I have a confession to make. I am a chocolate milkshake addict! Seriously, Every week I whine and complain until I get my chocolate milkshake fix! It is my one fast food indulgence that I allow myself to enjoy.
Recently I was asked to do a taste test comparison between two fast food restaurant milkshakes. For my taste test, I chose the McCafe Chocolate Shake and the Real Ice Cream Chocolate Shake from Sonic.
Since I can NOT drink two full size milkshakes in one day…I enjoyed one on a Saturday afternoon and the other on a Sunday afternoon. For my taste test comparison I judged the two shakes on the following:
* Flavor Variety
* Presentation
* Taste
* Texture
* Melt Factor
So, here is what I thought about each of the two chocolate milkshakes.
McCafe Chocolate Shake by McDonald’s
Flavor Variety: I personally thought that it tasted like your run of the mill chocolate shake. I don’t get McDonald’s milkshakes often as they are typically not my preferred brand because I can only get chocolate, vanilla or strawberry unless they are running a special promo like the Shamrock Shake in March. I found the shake to be nothing special to rave about but it was good.
Presentation: It comes in your standard style disposable cup, lid and straw. The shake was finished off with a big dollop of whipped topping & a cherry on the top.
Taste: As I previously stated…it tasted like your classic fast food chocolate shake. Good but nothing I would rave about.
Texture: It was creamy, semi-thick and smooth. I didn’t experience any chunks and it was properly mixed.
Melt Factor: The shake melted super quickly because it is given to the customer in a thin plastic cup. McDonald’s needs thicker cups or foam cups to help cut down on the quick melting on a hot summer day.
Real Ice Cream Chocolate Shake from Sonic
Flavor Variety: I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of milkshakes and beverages that Sonic has to offer. Wow, their beverage menu is extensive and I have never seen a fast food restaurant with more yummy options than Sonic. I selected the Real Ice Cream Chocolate Shake from the menu so that I could adequately compared the two. You know, chocolate vs chocolate type of thing.
Presentation: Personally, I prefer Sonic’s presentation because the shake comes in a foam cup (see melt factor below) with lid & straw. Just like the previous shake, I got a nice dollop of whipped cream and a juicy cherry on top.
Taste: Well, this is really where the 2 shakes distinguish themselves. I am a milkshake fanatic and I am pretty picky about them. I found that the Sonic shake had a much richer chocolate taste to it which I prefer. I also found it to be a tad sweeter than the McCafe.
Texture: Just like the McCafe shake…it was smooth & creamy with no lumps or bumps. Beautifully mixed together.
Melt Factor: Hands down…the Sonic shake is the winner here! This is due to it being packaged in a foam cup which is insulated and better for the hot summer months!
Overall, if I had to choose a winner, it definitely would be the Real Ice Cream Chocolate Shake from Sonic based on taste and the melt factor. They were both pretty equal on presentation and texture. Hands down, Sonic has more icy cold beverage choices than McDonald’s.
With that said, if a Sonic wasn’t nearby…I would go for a McCafe Chocolate Shake but it wouldn’t be my first choice.
Disclosure: I was provided with promotional items to participate in this taste test comparison. My opinions, thoughts and ideas are 100% my own and unbiased regardless of the sponsor of this taste test. Your opinions & thoughts may differ.
I wish I could be chosen to be a tester / taster of milk shakes. I would probably die from the cholesterol overdose , but it would be worth it. I do not have a Sonic nearby, so I can’t try it.
I too Love chocolate shakes. I have never had Sonic Shakes Before..In our Small town we don’t have Sonic’s. McDonalds Chocolate Shakes taste good to me..Especially since they started adding the Whippped Cream on top /cherry!! However We Also Have a Dairy Queen in town and I love their chocolate shakes the Best. Besides the whipped cream and cherry on top they also drizzle chocolate syrup on top!!
Sonic and Braum’s have the best milkshakes in our area.
I know it’s early but now I am craving one of Sonic’s chocolate malts! Dang this diet, I have cravings just as if I were pregnant. I have never had McD’s McCafe Shake but I would have to say that real ice cream would win hands down.
Hi Robin
Hubbs and I have been on diets since January and doing really well with them. We only eat junk food or high calorie food during the weekends and then eat healthy & sensible throughout the week. It is working for us so far!
Good luck with your diet!
I love real ice cream shakes. They are SO much yummier.
I have not had a chocolate shake in so long that sounds so good and I am way over due. I have only been to Sonic once and the hambuger was soooo horrible I never ever went back but I am willing to go again to try one of their chocolate shakes. I like that you included in your review the cups that is super important in this hot weather.
So I have never been to Sonic or had one of their milkshakes. We always stop at McDonald’s for a milkshake and have always enjoyed them. And that is just crazy because there is a Sonic about halfway between our house and McDonald’s! I will definitely have to give them a try next time I get the craving for a chocolate milkshake, which should be pretty soon now that I have thought about it!
I love milkshakes and I could taste-test them any day of the week from any place! Just ask the boss lady Chris…I ream her out every week for not bringing me a chocolate milkshake back to the office. She is shameful at times like that! LOL
HAHA Yes that is true… But I cannot have them anymore, so bringing one back for you will make me sad… 🙁 But I love Sonic’s! They rock!
Don’t worry about admitting that…many of us have those chocolate, real chocolate, loves and preferences. I don’t care for McDonald’s vanilla chocolate. We categorize in my family because so many places make chocolate malts with vanilla ice cream and chocolate flavoring. Dairy Queen will make their shakes and blizzards with chocolate soft serve upon request. Sonic offers a great variety and texture. But I’m from Oklahoma, and the best thick chocolate malt is a Braum’s chocolate malt made with chocolate ice cream…you have to specify, but it’s worth it. That’s just my opinion. To each their own and I’m glad we have so many choices because sometimes I just want one of Sonic’s many flavors.
I love that you got to taste test two milkshakes. How could this not be a winner!?!
Lauren S.
Win for the tester! I agree, Lauren, great post.
I agree with you on the winner being the Sonic Milkshake. They taste so much better, and I love it when it is half off. McDonald’s is not my favorite. It tastes too fake.