Top 10 Fast Food Milkshakes Ranked by Creaminess
Fast food milkshakes are more than just a side treat—they’re an indulgent, nostalgic finish to any meal. But not all shakes are created equal. Some are airy and artificial, while others are rich, velvety, and crave-worthy. To help you choose the right one the next time your sweet tooth strikes, here’s a definitive ranking of the 10 best fast food milkshakes, judged by texture, flavor, and yes—creaminess.
- Chick-fil-A – Hand-Spun Milkshake
Chick-fil-A’s milkshakes are thick, smooth, and made with real ice cream. The Cookies & Cream and Peach (seasonal) are fan favorites, with a perfectly blended texture and just enough whipped topping to balance it out.
Explore Chick-fil-A shakes - Shake Shack – Frozen Custard Shake
Shake Shack uses frozen custard, which makes their shakes extra dense and ultra-creamy. Flavors like Black & White and Strawberry are incredibly rich without being overly sweet.
View Shake Shack menu - Culver’s – Concrete Mixers
While not technically a milkshake, Culver’s Concrete Mixers are custard-based and famously thick. You’ll need a spoon instead of a straw. Choose from dozens of mix-ins like Reese’s, Oreos, or fresh fruit.
Visit Culver’s - Five Guys – Milkshake with Mix-Ins
Five Guys’ shakes are hand-spun and fully customizable with mix-ins like bacon, peanut butter, or bananas. The base shake is creamy and rich, making it a top contender for texture and versatility.
Check out Five Guys - Sonic – Classic Shake
Sonic’s shakes are ultra-smooth and come in a wide range of flavors, including Oreo Cheesecake, Strawberry Banana, and Peanut Butter Fudge. Their Master Shakes offer extra mix-ins and toppings.
Explore Sonic shakes - Dairy Queen – Blizzard Treats & Shakes
Dairy Queen’s Blizzards are thicker than shakes, but the regular shakes like Chocolate and Vanilla Malt hold their own with a smooth base and traditional flavor.
Visit Dairy Queen - McDonald’s – McCafé Shake
McDonald’s shakes are classic but lean sweeter and more airy than creamy. While not as thick as some others on this list, their Chocolate Shake and Shamrock Shake remain reliable crowd-pleasers.
See McDonald’s milkshake menu - Jack in the Box – Real Ice Cream Shakes
Jack in the Box offers classic shakes made with real ice cream, with top flavors including Strawberry, Vanilla, and Oreo. They’re simple, but satisfying, and strike a nice middle ground on creaminess. - Arby’s – Jamocha Shake
Arby’s brings something unique to the shake game with its Jamocha Shake, a mocha-coffee blend that’s smooth and flavorful. It’s lighter in texture but rich in taste. - Burger King – Hershey’s Sundae Pie Shake
Burger King’s shakes are sweet and affordable, though slightly more artificial in texture. The Hershey’s Sundae Pie Shake stands out as a dessert hybrid that’s worth trying at least once.g
Tips for Getting the Creamiest Milkshake Experience
- Ask for “extra thick” or “hand-spun” where available
- Use the restaurant’s app for seasonal or specialty flavors
- Pair with rewards or discounts using digital gift cards from apps like Fluz to maximize flavor and savings
Conclusion
From custard-based shakes at Shake Shack to fan-favorite blends at Chick-fil-A, there’s a creamy milkshake out there for every taste. Whether you like yours ultra-thick or silky-smooth, this top 10 list highlights the best options in the fast food world for a truly satisfying sip.
