Ranking Popular Fast Food Milkshakes From Worst To First
Whether you're looking for a delicious dessert or simply a yummy drink to add to your combo meal, ordering a milkshake at a fast food restaurant is often a tempting proposition. A good milkshake can make all the difference and can single-handedly turn your frown upside down. But, as any fast food connoisseur can tell you, not all fast food milkshakes are created equal.
Modern milkshakes were actually invented by an employee of Walgreens named Ivar Coulson. Coulson, who went by the nickname Pop, mixed together vanilla ice cream and malted milk — and the rest is sweet, sweet history.
Despite the fact that a milkshake is relatively simple to make, the quality of fast food milkshakes varies greatly. If you go to the wrong restaurant, you will find a cold, wet disaster in your cup. But if you go to the right place, you'll get a treat that will fill you with happiness for the rest of your day. With so much at stake, read this ranking of popular milkshakes before heading out for fast food so that you can choose wisely.
Chocolate Shake from Burger King
Even if you're in dire need of a milkshake, ordering the Chocolate Shake from Burger King is a colossal mistake. Everything about this tragic excuse for a treat is an abomination. First of all, Burger King's milkshakes are way too watery. A good milkshake has a satisfying thickness to it but apparently this fast food joint didn't get the memo.
Beyond its poor consistency, Burger King's milkshakes taste way too much like milk. When you are drinking one of their Chocolate Shakes, you will barely be able to tell they added any chocolate to the mix. To make matters worse, Burger King tops their milkshakes with a disgusting substance that is allegedly whipped cream. This yucky whipped cream knockoff has a sourness to it that makes it difficult to swallow.
If you are going to buy a milkshake at Burger King, do yourself a favor and go for their $1 mini shakes. It still tastes terrible but at least you won't be out much money and you won't feel too much regret when you toss the microscopic milkshake serving in the garbage.
Strawberry Shake from McDonald's
While the milkshakes you can get at McDonald's are much better than what Burger King tries to peddle, they are far from good. McDonald's Strawberry Shake, like all their milkshakes, has a chemical taste that is simply unappetizing. You might enjoy your first sip but a few sips later, you will fully understand that you made a mistake. These things are so unnatural that you deserve a medal if you're able to drink down an entire large milkshake.
While the Strawberry Shake isn't good, their Chocolate Shake is actually the worst of the bunch. The chocolate syrup McDonald's uses is way too strong and way too synthetic. Even if you think that you love all things chocolate, you will be completely turned off by this forgettable milkshake.
The only time when you should even think about buying a milkshake at McDonald's is when they are serving the Shamrock Shake. This treat is unique enough that you should try it at least once in your life. Unfortunately, McDonald's sells their Shamrock Shake on a very limited basis.
Oreo Mint Shake from Steak 'n Shake
If you make an effort to go to Steak 'n Shake, you would probably guess that their milkshakes are really, really good. It's in the name, after all. Sadly, that is simply not the case. The bottom line is that the milkshakes at Steak 'n Shake just aren't enjoyable.
Their Oreo Mint Shake looks good but when you taste it, you won't be pleased. This milkshake is extremely minty — so much so that it's completely overwhelming. Instead of a pleasant dessert that helps you survive the day, the Oreo Mint Shake tastes like its main ingredient is toothpaste. That same lack of subtleness ruins virtually all the other milkshakes on Steak 'n Shake's menu.
The overwhelming nature of their milkshakes is also evident when you look at the caloric content. A regular Oreo Mint Shake from Steak 'n Shake has more than 700 calories. If you opt for a large, you'll be so full that you probably won't be able to eat for the rest of the day.
Moreover, Steak 'n Shake has a bad habit of taking forever to make your milkshake. If you're in a rush, skip this place completely.
Vanilla Shake from In-N-Out Burger
The burgers you get at In-N-Out Burger are undeniably delicious. Their burgers are always fresh and it's obvious that each one is created with great care. Disappointingly, that same care isn't used when it comes to their milkshakes.
The Vanilla Shake tastes like it was rushed. In-N-Out Burger claims they use real ice cream in their milkshakes and while that is likely the case, that's actually part of the problem. Instead of tasting and having the consistency of a milkshake, this treat tastes like it's simply ice cream in a cup. The Vanilla Shake is so thick that it's difficult to consume with a straw. For that reason, be prepared to use a spoon if you decide to ignore our advice and order a milkshake from In-N-Out Burger.
This fast food restaurant has three flavors to select from: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. All three flavors are too much like ice cream and can't be recommended. Even if you hack the In-N-Out Burger menu and order a Neapolitan Shake, you'll still be let down.
