Best Fast-Food Milkshakes, Ranked From Worst to First

Milkshakes are one of life’s biggest pleasures. But which fast-food chain makes the best?

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.

10. McDonald’s

Molly M. / Yelp

Year founded: 1940

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

No. of states with a franchise: 50

Bottom Line: McDonald’s

Aaron S. / Yelp

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.

9. Burger King

Gabriel T. / Yelp

Year founded: 1954

Headquarters: Miami, Florida

No. of states with a franchise: 50

Bottom Line: Burger King

Annie T. / Yelp

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.

8. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

Year founded: 1948

Headquarters: Irvine, California

No. of states with a franchise: 6

Bottom Line: In-N-Out Burger

Helen N. / Yelp

We hate to do this to In-N-Out, but the truth is the truth. These shakes are decent, but the chain clearly puts no effort into them, simply offering three flavors.

We won’t even tell you which ones because you already know them. Yawn.

7. Chick-fil-A

Ashley C. / Yelp

Year founded: 1946

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

No. of states with a franchise: 48

Bottom Line: Chick-fil-A

Jessica A. / Yelp

We know a lot of people are going to be enraged by this, but we don’t think Chick-fil-A’s milkshakes are anything to write home about. We appreciate the whipped cream topping. But it doesn’t make up for the uninspired flavor underneath.

Plus, this fast-food chain is constantly embroiled in controversy, and drama is as tasteless as its shakes.

6. Five Guys

Hazel Nicholson / Wikimedia Commons

Year founded: 1986

Headquarters: Lorton, Virginia

No. of states with a franchise: 50

Bottom Line: Five Guys

Gary L. / Yelp

We’re typically big fans of Five Guys, ranking the chain highly for its burgers and fries. But we have to admit milkshakes are its weak point. Not that they’re bad, but they are pricy and don’t deliver anything special.

Plus, the chain offers a bacon milkshake, and that’s just a crime against decency and the human body.

5. Wendy’s

Christine I. / Yelp

Year founded: 1969

Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio

No. of states with a franchise: 50

Bottom Line: Wendy’s

Aleana W. / Yelp

Listen, we know Wendy’s frosty shakes aren’t the fanciest out there. But there’s just something about their thick simplicity that is irresistible.

Between the big three (Wendy’s, McDonald’s and Burger King), we’d go for a frosty every time.

4. Dairy Queen

mike fabio / Flickr

Year founded: 1940

Headquarters: Bloomington, Minnesota

No. of states with a franchise: 49

Bottom Line: Dairy Queen

Megan A. / Yelp

Dairy Queen comes in to compete against burger places with its absolutely delicious shakes. You’ll get some of the most varied flavors in the fast-food game, all for pretty reasonable prices.

The only problem with these shakes is they have to stand on their own because we don’t recommend ordering Dairy Queen’s burgers or fries.

3. Steak ‘n Shake

Celia C. / Yelp

Year founded: 1934

Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana

No. of states with a franchise: 28

Bottom Line: Steak ‘n Shake

Jennifer P. / Yelp

Offering over 15 flavors, Steak ‘n Shake will make it difficult for you to choose a milkshake — all the more reason to come back and try every flavor!

But the chain doesn’t just deliver in quantity. The quality of these shakes competes with those of fast-casual restaurants like Fuddruckers.

2. Sonic Drive-In

Michael N. / Yelp

Year founded: 1953

Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

No. of states with a franchise: 46

Bottom Line: Sonic

Jacqueline T. / Yelp

Sonic milkshakes are famous throughout the country for their deliciousness. Legend has it that they’re hand-mixed and made with actual ice cream, which convinces people to pay double what they do at other fast-food joints. You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to flavor; plus, every shake has whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Want our advice? Try the strawberry cheesecake master shake. It’s just too good.

1. Shake Shack

Carolina T. / Yelp

Year founded: 2001

Headquarters: New York City, New York

No. of states with a franchise: 12

Bottom Line: Shake Shack

Faye L. / Yelp

Shake Shack, as a whole, tends to blow other fast-food places out of the water. It delivers on quality and speed, and its shakes are so good, our mouth waters just thinking about them.

Sure, the joint doesn’t offer as many flavors as the runner-ups, but it doesn’t have to. Once you’ve tried the black and white shake, other fast-food milkshakes will never hit the same.

For the best fast-food ice cream treats, check out “Best Fast-Food Ice Cream Treats You’ll Want to Devour.”