Not All Fast-Food Shakes Are Created Equal: These 15 Use Real Ice Cream

In the world of fast-food shakes, not all are created equal. The 15 establishments featured here stand out by using real ice cream as the base for their delightful concoctions. This commitment to quality ensures a creamy texture and rich flavor that sets them apart from the competition.

1. Culver’s

At Culver’s, the experience begins with their Fresh Frozen Custard, crafted daily in-house. This special custard forms the foundation for all their shakes and malts, ensuring a taste that is rich and creamy. The dedication to freshness and quality is apparent with every sip, offering a nostalgic nod to traditional methods. Culver’s not only promises flavor but also a delightful consistency, making each shake a treat worth indulging in. Their approach to utilizing real ingredients shines through, bringing joy to those seeking genuine taste.

2. Shake Shack

Shake Shack takes pride in serving shakes made with dense, rich frozen custard. This custard is crafted with real sugar and cream, avoiding artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup. The result is a shake that is decadently creamy and flavorful, appealing to those who crave authenticity. Set in a modern urban environment, Shake Shack offers a fresh take on a classic favorite. Their commitment to quality ingredients reflects in the taste, providing a satisfying treat that leaves a lasting impression.

3. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is known for their shakes made from freshly churned frozen custard. This process ensures an exceptionally creamy and indulgent texture, reminiscent of classic diner treats. The rich flavor and smooth consistency make each shake a delightful experience. Freddy’s dedication to quality is evident, as they craft each shake to perfection. The retro diner atmosphere adds a charming touch, transporting you back to a simpler time where taste and quality were paramount.

4. Steak ’n Shake

Steak ’n Shake stands out with their famous hand-dipped milkshakes, crafted using real ice cream. Each shake is blended to order, ensuring freshness and a perfect consistency. The classic presentation in a milkshake glass adds to the nostalgic feel, providing an authentic experience. Known for their attention to detail, Steak ’n Shake delivers shakes that are both rich and satisfying. The combination of real ingredients and a classic diner setting makes it a beloved choice among shake enthusiasts.

5. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger offers shakes made from real ice cream, available in timeless flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The simplicity of these flavors is complemented by the rich, creamy texture that only real ice cream can provide. Their shakes offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor, appealing to both the young and young at heart. The retro fast-food setting enhances the experience, making it a delightful stop for those seeking a taste of the past with modern convenience.

6. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A’s shakes feature Icedream®, a dairy-based frozen treat with a smooth texture. While not quite full-fat ice cream, it’s richer than typical soft serve, offering a unique taste experience. The creamy consistency and delightful flavors make it a favorite among many. The modern fast-food setting provides a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying this special treat. Chick-fil-A’s commitment to quality ingredients is evident, as they strive to provide a satisfying shake experience every time.

7. Five Guys

Five Guys takes milkshakes to the next level with their hand-spun creations, crafted using real ice cream. Customers can customize their shake with a variety of mix-ins, such as Oreo, peanut butter, and even bacon. This level of personalization makes each shake a unique experience, tailored to individual tastes. The casual restaurant setting adds to the relaxed vibe, encouraging experimentation and enjoyment. Five Guys’ dedication to quality and choice is reflected in their approach, making their shakes a stand-out option.

8. Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is synonymous with thick, old-fashioned shakes made from real hand-scooped ice cream. The 1950s diner ambiance enhances the experience, transporting customers back to a nostalgic era. Each shake is crafted with care, ensuring a rich and creamy texture that satisfies. Johnny Rockets’ commitment to using real ingredients is evident in every sip, making their shakes a timeless favorite. The combination of flavor, texture, and setting creates a delightful escape from the modern hustle and bustle.

9. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins offers shakes and blasts made from their iconic real ice cream flavors, blended to order. The vibrant and inviting setting makes enjoying these shakes a fun experience. Customers can choose from a wide array of flavors, each offering a unique taste journey. Baskin-Robbins’ commitment to quality is evident as they use real ice cream, ensuring a creamy and satisfying texture. Whether you prefer a classic or adventurous flavor, their shakes are crafted to delight and please every palate.

10. Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery is known for crafting shakes with real ice cream, mixed on a frozen granite slab. This unique preparation method ensures an indulgent and ultra-rich texture that is unmatched. The luxurious feel of their shakes makes them a sought-after treat. Cold Stone Creamery’s focus on quality and innovation is clear, as they provide a shake experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. The attention to detail in both flavor and texture sets them apart as a leader in the shake world.

11. Dairy Queen (When Made with DQ Soft Serve)

Dairy Queen offers shakes made with their renowned DQ soft serve. While not standard ice cream due to its milk fat percentage, the soft serve is dairy-based and notably creamier than many competitors. This creaminess provides a satisfying shake experience, enhanced by the classic fast-food setting. Dairy Queen’s dedication to quality shines through in their shakes, offering a delightful treat that appeals to a wide audience. The familiar flavors and textures make it a comforting choice for shake lovers.

12. Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In’s “Master Shakes” and “Classic Shakes” are made using real ice cream blended with a variety of mix-ins. This customization allows for a personalized shake experience, catering to diverse tastes. The retro drive-in setting adds a nostalgic charm to the enjoyment. Sonic’s commitment to quality and variety is evident, making their shakes a popular choice for those seeking both flavor and fun. The wide array of options ensures that there’s a perfect shake for everyone, making each visit a unique adventure.

13. Cook Out

Cook Out stands out with their shakes made from real ice cream, offering an impressive range of over 40 flavor combinations. This variety ensures that there is something for every taste preference. The casual Southern setting adds to the appeal, providing a relaxed environment for enjoying these creamy delights. Cook Out’s focus on quality and choice makes their shakes a favorite among many. Each shake is crafted to deliver rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it a treat that’s hard to resist.

14. Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s (Select Locations)

At select locations, Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s offers Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes made with real scoops of ice cream and milk. This approach ensures a thick, creamy texture that sets them apart from those using a soft-serve base. The casual fast-food setting provides a convenient backdrop for enjoying these indulgent shakes. Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s dedication to using real ingredients shines through, creating a shake experience that is both satisfying and memorable. The commitment to quality makes it a standout choice.

15. Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers hand-dipped shakes and malts made with real ice cream, providing a thick and creamy texture. The retro touch of their shakes adds a nostalgic element, enhancing the overall enjoyment. Set in a cozy environment, Potbelly creates an inviting atmosphere for indulging in these delightful treats. Their commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship is evident in every shake. Potbelly’s unique approach to shakes makes them a delightful choice for those seeking a blend of flavor and nostalgia.