Fresh Banana Shake from Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In has many sweet goodies that are well worth your money. From their amazing slushes to their iconic Cherry Limeade, this place can truly be your sweet tooth's best friend. Surprisingly, though, their mastery of the sugary arts doesn't extend to the world of milkshakes.
The Fresh Banana Shake is one of Sonic Drive-In's most popular menu items but it doesn't come close to meeting the high bar set by their slushes and other desserts. The shake is way too sweet, and though it contains real banana chunks, the texture of the chunks is unpleasant. Instead of being soft, the pieces of banana are so fibrous that it will manage to get stuck between your teeth. The pieces can also sometimes be a brownish color, which makes the milkshake an even less appetizing concoction.
While Sonic Drive-In has a long list of milkshakes to select from, don't mistake quantity for quality. You'd be wise to order a Cherry Limeade, slush, or virtually any other type of dessert instead.
Hot Fudge Shake from Dairy Queen
Ordering a milkshake from Dairy Queen is a risky endeavor. Sometimes, their milkshakes are stupendous. Sometimes, their milkshakes are gross. You won't know exactly what you'll get until you order it and taste it. Inconsistent mixing is a common complaint when it comes to Dairy Queen and that's exactly what plagues their milkshakes.
At its best, the Hot Fudge Shake from Dairy Queen is spectacular. It's a blend of real hot fudge, vanilla soft serve ice cream, and milk. If the milkshake is mixed properly, it becomes a thick, luscious delight. To kick the richness factor up a notch or two, consider making this bad boy a malt.
However, if the mixing process is rushed, it turns into a lumpy mess that tastes like you accidentally left a hot fudge sundae in your car overnight. Don't be afraid to order Dairy Queen's Hot Fudge Shake but do realize that you are taking a risk.
Peanut Butter Shake from Smashburger
Relatively new on the scene, Smashburger has been able to make a name for themselves thanks to their yummy burgers that use roasted chicken skin as a secret ingredient. If you love their unique burgers, it's worth driving a few extra miles to get your mitts on one. However, if you're headed to Smashburger to try their wide assortment of milkshakes, you'd be better off saving the gas money and going somewhere closer.
Smashburger's milkshakes are average to slightly above average. Considering that they use authentic Haagen-Dazs ice cream in their milkshakes, that fact is a bit disappointing. The Peanut Butter Shake is their best offering but it's not something that you'll crave. Order it if you're already at Smashburger but it's not worth going out of your way.
The other notable milkshake offered by Smashburger is the Salted Caramel Shake. While not as rich as the peanut butter version, it has a really enjoyable combination of saltiness and sweetness.
Strawberry Premium Shake from Del Taco
Del Taco isn't the first place you think about when you're daydreaming about acquiring a scrumptious milkshake, but their Strawberry Premium Shake is tasty enough that you should definitely keep it in mind. This treat uses large pieces of strawberries and some exquisite whipped cream to create the best milkshake you will find at a Mexican fast food restaurant.
If you aren't as hungry, Del Taco also offers mini shakes. Both their premium shakes and mini shakes are available in strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. The strawberry version is the best, but the other two are really good, too. If you're on a budget, it's difficult to beat the combination of a mini shake and a street taco from Del Taco.
Do you want a flavor explosion in your mouth? Order Del Taco's mini churros and then dip the churros in your milkshake. It may sound questionable but you're guaranteed to fall in love.
Raspberry Shake from Culver's
For a savory sandwich like Culver's Butterburger, a milkshake makes a great complement. Luckily, this fast food chain has a multitude of flavorful milkshakes on their menu. While their Mint Shake is really good, it's their Raspberry Shake that stands apart as the cream of the crop.
The base of this milkshake is Culver's frozen custard that is made fresh on a daily basis at each location. Culver's was born in Wisconsin so you can be confident that they use only the highest quality of dairy. Once the custard is ready, milk and raspberries are blended in. While raspberries can sometimes be sour, Culver's takes care to use the sweetest of raspberries — and your taste buds will appreciate that extra effort.
Instead of relying on heaps of sugar, Culver's allows the natural flavors to shine in their milkshakes. If other milkshakes from other fast food eateries taste too sweet or too processed to you, go here and you may discover your new favorite dessert.
Vanilla Shake from Arby's
A vanilla milkshake by its very nature isn't supposed to be exciting. Vanilla is what you turn to when you're already having a great day and you don't want anything to interrupt it. But Arby's Vanilla Shake is so good that it's actually shocking when you get your first taste.
The deep, rich vanilla flavor you are blessed with when you order this milkshake from Arby's is enjoyable to the very last drop. In fact, you may want to order two. You can drink the first one at the restaurant and then drink the second one on your way home.
