Not All Fast-Food Shakes Are Made Equal, These 20 Feature Real Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent milkshakes, you know not all shakes are created equal. Some fast-food chains elevate their shake game by using real ice cream as the base. From classic custard blends to thick, flavorful concoctions, these 20 fast-food shakes stand out for their genuine ice cream foundations. Dive into the world of rich, satisfying shakes that offer more than just a sugary sip. Each chain brings something unique to the table, ensuring that every milkshake enthusiast finds their perfect match.

1. Shake Shack

Shake Shack’s shakes are nothing short of iconic, presenting a texture that borders on frozen custard. Their dedication to quality has solidified their reputation among milkshake lovers. The richness comes from the exceptional base ingredients.

The shake’s consistency is often compared to a dessert that requires some savoring. With multiple state locations, they offer a blend of nostalgia and modern-day indulgence.

Shake Shack’s use of real ice cream creates an experience that is both satisfying and memorable, with each sip offering a taste of genuine delight.

2. Culver’s

Culver’s is synonymous with frozen custard, and their shakes are a testament to this devotion. Known for their extra creamy texture, these shakes elevate the standard fast-food experience.

Their use of real dairy ensures a fresh taste that’s hard to replicate. The consistency is notably thick, making it a go-to for those who crave more substance.

Spread across the Midwest and beyond, Culver’s offers shakes that feel genuinely indulgent. Each sip is a reminder of the quality and care put into every creation.

3. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s shakes are crafted with a custard-forward approach. Known for their thickness, these shakes feel like a dessert you’ve earned.

Each shake offers a rich flavor, made possible by using real ice cream in every blend. This dedication to quality is felt with each creamy sip.

Located across multiple states, Freddy’s provides a shake experience that’s both classic and satisfying, blending nostalgia with modern taste.

4. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen has long been a staple in the shake world, largely due to their soft-serve base. When crafted, their shakes have a delightful thickness that evokes memories of childhood treats.

The real standout is the genuine ice cream flavor, avoiding any watery inconsistencies typical in some chains.

Nationwide, Dairy Queen offers a shake experience that balances tradition with the real-deal taste of ice cream, ensuring a satisfying sip every time.

5. McDonald’s

McDonald’s shakes are a classic in the fast-food world. When the machines are in working order, these shakes offer a soft-serve thickness that many grew up loving.

The taste is comforting, reminiscent of simpler times, with a creaminess that satisfies. Their availability nationwide ensures that this experience is accessible to many.

Using real ice cream as a foundation ensures that each shake brings a touch of nostalgia, making it a favorite for generations.

6. Burger King

Burger King’s shakes strike a balance with their straightforward approach. When crafted well, these shakes lean towards a creamy, soft-serve consistency.

Their use of real ice cream provides a depth of flavor that’s noticeable from the first sip. This dedication to taste sets them apart in the fast-food arena.

Available nationwide, Burger King offers a familiar shake experience that many have come to appreciate, blending simplicity with genuine ice cream goodness.

7. Sonic Drive-In

Sonic’s shakes are designed for customization, offering a thick and cold experience. Built with a genuine ice cream base, each shake can be tailored to personal preference.

Known for their variety, Sonic ensures that every shake is a unique creation, offering indulgence in every sip. The real ice cream foundation is the key to their creamy texture.

With locations nationwide, Sonic provides a shake experience that’s both personal and satisfying, catering to diverse tastes.

8. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A shakes have a smooth, soft-serve texture that’s both clean and consistent. Known for their quality, these shakes utilize real ice cream as the base.

Each shake offers a creamy experience that aligns with Chick-fil-A’s reputation for excellence. The texture is delightful, making it a favorite among many.

Available nationwide, Chick-fil-A provides a shake experience that’s both satisfying and comforting, with each sip offering genuine ice cream goodness.

9. Steak ’n Shake

Steak ’n Shake is a go-to for those craving diner-style shakes. Known for their hand-spun approach, these shakes taste authentically old-school.

The use of real ice cream provides a thick and rich texture that’s hard to beat. Each shake is crafted with care, ensuring a decadent experience.

Found in many states, Steak ’n Shake delivers a nostalgic shake experience that’s both satisfying and memorable, blending tradition with real ice cream flavor.

10. Cook Out

Cook Out’s shakes are famous for their thick and craveable nature. Known for their endless flavor options, these shakes provide a unique experience.

