As soon as I took my first sip of a Jamocha Shake from Arby’s, I was hooked.
While I’ve never considered myself a frequent customer at this fast food restaurant, that all changed with Arby’s Jamocha Shake.[1]
The combination of coffee and chocolate flavors in this frosty beverage makes it a refreshing choice, especially on hot summer days.
Like most things at Arby's, the Jamocha Shake isn't a health-oriented option.
I knew immediately that it was packed with calories and sugar content. As I was sipping, I wondered, do Jamocha Shakes have caffeine?
In this guide, I’ll cover everything there is to know about Arby’s Jamocha Shake, including ingredients, copycat recipes, and caffeine content.
Do Arby’s Jamocha Shakes Contain Caffeine?
Both coffee and chocolate contain caffeine, so it’s easy to assume that the Jamocha Shake, which contains both, would be highly caffeinated, but there is very little caffeine in Arby’s Jamocha Shake.
Unlike many frozen coffee beverages that use espresso, concentrated brewed coffee, or coffee concentrate, this one is made with instant coffee powder, which has a much lower caffeine content.
After a bit of research, I found out that Arby’s Jamocha Shake contains just 0.72mg of caffeine per ounce. Here’s the serving size caffeine breakdown based on the size you order:
Compared to a Starbucks Frappucino, that's a minimal amount of caffeine. A grande Frapp at Starbucks has 100 mg of caffeine, and it's even more with an espresso Frappuccino.
It's no wonder I'm so jittery after drinking one of those!
All About Arby's Jamocha Shake (Nutritional Breakdown)
Now that you know how much caffeine is in Arby’s Jamocha Shake, it’s time to focus on its other nutritional aspects.[2]
Ingredients
There’s a long list of ingredients that help to create the creamy texture, including:
Nutrients
Because most of the ingredients aren't natural or even wholesome, don't expect much in terms of nutritional value.
While this popular shake has a very low caffeine content, it has a very high sugar and calorie content.
A 16 fl oz cup of Arby’s Jamocha Shake contains 810 calories, 23 grams of fat, 119 grams of sugar, and 132 grams of carbohydrates.
Taste
The majority of people who have ordered this bev agree that it’s absolutely delicious.
Although you should be slightly concerned with how much sugar it contains, it’s a great cheat-day item if you want a tasty treat.
How To Make Arby's Jamocha Shake At Home
There are tons of copycat recipes for making Arby’s Jamocha Shake at home.
I can’t say that I’ve tried them all, but after testing several recipes, I found out what worked best for easily creating a delicious Jamocha Shake from home.
All you need is 4 ingredients:
In terms of equipment, you’ll need some type of blender. I have a Vitamix at home, which works wonders, but any blender will do. Simply add all of the ingredients together, blend, and enjoy!
Feel free to use natural ice cream for a natural vanilla flavor, or even non-dairy ice cream and a non-dairy milk alternative if you're sticking to a vegan diet.[3]
You have a few options for adding the coffee flavors. You can use brewed coffee, instant coffee, dark roasted coffee, or even espresso for an extra kick of caffeine.
I topped my Jamocha Shake with whipped cream and delicious chocolate syrup. And if you’re anything like me and hate runny shakes, add some ice to thicken it up.
Just have fun with your homemade concoction, and don’t be afraid to experiment to make it your own!
Related Arby’s Jamocha Shakes Questions
Do all Arby’s coffee shakes contain caffeine?
Yes, all coffee drinks and shakes at Arby’s contain caffeine, although it’s a very small amount of caffeine in Arby’s Jamocha Shake. The Jamocha Shake is currently the only coffee shake offered at these fast food restaurants. If you’re trying to avoid caffeine altogether, Arby’s also offers chocolate and vanilla milkshakes.
Why is Arby's shake called Jamocha?
Arby’s chose the name “Jamocha” mainly because it’s catchy. While the “Ja” is a mystery (maybe for java?), the “mocha” is for the similarity to mocha coffee beverages.
What's the difference between a Jamocha and a chocolate shake?
The main difference between a Jamocha Shake and a chocolate-flavored milkshake is the addition of coffee flavoring. It tastes similar to coffee ice cream, and it’s topped with a Ghirardelli chocolate drizzle.
Does Arby's Jamocha Shake go bad?
Yes, the Jamocha Shake will go bad if it’s not refrigerated or stored in the freezer. This drink is best enjoyed immediately, but if you want to save one for later, just make sure to keep it cold.
Conclusion
Compared to other frozen coffee beverages, the Jamocha Shake has a very low caffeine content.
While it’s high in sugar and calorie content, a medium size contains just 11.6 mg of caffeine, which is nothing compared to a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts frozen coffee.
The coffee powder gives it a flavorful coffee taste, just without all the caffeine. In fact, the Jamocha Shake caffeine content isn’t much more caffeine than decaf coffee!
References:
1. https://arbys.ca/our-menu/drinks-desserts/jamocha-shake
2. https://fastfoodnutrition.org/arbys/jamocha-shake
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-milk-substitutes
