Let's dive into the world of fast food and indulge in a sweet treat - ice cream! But not just any ice cream; we're talking about the highest quality ice cream served by some unexpected fast food chains. It's time to challenge our perceptions and explore the creamy, rich side of these quick-service restaurants.
The Ice Cream Conundrum
Did you know that not all ice cream is 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. It's all about the milkfat content and the amount of air (overrun) in the product. These standards ensure a creamy, rich texture, a benchmark that many fast food chains struggle to meet.
The Cream of the Crop
Surprisingly, some fast food chains have stepped up their game and are serving ice cream that truly fits the bill. Here's a list of chains that have earned their place in the ice cream hall of fame:
Culver's
Culver's, with its Wisconsin roots, serves frozen custard, a subset of ice cream with its own set of standards. Their frozen custard is made in small batches daily, using farm-fresh dairy and a simple ingredient list: milk, cream, skim milk, sugar, and a touch of corn syrup and egg yolks. The result? A creamy, indulgent treat available in various flavors and forms, from simple scoops to Concrete Mixers.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out, a West Coast favorite, takes pride in its real ice cream milkshakes. Their milkshakes are old-school, made with simple ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar, and topped with classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The attention to detail and preservation of classic techniques make their milkshakes a cut above the rest.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's is all about frozen custard, a passion born from the founders' love for this lesser-known treat. With over 500 locations, Freddy's offers a wide range of custard options, from sundaes to concretes and shakes. Their commitment to frozen custard sets them apart and provides a unique, high-quality experience.
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
Braum's takes dairy seriously, with its own private dairy farm ensuring fresh, high-quality milk. Their ice cream, labeled as 'Premium,' has a higher butterfat content and a lower overrun percentage, making it truly indulgent. Flavors like German Chocolate and Birthday Cake showcase the quality of their ingredients.
Steak 'n Shake
Steak 'n Shake, established in 1934, has a long history of making milkshakes with high-quality ice cream. Their extensive shake menu offers a variety of flavors, from fruit to chocolate and bakery-inspired options. In 2022, they made headlines for their environmentally conscious use of paper straws.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack, an East Coast favorite, uses frozen custard in its simple scoops and hand-spun milkshakes. Their custard contains milkfat and egg yolk solids, resulting in a creamy texture. They offer a range of flavors, including limited-time seasonal options, but have recently discontinued their concretes.
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. With simple, high-quality ingredients, they're the perfect complement to Smashburger's signature fries.
BurgerFi
BurgerFi, with its grass-fed beef specialty, serves Custard Shakes made with whole milk, cream, and egg yolks. They claim their custard is one of the most indulgent dessert recipes, and their signature flavors, like Vanilla and Strawberry, certainly live up to that reputation.
Quality Standards and Methodology
To determine the highest quality ice cream, we considered technical classifications, ingredient transparency, and the presence of simple, high-quality ingredients. We defined fast food chains as those with locations in over 10 states, offering affordable, counter-service or drive-thru dining.
In my opinion, it's fascinating how these fast food chains have elevated their ice cream game, offering a premium experience that challenges our expectations. It shows that quality can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes, a simple, well-made treat can be the highlight of a fast food experience.