Not only does Arby's have a great Vanilla Shake and some of the best roast beef around, they also have an outstanding coffee-flavored milkshake. The Jamocha Shake combines chocolate and coffee. If you need coffee to start your day, pamper yourself by picking up one of these glorious drinks from Arby's tomorrow morning.
Blueberry Milkshake from Cook Out
If you've never heard of Cook Out, don't be ashamed. This fast food chain is only available in ten states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you live in any of these states or if you ever visit any of these states, you must stop by Cook Out to try out their amazing milkshakes.
While their barbecue and burgers are popular, it is their milkshakes that cause their loyal customers to come back again and again. Their list of available milkshakes is so long and comprehensive that it's almost intimidating. The truth is that you can't go wrong with any of them. But if you want to try the best milkshake Cook Out has to offer, it's their Blueberry Milkshake. Each sip of this treat will cause your taste buds to revel in a state of bliss.
Cook Out also has a couple of specialty milkshakes that are only available at certain times of the year. In December, they have a Fresh Eggnog Milkshake that is out of this world. In the summer (July through August), Cook Out has a Fresh Watermelon Milkshake that hits the spot and can make even the hottest days completely bearable.
Bacon Milkshake from Five Guys
Sure, Five Guys has unforgettable burgers and marvelous fries, but their milkshakes are so good that they too deserve top billing. The one flavor you will either absolutely adore or find revolting is their Bacon Milkshake. Most people love it — but it's not for everyone. If you can't get over the mental image of applewood bacon being added to your dessert, then feel free to skip it. Otherwise, join the rest of us in this bacon-flavored party.
Five Guys does their milkshakes a bit different than the competition. They list ten mix-ins (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana, coffee, salted caramel, peanut butter, malted milk, Oreo pieces, and, yes, bacon) and you're free to mix and match them without paying extra. Even if you fall head over heels for the bacon, you may want to include other mix-ins in your milkshake.
Tip: Mixing peanut butter, banana, and bacon results in a wondrous milkshake. It's a combination that is so good that it wouldn't be a surprise to one day see the ghost of Elvis Presley trying it.
Chocolate Shake from Whataburger
The best chocolate milkshake that you can get from a drive-thru window can be found at Whataburger. Their Chocolate Shake has a rich chocolatey flavor that will satisfy every inch of your being. You could also get a Chocolate Malt from Whataburger and that is equally as mindblowing.
If you've never tried Whataburger's Chocolate Shake, it's most comparable to a chocolate Frosty from Wendy's. While Wendy's Frosty is too thick to qualify for this milkshake ranking, the Chocolate Shake from Whataburger has the perfect milkshake consistency while retaining its amazing richness.
When you roll up to the Whataburger drive-thru window, don't be fooled by their new Dr. Pepper Shake. Although it sounds pretty good in theory, it's thoroughly disappointing and it gets old fast. You can't even really taste the Dr. Pepper. Pass on the gimmick and go with the Chocolate Shake that tastes like it was created in dessert heaven.
Strawberry Ice Cream Shake from Jack in the Box
There's just something so hypnotically mesmerizing about the Strawberry Ice Cream Shake that you can find at your local Jack in the Box. It may not have the most genuine strawberry flavor (in fact, there are no strawberry chunks in this milkshake) and Jack in the Box isn't exactly where you turn to find culinary masterpieces — but this stuff is magical. No other strawberry milkshake on the market comes close to competing with it.
One great aspect about the Strawberry Ice Cream Shake is that it always tastes exactly the same. It could be the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere and you can order this milkshake with utmost confidence — and you'll never be disappointed. I don't know how Jack in the Box does it.
After a long night out on the town, grabbing two tacos and a Strawberry Ice Cream Shake is a fast, affordable, and yummy way to wind down.
Cookies & Cream Milkshake from Chick-fil-A
Although there are some downright fantastic milkshakes on this list, none of them can truly hold a candle to Chick-fil-A's Cookies & Cream Milkshake. This treat is what happens when the art of the milkshake has been perfected. Somewhere, Pop is smiling at what his invention has become. All you need to do is taste it and you'll be a fanatic for life.
While Chick-fil-A has other milkshake flavors — chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and sometimes peach — it's no surprise that this Cookies & Cream Milkshake is the most popular of their flavors. The vanilla base has an intense, deep flavor and the firm texture of the Oreo chunks provides crunchy pops of euphoria with each mouthful.
It's understandable that people love Chick-fil-A for their chicken. That makes all the sense in the world, as their chicken sandwiches and nuggets are beloved from coast to coast. But if you go to Chick-fil-A and leave without getting a Cookies & Cream Milkshake, that should be considered an utter failure. Don't be that dummy. When the best fast food milkshake in the country is within your grasp, grab it without hesitation.