Everyone has their own opinion about where the best milkshake is from when it comes to fast food chain restaurants. We all have our personal favorites, but many of us haven’t tried enough places to know if there’s something better out there. Because of this, I compiled this list based on where I would be likely to go if I wanted a milkshake on a whim. I also thought about pricing. After all, I am a college student and have to buy new books twice a year. My friends and I decided to try fast food milkshakes from multiple establishments to determine which ones are actually the best. We ultimately ranked the milkshakes based on price, flavor variety, consistency, and taste. Check out all of our favorites below.
10. Five Guys
Five Guys shakes aren’t bad at all. In fact, they’re pretty delicious. They have a range of flavors from simple vanilla to the more unexpected, such as bacon mix-in options. At $6.95 per milkshake, they run a bit high in price. For those of you who enjoy a milkshake at almost soft-serve consistency, this is the shake for you.
9. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is known for their thick milkshakes, otherwise known as Frostys. They have their classic chocolate and vanilla milkshakes ranging from junior size to large. Prices range from $0.99 to $3.99, so it’s definitely better for your budget. You can’t go wrong with a classic that also pairs well with Wendy’s fries.
8. Arby’s
Arby’s milkshakes are similar to Wendy’s milkshakes. They offer classic flavors, vanilla, and chocolate, as well as their well-known Orange Cream and Jamocha options. They have the same thick consistency as the others listed previously and start at $3.49 This is ideal for sipping after a long day at class as a nice little treat.
7. Shake Shack
Shake Shack has some fantastic flavor options made with their rich house-made custards. They range from seasonal flavors, such as their current Tiramisu and Creamsicle choices to the classics. Beyond those, they also have Cookies and Cream, Black & White, and you can even make your milkshake malted. Their fast food milkshakes are smooth, creamy, and delicious. Shake Shack’s shakes are a bit more expensive, though, starting at $7.19.
6. Burger King
There are plenty of milkshake options to grab from Burger King. Grab a classic vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake for $4.99, or opt for the specialty OREO or chocolate OREO flavor for $5.49 each. Sometimes they have limited-time shake flavors, so make sure to keep up!
5. BurgerFi
BurgerFi has a wide variety of fun flavors, including, but not limited to Red Velvet, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Black + White, Strawberry, Cookies + Cream, Coffee Mocha, and Banana Churro. They aren’t too thick, but they still have that creamy taste every milkshake needs. BurgerFi makes milkshakes, floats, and even malts. They’re a bit pricier–$6.49 for one size– but worth it if you want a more unique flavor.
4. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic shakes are great, and they are extra special because they are hand-mixed. Starting at $5.72 for a small shake, you can get a simple strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla shake, or grab a Hot Fudge, Caramel, Fresh Banana, or Peanut Butter flavor to “shake” things up. You’ll get your shake with whipped cream and a cherry on top. What could be more perfect?
3. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is a definite fast food dessert favorite. If you haven’t tried a Blizzard, you haven’t lived yet! If you are looking to sip your ice cream instead of with a spoon, DQ offers a variety of shakes starting at $3.99 from vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, all the way to hot fudge, banana, and caramel mocha chip. You can even add malt flavor, as well as get frozen hot chocolate at DQ.
2. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is known for its creamy and classic flavors that are topped with whipped cream and a cherry. They definitely have the cheaper milkshakes and come in just two sizes, small ($3.85) and large ($4.35), but they still taste delicious. They only have four flavors—chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and cookies & cream—but they have also been known to make a peppermint milkshake during the holidays, and a peach shake for the summer.
1. Steak ‘n Shake
Overall, Chick-fil-A and Steak ‘n Shake were close contenders for the number one spot. Steak ‘n Shake won the top spot in my opinion because of the variety of flavors offered. With 17 different flavors, ranging from classic chocolate to specialty shakes inspired by iconic candy bars, it’s a great reason for it to be the top choice.
If you want to be more adventurous with your milkshakes at home, try out some of these tricks for taking your milkshake to the next level. You really can’t go wrong with any of these fast food milkshakes on this list, though!