Best Fast-Food Milkshakes, Ranked From Worst to First

Soda at a fast-food place is nice and all, but it doesn’t come close to the perfect trifecta of burgers, fries and milkshakes. Like the Three Musketeers, this triad comes to the rescue of those who are hungry for something quick, greasy and cheap. 

Some people think of milkshakes as a bonus. But those who know better understand that the key to a good fast-food binge is a great shake. So, which shakes sog up the whole meal and which elevate it? This is our ranking of fast-food milkshakes, from worst to best.

Year founded: 1940

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

No. of states with a franchise: 50

As a whole, we think McDonald’s has one of the worst regular shakes in the fast-food industry. Go ahead, order a vanilla one, and try to tell us it’s not sugared water with a bit of texture. 

The clown manages to redeem himself with the one and only McFlurry, which is actually pretty darn good. But this treat made with soft serve and either M&M’s or Oreos isn’t technically a milkshake, so it doesn’t count in the grand scheme of milkshake rankings. 

Year founded: 1954

Headquarters: Miami, Florida

No. of states with a franchise: 50

Burger King’s shakes aren’t terrible. They’re definitely edible. But let’s do an experiment: Try to recall what they taste like. Can’t come up with anything? Us either.

And that’s because the King delivers generic shakes that at most inspire a “meh” from us.