8 Fast-Food Chains That Aren’t Serving Real Ice Cream
When it comes to cooling down with a sweet treat at your favorite fast-food joint, you might think you’re indulging in classic ice cream. However, many popular chains don’t actually serve real ice cream. Here’s a look at eight fast-food chains where the frozen desserts don’t meet the federal standards for ice cream.
1. McDonald’s
McDonald’s soft serve might surprise some fans. Despite its creamy, sweet profile, it doesn’t qualify as real ice cream. The reason? It lacks the required milkfat percentage to meet ice cream standards, making it a reduced-fat dairy dessert. This hasn’t stopped the iconic treat from being a favorite.
Millions enjoy it worldwide, often on road trips or as a refreshing break during shopping sprees. Its popularity is undeniable, and the familiar swirl is a staple of many childhood memories.
Still, while not officially ice cream, it remains a beloved part of the McDonald’s experience.
2. Wendy’s
The Wendy’s Frosty is a mystery to many — is it a milkshake or ice cream? Officially, it’s neither. This frozen delight is classified as a “frozen dairy dessert.” Though it doesn’t meet the strict ice cream criteria, its smooth, creamy texture wins hearts.
Often served alongside a burger and fries, the Frosty is a quintessential part of the Wendy’s menu. Its unique, thicker consistency makes it perfect for dipping fries, a practice adored by fans.
Whether chocolate or vanilla, the Frosty remains an intriguing and delicious treat at Wendy’s.
3. Dairy Queen
Despite its regal name, Dairy Queen doesn’t serve real ice cream cones. Their soft serve lacks the 10% milkfat threshold required to be classified as ice cream. Yet, this hasn’t deterred customers from flocking to DQ for its iconic Blizzard and cones.
The chain has made its mark with creative toppings and flavors, transforming simple treats into dessert adventures. For many, a trip to Dairy Queen is synonymous with summer fun and childhood nostalgia.
Though not technically ice cream, the soft serve is a beloved staple for DQ enthusiasts.
4. Burger King
Burger King offers sundaes and cones that many assume are ice cream. However, these are actually low-fat frozen dairy products. They don’t meet the milkfat content to be called ice cream, yet they’re a hit among dessert lovers.
The sundaes, often drizzled with chocolate or caramel, provide a sweet ending to a savory meal. The velvety texture and rich flavors keep patrons coming back for more.
Despite the technicality, fans enjoy these frozen treats as a delightful part of the Burger King menu.
5. Taco Bell
Taco Bell, known for its Mexican-inspired menu, once offered the unique Choco Taco. Although discontinued, this novelty treat wasn’t made with real ice cream but rather a frozen dessert. The Choco Taco featured a waffle cone shell filled with creamy goodness, loved by many.
Its popularity was as much about its convenience as its taste, offering a dessert option in a taco form. Fans remember it fondly, and it remains a part of Taco Bell’s quirky history.
Without traditional ice cream, the Choco Taco still managed to leave a lasting impression.
6. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s Icedream is aptly named. It’s a dreamy frozen treat that, while delicious, is not real ice cream. Designed as a lighter alternative, it’s lower in fat, fitting into the chain’s wholesome image.
Customers enjoy it in cones or as part of sundae creations. The Icedream is a perfect after-meal sweet, loved by kids and adults alike for its creamy texture.
Though not officially ice cream, it retains a special place in the hearts of Chick-fil-A fans, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
7. KFC
In some locations, KFC offers sundaes made with their soft serve, a frozen dairy product that doesn’t meet ice cream standards. Patrons often finish their meal with this sweet delight, despite it not being traditional ice cream.
These dessert cups, often adorned with rich toppings, provide a satisfying conclusion to a hearty chicken meal. The soft serve’s lower fat content fits well with KFC’s diverse menu offerings.
Even without the ice cream label, KFC’s dessert options continue to attract those with a sweet tooth.
8. Arby’s
Arby’s offers the Jamocha Shake, a favorite among coffee lovers, but it doesn’t contain real ice cream. This shake is made from a unique mix that combines coffee and chocolate flavors. Its creamy consistency is perfect for a quick indulgence.
The Jamocha Shake has a loyal following, adored for its rich taste and cooling effect. Whether paired with a roast beef sandwich or enjoyed solo, it’s an Arby’s staple.
Despite not being true ice cream, its distinctive flavor keeps customers coming back for more.