The use of real ice cream ensures that each shake is rich and satisfying. The variety allows for endless combinations, catering to diverse tastes.

Located in the South, Cook Out offers a shake experience that’s both indulgent and flavorful, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure.

11. Braum’s

Braum’s is a dairy-first chain, and their shakes reflect this focus. Known for their freshness, these shakes have a genuinely ice-cream-based taste.

The creamy texture is a result of using top-quality ingredients. Each shake offers a taste that’s both satisfying and authentic.

Spread across Oklahoma and neighboring states, Braum’s provides a shake experience that’s both fresh and indulgent, offering a real taste of ice cream in every sip.

12. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger’s shakes are simple and straightforward, focusing on real ice cream as the base. This simplicity results in a flavor that’s both classic and satisfying.

The texture is smooth, ensuring a delightful experience with each sip. In-N-Out’s consistent quality makes these shakes a staple for many.

Available in select states, In-N-Out offers a shake experience that’s both nostalgic and genuine, providing a taste of real ice cream without unnecessary frills.

13. Whataburger

Whataburger’s shakes are a reliable choice for late-night cravings. Known for their creamy, real-dessert feel, these shakes offer a satisfying experience.

Using real ice cream ensures a thick and indulgent texture. Each shake is crafted with care, reflecting Whataburger’s commitment to quality.

Found across Texas and the South, Whataburger provides a shake experience that’s both comforting and genuine, making it a favorite for many.

14. Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box may not be the first thought for shakes, but their creations are surprisingly thick and satisfying. The use of real ice cream provides a depth of flavor that’s often unexpected.

Each shake is crafted to offer a rich taste, making it a delightful treat. The thickness ensures a satisfying experience, blending quality with indulgence.

Spread across many states, Jack in the Box offers a shake experience that’s both surprising and delightful, showcasing the real ice cream difference.

15. Checkers/Rally’s

Checkers/Rally’s shakes are known for their bold flavors and thick texture. These shakes lean more towards a dessert experience rather than a simple drink.

The use of real ice cream provides a rich and satisfying taste. Each shake is crafted to offer a blend of indulgence and quality.

Available across many states, Checkers/Rally’s delivers a shake experience that’s both bold and satisfying, ensuring each sip is memorable.

16. Portillo’s

Portillo’s shakes are famous for their rich and unapologetically nostalgic flavor. Using real ice cream as the base, these shakes offer a depth of taste that’s hard to replicate.

Each shake is crafted to evoke fond memories, blending tradition with quality. The thick texture is a testament to their dedication to real ingredients.

Found in the Midwest and beyond, Portillo’s offers a shake experience that’s both indulgent and comforting, making each sip a treat.

17. Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a classic burger joint known for its authentic ice-cream-parlor shakes. These shakes evoke a bygone era, with a taste that’s both rich and satisfying.

Using real ice cream, each shake offers a creamy experience that aligns with their retro vibe. The texture is delightfully thick, making it a true indulgence.

With locations in multiple states, Johnny Rockets provides a shake experience that’s both nostalgic and genuine, ensuring each sip is a step back in time.

18. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins shakes are crafted from scoop-shop ice cream, ensuring a taste that’s both rich and authentic. The real ice cream base sets them apart in the shake world.

Each shake offers a texture that’s thick and indulgent, reflecting their commitment to quality. The variety of flavors ensures a unique experience every time.

Available nationwide, Baskin-Robbins delivers a shake experience that’s both diverse and satisfying, making each visit an adventure in taste.

19. Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery’s shakes begin as real ice cream, offering a thick and creamy experience. The blend of scoop-shop quality ensures a satisfying taste.

Each shake is crafted to reflect the rich flavors of their ice cream, making it a delightful treat. The texture is indulgent, offering a real sense of quality.

Found nationwide, Cold Stone provides a shake experience that’s both luxurious and genuine, ensuring each sip is a taste of real indulgence.

20. Andy’s Frozen Custard

Andy’s Frozen Custard shakes are all about the custard, delivering a thick and creamy experience. The real custard base transforms each shake into a dessert cup in liquid form.

Each creation offers a rich texture, blending quality with indulgence. The use of genuine ingredients ensures a taste that’s both satisfying and memorable.

With locations in multiple states, Andy’s provides a shake experience that’s both indulgent and genuine, making each sip a custard lover’s dream.