Let's dive into the world of fast food and uncover the sweet secrets of ice cream. It's time to explore which chains offer a truly indulgent frozen treat.
The Ice Cream Conundrum
Not all ice creams are created equal, especially when it comes to fast food chains. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets strict standards for what constitutes 'real' ice cream, with benchmarks for milkfat content and overrun. These standards ensure a creamy, rich texture, but many fast food chains fall short, offering 'frozen dairy desserts' instead.
Uncovering the Cream of the Crop
So, which chains rise to the challenge and serve the real deal? Here's a list of fast food restaurants that offer high-quality ice cream experiences:
Culver's: A Wisconsin Delight
Culver's, with its nearly 40-year history, is a Wisconsin gem. Their frozen custard, a subset of ice cream, meets the FDA's standards with a minimum of 10% butterfat and a maximum of 100% overrun. The custard is made in small batches daily, using farm-fresh dairy and a simple ingredient list: milk, cream, skim milk, and sugar. Culver's custard is versatile, offering scoops, shakes, sundaes, and even Concrete Mixers with a variety of toppings.
In-N-Out Burger: Old-Fashioned Charm
In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast favorite, takes pride in its real ice cream milkshakes. Their milkshakes are made with a simple ingredient list, focusing on milk, cream, and sugar. The chain aims to preserve the old-fashioned techniques of classic American burger stands, offering chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: A Custard Haven
Freddy's, with over 500 locations, is dedicated to frozen custard. The chain's founders, inspired by their local custard shops, wanted to share this treat with the nation. Freddy's offers a range of custard options, from sundaes and concretes to shakes and Frosts, a frozen beverage topped with custard.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store: Premium Promise
Braum's combines dining and shopping like no other. Their 'Premium' ice cream is not just a marketing tactic; it has a higher butterfat content and a lower overrun percentage. Braum's takes dairy procurement seriously, with its own private dairy farm, ensuring milk reaches local stores within 36 hours. Their ice cream flavors, including German Chocolate and Bordeaux Cherry Amaretto, are churned the old-fashioned way.
Steak 'n Shake: Milkshake Extravaganza
Steak 'n Shake, established in 1934, has an extensive milkshake menu. With over 19 milkshake options, including fruit, chocolate, and bakery-inspired flavors, Steak 'n Shake offers a unique experience. In 2022, their milkshakes gained attention for being served with paper straws, an environmentally conscious choice.
Shake Shack: East Coast Favorite
Shake Shack, an East Coast staple, uses frozen custard in its simple scoops, soda floats, and hand-spun milkshakes. Their custard contains 10% milkfat and 1.4% egg yolk solids, ensuring a rich and creamy texture. Shake Shack has offered limited-time seasonal flavors, adding a touch of exclusivity to their menu.
Smashburger: Häagen-Dazs Delight
Smashburger is known for its smashed beef patties, but their milkshakes are a hidden gem. Each shake is made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, classified as 'Super Premium' with the highest butterfat and lowest overrun. The hand-spun milkshakes come in classic flavors, offering an indulgent experience.
BurgerFi: Custard Indulgence
BurgerFi, with its grass-fed beef specialty, offers Custard Shakes made with whole milk, cream, sweetener, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. They claim their custard is one of the most indulgent dessert recipes, and their signature flavors, including Vanilla and Strawberry, certainly live up to that promise.
Defining High-Quality Ice Cream
To determine the highest quality ice cream, we considered technical classifications, ingredient transparency, and the simplicity of ingredients. Fast food chains on this list serve real ice cream or frozen custard, meeting or exceeding the FDA's standards. We also prioritized chains with a wide reach, serving affordable food in counter-service or drive-thru settings.
Final Thoughts
Ice cream at fast food chains can be a delightful surprise, offering a premium experience. From frozen custard to 'Super Premium' ice cream, these chains showcase their dedication to quality. So, the next time you're craving a sweet treat, consider exploring these options for a truly indulgent experience.
