Let's talk about a sweet topic that's sure to get your taste buds tingling - the best ice cream you can find at fast food chains. Now, when it comes to ice cream, we all have our preferences, but did you know that not all ice cream is created equal, especially when it comes to the technical standards set by the FDA?
The FDA has some strict rules about what constitutes 'real' ice cream, and it's not just about taste. It's about the milkfat content and the amount of air in the product, which ensures a creamy, rich texture. And here's the twist - many fast food chains, including some big names like Chick-fil-A and Wendy's, don't quite make the cut.
So, who are the real ice cream heroes in the fast food world? Well, prepare to be surprised, because some of the chains serving up the good stuff might not be the first ones that come to mind.
The Cream of the Crop
Culver's
First up, we have Culver's, a Wisconsin-born chain with a rich dairy heritage. Their frozen custard, a subset of ice cream, is made with farm-fresh dairy and a simple ingredient list - milk, cream, skim milk, and sugar. The result? A creamy, indulgent treat with a unique Flavor of the Day, ranging from Double Strawberry to Caramel Pecan.
In-N-Out Burger
Next, we head to the West Coast with In-N-Out Burger. Their milkshakes are made with real ice cream, and they're proud of it. The ingredient list is short and sweet - milk, cream, and sugar - with a focus on preserving old-fashioned techniques. And their iconic red and white palm tree-lined cups have become a symbol of their brand.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's is all about frozen custard, and their founders' love for this lesser-known treat is evident in their extensive menu. With a vanilla or chocolate base, you can choose from sundaes, concretes, shakes, and even frozen custard sandwiched between cookies.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
Braum's takes dairy seriously, with their own private dairy farm ensuring fresh milk in just 36 hours. Their 'Premium' ice cream has a higher butterfat content and a lower overrun percentage, making it a true delight. Flavors like German Chocolate and Bordeaux Cherry Amaretto are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Steak 'n Shake
Established in 1934, Steak 'n Shake has a long history of making milkshakes with high-quality ice cream. Their menu offers a wide variety of flavors, from fruit-based to chocolatey, and even bakery-inspired. In 2022, they made headlines for their environmentally friendly paper straws, a small but significant step.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack, an East Coast favorite, serves simple scoops and hand-spun milkshakes made with frozen custard. Their menu includes classics like chocolate and strawberry, as well as limited-time seasonal flavors. However, they discontinued concretes in 2020, so you'll have to enjoy their ice cream through a straw now.
Smashburger
Smashburger is known for its smashed beef patties, but their milkshakes are a hidden gem. Made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream, classified as 'Super Premium', these shakes are ultra-rich and indulgent. The simple ingredient list of cream, milk, eggs, and sugar speaks to their quality.
BurgerFi
BurgerFi, a smaller chain, specializes in Custard Shakes made with whole milk, cream, and egg yolks. They claim their recipe is one of the most indulgent out there, and their signature flavors, like Vanilla with sprinkles and Chocolate with syrup, certainly live up to that promise.
A Deeper Dive
What makes this exploration of fast food ice cream fascinating is the variety and the stories behind each chain's commitment to quality. From frozen custard to 'Super Premium' ice cream, these chains are raising the bar and challenging our perceptions of fast food.
So, the next time you're craving a sweet treat, remember that not all ice cream is equal, and these fast food chains are serving up some seriously good stuff. It's a sweet reminder that quality can be found in unexpected places.
