Milkshakes are no longer just a kids’ treat, they’ve become a mainstay in cafés, malls, universities, offices, and event spaces across Nigeria. With rising demand for cold beverages and creative drink options, a milkshake business offers high margins, fast service, and a scalable model.
This guide walks you through everything you need to start a milkshake business in Nigeria in 2026 – with real, up-to-date cost figures.
The Milkshake Opportunity in Nigeria (2026)
Nigeria’s beverage market is expanding fast, driven by:
- A young, urban population
- Rising café culture
- Increased spending on lifestyle experiences
- High demand for sweet beverages in warmer regions
Milkshake businesses thrive because they are:
✔ Affordable to start
✔ Easy to operate
✔ Fast to serve
✔ Highly customisable
✔ Popular across ages
Why Start a Shmoo Milkshake Business
Using Shmoo milkshake powders and machines gives you a competitive edge:
- Consistent taste across locations
- Easy staff training
- Fast production (30–60 sec per cup)
- Scalable menu
- Lower waste
Shmoo flavours (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, banana, cappuccino, etc.) pair well with coffee and dessert offerings — perfect for cross-selling.
Startup Costs in Nigeria (2026)
Here’s a breakdown of current costs based on supplier quotes, Lagos market averages, and small business estimates.
1. Equipment Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
| Shmoo Milkshake Machine | ₦400,000 – ₦750,000 |
| Freezer (Deep Chest/Double Door) | ₦220,000 – ₦400,000 |
| Blender (for backups or additional drinks) | ₦45,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Essential Utensils & Tools | ₦20,000 – ₦40,000 |
Total Equipment: ₦685,000 – ₦1,310,000
2. Initial Inventory (1-Month Stock)
| Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
| Shmoo Milkshake Powders (variety pack) | ₦150,000 – ₦260,000 |
| Ice Cream Base / Milk Base | ₦90,000 – ₦150,000 |
| Cups, Lids & Straws | ₦45,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Toppings / Syrups / Mix-Ins | ₦40,000 – ₦80,000 |
| Misc. Consumables (napkins, stirrers) | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 |
Total Initial Inventory: ₦340,000 – ₦610,000
3. Setup & Branding
| Setup Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
| Kiosk / Stand Fabrication | ₦350,000 – ₦900,000 |
| Signage & Branding | ₦120,000 – ₦220,000 |
| Basic Furnishing & Décor | ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 |
Total Setup: ₦550,000 – ₦1,270,000
4. Compliance & Permits
| License / Permit | Estimated Cost (₦) |
| CAC Registration | ₦10,000 – ₦50,000 |
| LGA Business Permit | ₦5,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Food Handler Certification | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 |
| Environmental Health Approval | ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 |
Total Compliance: ₦25,000 – ₦110,000
4. Cost Breakdown per Milkshake
| Cost Component | Small Shake | Large Shake | Glass Shake | Freak Shake |
| Milk cost | ₦500 | ₦800 | ₦500 | ₦800 |
| Shmoo Mix cost | ₦613.89 | ₦1,180.56 | ₦613.89 | ₦1,180.56 |
| Cup, lid, straw | ₦542 | ₦584 | — | — |
| Toppings | ₦337.50 | ₦584 | ₦337.50 | ₦337.50 |
| Total Cost per Shake | ₦1,993.39 | ₦3,148.56 | ₦1,451.39 | ₦2,318.06 |
🧾 Total Estimated Startup Cost (2026)
💡 Low-End: ₦1,600,000
💡 High-End: ₦3,280,000
This makes milkshake businesses one of the most affordable beverage startups in Nigeria.
Choosing Your Location
Location is one of the biggest predictors of success:
🟢 High-Potential Areas
- Shopping malls
- University campuses
- Food courts
- Cinema complexes
- High pedestrian traffic streets
🔴 Avoid
- Low foot traffic zones
- Hidden back-streets
- Areas without reliable electricity (unless you have a generator)
What Works Best for Milkshake Businesses
To maximise revenue:
✔ Keep the menu simple (4–6 core flavours)
✔ Use quality base ingredients
✔ Offer add-ons and toppings
✔ Upsell combo deals (milkshake + cookie / drink + snack)
✔ Maintain strong hygiene
Financial Viability in 2026
Pricing Structure
| Shake Type | Selling Price | Profit per Cup | Profit Margin |
| Small Shake | ₦4,000 | ₦2,006.61 | 50.2% |
| Large Shake | ₦5,000 | ₦1,851.44 | 37.0% |
| Glass Shake | ₦4,000 | ₦2,548.61 | 63.7% |
| Freak Shake | ₦4,000 | ₦1,681.94 | 42.0% |
Monthly Revenue and Profit Projection
Example: Selling 50 milkshakes per day
Average profit per shake: ₦2,000 (conservative blended average)
Daily profit:
50 × ₦2,000 = ₦100,000
Monthly profit:
₦100,000 × 26 days = ₦2,600,000
🚩 Red Flags to Avoid in Your Milkshake Business
| Red Flag | Reason |
| Too many flavours at launch | Inventory waste, slower service |
| Poor hygiene | Loss of repeat customers |
| Bad location | Low daily sales |
| No signage | Poor walk-in traffic |
| Underpricing | Low profit margins |
Recommended Milkshake Menu (Simple + Profitable)
Start with 5 popular flavours:
✔ Chocolate
✔ Strawberry
✔ Vanilla
✔ Banana
✔ Cappuccino
Add seasonal specials:
✔ Cookies & Cream
✔ Mocha
✔ Blueberry
Add optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Syrup drizzles
- Crushed cookies
Pricing & Margins (2026)
| Item | Cost | Sell Price | Margin |
| Milkshake | ₦1500 – ₦3,500 | ₦5,000 | ~40 – 60% |
| Toppings | ₦100 – ₦200 | ₦300 | ~60–70% |
Milkshakes remain one of the highest-margin beverage categories.
Break-Even Analysis
Estimated Total Startup: ₦2,000,000
Estimated Monthly Net Profit: ₦2,800,000
Break-Even Window: ~2–3 months (assuming steady sales)
This is fast compared to cafés, which often take 6–12 months.
🧠 Getting Started – Step by Step
- Register your business (CAC + local permits)
- Secure a location with high traffic
- Purchase equipment (Shmoo machine + freezer)
- Order inventory (Shmoo powders + bases)
- Brand your station with signage
- Train staff on hygiene & service
- Launch with a simple menu
A milkshake business in Nigeria in 2026 offers a low barrier to entry, strong margins, and scalable potential — especially using a proven product ecosystem like Shmoo Milkshakes.
With the right location, setup, and pricing strategy, you can build a profitable business that stands out in any busy city or neighborhood.
