Shamrock Shake at the Rainbow's End Is Packed With Calories

Chelsey M.

When we discovered that NYC's long Shamrock Shake drought had finally ended, and sweet drops of nourishing green diglyceride were once again showering down upon our fair city, we were happier than a leprechaun getting Warwick Davis's autograph. But then a reader had to McHarsh the Vibewich and send us this photo of the shake's calorie. It would seem that the minty delicious holiday beverage is not specifically too nutritious.

According to the McDonald's website says, the 12 ounce version weighs in at just 420 (dude!) calories. Our tipster tells us the sign at the this Times Square McDonald's puts the 16 ouncer at 680 calories. At least McDonald's decided to just embrace the mandatory calorie info disclosure with a large font and a big circle around it, as if to say, "ONLY 680 calories!" And if you think about it, that's fewer calories than a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (740) and even fewer calories than their fancy Angus Mushroom & Swiss (770).

All of McDonald's calorie information can be found on their website, but you have to download a pdf to peruse it. Alternatively, you could just enjoy yourself and buy yourself some extra pairs of green pants with elastic waistbands.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in Food on February 21, 2011 11:57 AM

Comments [rss]

Alan Klein

It is a treat. One does not have to have one every day... however if you want to have one every day, you can find your nearest one at http://shakelocator.com/

Rocknrope

I'm shocked that no establishment has yet taken it upon themselves to create an "artisanal" Shamrock Shake: cane sugar from South America, organic milk from Jefferson County, top bud mint leaves from Kentucky, a dash of ball sweat from Lucky the Leprechaun.

airtech1

Whole Foods is on it.

Mordicai

I want to say "no duh," but then, I'm an educated middle class dude. Calorie count information is a tool, & an important want. I think that maybe they should start coming out as "680/2000" or something. Give everybody an idea of scale.

amsci

So you're telling me that a pint of an ice cream derived beverage sold at a fast food restaurant is high in calories? Oh, pshaw.

BottomlessChips

680 doesn't seem too bad actually

Prescott Perez-Fox

You can probably cut a few calories by ordering no whip cream, which they add by default. But let's note that no one drinks a Shamrock Shake as a health beverage.