber, caused by its being dried too suddenly.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
A rapid alternation of a principal tone with another represented on the next degree of the staff above or below it; a trill.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 19, 2024
Shake
The redshank; - so called from the nodding of its head while on the ground.
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Grasping and shaking a person's hand (as to acknowledge an introduction or to agree on a contract)
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Move or cause to move back and forth;
The chemist shook the flask vigorously
My hands were shaking
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Shake or vibrate rapidly and intensively;
The old engine was juddering
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Move back and forth or sideways;
The ship was rocking
The tall building swayed
She rocked back and forth on her feet
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Undermine or cause to waver;
My faith has been shaken
The bad news shook her hopes
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of;
These stories shook the community
The civil war shook the country
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Bring to a specified condition by or as if by shaking;
He was shaken from his dreams
Shake the salt out of the salt shaker
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Shake (a body part) to communicate a greeting, feeling, or cognitive state;
Shake one's head
She shook her finger at the naughty students
The old enemies shook hands
Don't shake your fist at me!
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Jan 19, 2024
Shake
Often consumed as a sweet treat or dessert.
We had shakes for dessert last night.
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Jan 20, 2024
Shake
A staple in American diners and fast-food restaurants.
Nothing beats a shake from a classic American diner.
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Jan 20, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What distinguishes a malt?
The addition of malted milk powder for a distinct flavor.
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Feb 03, 2024
What flavors are common in shakes?
Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, among others.
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Feb 03, 2024
Do malts have a different texture?
They're similar to shakes but may have a slightly richer texture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
What is a shake?
A creamy beverage made with milk, ice cream, and flavorings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Can I add toppings to a shake?
Yes, shakes can be customized with various toppings.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Can I make a malt without ice cream?
Ice cream is a key component, but alternatives exist.
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Feb 03, 2024
Is a malt the same as a shake?
No, a malt includes malted milk powder, unlike a regular shake.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Are shakes suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, they're often consumed as a snack or dessert.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Can malt powder be added to any shake?
Yes, to turn it into a malted shake.
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Feb 03, 2024
What's the cultural significance of shakes?
They're iconic in American fast-food and diner culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Can shakes be made with non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy alternatives can be used.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 03, 2024
Do shakes always need syrup?
No, they can be made with just ice cream and milk.
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Feb 03, 2024
What's a good occasion for a malt?
Anytime, but especially as a nostalgic treat.
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Feb 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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