13 Fast Food Milkshakes, Ranked Worst To Best

When it comes to fast food, some choices are no-brainers — a cheeseburger, a side of fries, perhaps even a chicken nugget or two. But the decision becomes less clear-cut when you roll up to the drinks section. Soda might be the default choice for many, but there's another contender that's hard to ignore: the milkshake.

The range of milkshake offerings at fast food spots is astonishingly diverse. Some stick to the tried and tested flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry while others venture into more adventurous territories, providing a rotating carousel of inventive combinations. Navigating this landscape can be a sweet challenge. After all, even though a milkshake essentially boils down to ice cream spun into a drinkable treat, there are definitely standouts and let-downs in this fast food category. When evaluating our favorite milkshakes, we considered each restaurant's flavor options, taste, consistency, and unique aspects.

We believe a good milkshake is more than a mere add-on to your meal; it can be the show's star. A perfect blend of rich creaminess, a hint of frostiness, and that distinct nostalgic vibe — a well-made milkshake can transform your meal and evoke nostalgia. But not all shakes are created equal. The thickness can vary, the balance of sweetness tilting from delightful to sugar overload, and the flavors offering more than just the holy trinity of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. And when it comes to ranking, that's where things get interesting.

There's an undeniable charm to Sonic, steeped in nostalgia with its signature drive-in feel. From the pleasingly crunchy nugget ice to the sheer variety of flavors and flavor combinations available, there's plenty to love. The menu teems with intriguing options such as the Strawberry Cheesecake Shake, appealing to adventurous taste buds and traditionalists alike.

However, even with this impressive assortment, Sonic's shakes fall short in a vital area: consistency. The texture of a milkshake can make or break the experience, and unfortunately, Sonic's shakes have a tendency to be unpredictable. This is a significant drawback, especially for those who prefer their shakes to maintain a specific consistency.

Whether you like your shake to be thick and creamy or prefer a thinner, easier-to-sip concoction, consistency is key. At Sonic, this particular attribute can be hit-or-miss. When that friendly hand extends out of the drive-thru window to pass you your eagerly awaited treat, there's an element of suspense. Will the shake be just right, or will it swing too far on the spectrum of thickness or thinness?

McDonald's is practically synonymous with fast food. Beyond its famous burgers and fries, many of us hold cherished memories of sipping a creamy vanilla shake alongside a Happy Meal, engrossed with a shiny new toy. The McDonald's vanilla shake is an entity unto itself; it carries a distinctive flavor that has managed to captivate our palates over the years, even inspiring toy companies in the '90s to create toys that could make candied versions of these beloved menu items.

But even with these nostalgic ties, McDonald's doesn't quite hit the mark when it comes to the complexity of milkshake flavors. Aside from the occasional introduction of a seasonal item, its milkshake menu remains quite basic. Classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry may satisfy the traditionalist, but those seeking a bit of excitement in those milkshakes might find the options somewhat underwhelming (its recent Grimace Shake promotion notwithstanding).

A common issue, and a running joke amongst fast-food lovers, is that McDonald's ice cream machines always seem to be broken. This unpredictable variable can be quite disappointing when you're in the mood for a chilled, sweet treat.

While it's mainly known for its burgers, Whataburger invites you to stay a bit longer for a creamy milkshake treat. With a few unique offerings on the menu, such as the currently featured Banana Pudding Shake, it brings a distinctive twist to the milkshake landscape. There have also been such fun flavors as a Dr. Pepper Milkshake, and while appreciate this nod to creativity, it's a bit of a one-off since the rest of the menu largely adheres to traditional milkshake flavors like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and their malted counterparts.

In terms of texture, Whataburger's shakes lean towards the overly creamy side, leading to a concoction that can feel a bit too thick for some. This inclination towards extreme creaminess can eclipse the overall enjoyment, transforming what should be a light, sweet indulgence into a heavier affair. Moreover, when it does venture into unique flavors, there's a chance the taste can veer towards artificial. While the ideas are intriguing, the execution doesn't always hit the sweet spot.

In-N-Out delivers a delightful sense of nostalgia with its classic atmosphere. Its refreshingly simple menu harks back to a time when burger joints offered just that: burgers, fries, and drinks. Its milkshake, made with real ice cream, delivers a satisfyingly thick and creamy texture that acts as the perfect counterbalance to a mouthwatering cheeseburger and crisp fries.

However, where it falls short is in its limited flavor offerings. The classic trifecta of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla may be sufficient for those seeking traditional milkshake comfort, but for those with a more adventurous palate, these options may seem a tad restrictive.

While its shakes stay true to the original fast-food ethos, the lack of variety can leave some customers yearning for something a little more unique. The conventional flavors it serves are done well, but if you're in the mood for a more extravagant milkshake experience, you may need to seek your sweet satisfaction elsewhere.

Well-known for its thirst-quenching lemonade, Chick-fil-A has become a beloved stop for a refreshing citrus hit. However, its sweet drink repertoire extends beyond this classic favorite. Chick-fil-A's milkshakes stand out due to their unique base component, Ice Dream, which is similar to ice cream but falls just short in butterfat content to earn the official ice cream label. This distinctive foundation makes Chick-fil-A milkshakes subtly different from the standard offering.

In addition to its traditional flavors, Chick-fil-A scores points for its revolving lineup of seasonal options, adding a dash of intrigue to the milkshake menu. We, for instance, always look forward to the juicy Peach Milkshake. However, these unique aspects may not appeal to everyone. If you have a strong preference for classic ice-cream-based shakes, Chick-fil-A's unique twist might not be to your liking. Additionally, its shakes are known to tip the sweetness scale quite a bit, which could be overwhelming for those who prefer a more balanced flavor profile.

With the word shake right there in its name, it's no surprise that Shake Shack delivers when it comes to this frozen treat. Living up to its moniker, it serves up a range of exquisite milkshakes that go beyond the conventional flavors.

Here, you'll find traditional favorites of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry sharing the menu with an impressive roster of rotating, inventive options. From an Oreo Cookie Funnel Cake Shake to a Triple Chocolate Brownie Shake, Shake Shack constantly keeps things interesting and flavorsome on the shake front. Plus, occasionally, there are offerings where you can earn a free milkshake by ordering other specific items, like a Veggie Shack. 

But perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of Shake Shack's milkshake menu is its inclusivity. By offering non-dairy shakes, it ensures that those who prefer or need to avoid dairy products can still partake in the delightful shake experience it offers. Even though the dairy-free offering may be easier on some stomachs, it still packs a punch in the calorie arena with the chocolate shake containing 750 calories and the dairy-free one having 850 calories.