Beverage

In the spring of 2021, NPR asked Americans what they most wanted to do once the pandemic ended. 28-year-old Hannah Moran knew right away: “I want to go to an old-fashioned diner and order a great big breakfast and a milkshake from a menu that I could hold in my hands and flip through and choose from.” 

She’s not the only one. Milkshakes are in high demand, whether they’re dairy-free or dairy-full, novelty-themed or old-fashioned. Hamilton Beach Commercial takes a closer look at the trends.

Pâtissez Freakshow Shakes (Image source)

Healthy milkshake? It sounds like an oxymoron. But that’s exactly what Subway offered in summer 2019 with an exclusive partnership with Halo Top Creamery: a line of hand-spun milkshakes that customers could feel good about ordering. The shakes, each with 350 calories or less, contain at least 20 grams of protein and a hefty helping of calcium.

The Halo Top milkshakes were a limited-time offering, tested in just 1,000 stores. The jury’s still out on whether the chain will make them a permanent addition to the menu — but in the meantime, we’re seeing a growing interest in milkshakes among fast-casual and QSR restaurant operators. They’re a high-dollar menu item with universal appeal, both as a meal add-on and a snack for the in-between dayparts.

Hamilton Beach Commercial dives deep into global milkshake trends: novel flavors, vegan shakes, fresh presentations and alcoholic kicks.