You know the adage, I scream, you scream, and we all scream for ice cream. If a scoop of this sweet treat doesn’t sound appealing, a milkshake, especially one from your favorite fast-food chain, might.
A milkshake is typically made with milk, ice cream, and flavoring to achieve a thick and creamy texture. However, not every brand makes theirs with real ice cream. According to the Food and Drug Administration, real ice cream must contain at least 10% milk fat. Unfortunately, some fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s, do not meet this criterion for real ice cream, which is why they cannot call their shakes milkshakes.
1. The Shake Shack
Shake Shack’s milkshakes are made with real ice cream, real cane sugar, and cage-free eggs. Furthermore, the ice cream is made in-house daily, so you can always expect a fresh, delicious batch. The most popular flavors at the chain include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookies and cream, with specialty flavors changing with the seasons.
2. Sonic
Sonic’s cherry limeade is famous, but that doesn’t mean the milkshakes aren’t tasty as, well. Customers have come to know and love the thick and creamy consistency of the chain’s milkshakes made with 100% real ice cream. Aside from the traditional chocolate and vanilla, specialty flavors include Oreo Cheesecake, Reese’s Peanut Butter, and Strawberry Cheesecake.
3. Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets’ retro, old-school diner vibes are popular, but its milkshakes are some of the best. All are hand-dipped and hand-spun, using premium vanilla ice cream and whole milk. So on your next visit, order a milkshake in addition to a burger and fries — and don’t forget to get an adjustable paper cap to add to the fun.
4. Arby’s
Instead of a roast beef sandwich, try one of Arby’s popular milkshakes, made with real ice cream and extra thick and creamy.
5. In-N-Out
In-N-Out is best known for its burgers and fries, but the chain also serves simple classic milkshakes with a devoted following. The flavors are simple: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—but they are all made from real ice cream. If you’ve never dipped a french fry in a milkshake, you will after tasting this one.
6. Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery has some of the best ice creams, whether you like or love. The chain’s ice cream, made with 12 to 14% butterfat, has earned the title of premium, and it’s the same real ice cream used in its milkshakes. They are available in various flavors, such as Very Vanilla, Oh Fudge!, and Savory Strawberry.
7. Bruster’s
Bruster’s offers 24 constantly changing ice cream flavors made fresh from premium ingredients in their stores every day. People adore the ice cream used in its milkshakes, which are spun to a thick and creamy consistency. Bruster’s is a Pennsylvania-based chain, but it’s not one you’ll want to miss the next time you’re in the area.
Read more: Top 8 Sandwich Chains With the Most Food Quality Complaints