Are Five Guys Milkshakes Worth the Hype?

Five Guys is famous for burgers and fries. But their milkshakes have a loyal following too. The question is simple: are they actually worth the money and the calories?

I have tested them multiple times. I also compared them to what you can make at home. Here is the honest, complete breakdown.

What Makes a Five Guys Shake Different?

The biggest difference is the mix-ins. You get them free, and you can add as many as you want. That is unusual. Most places charge extra for a handful of crushed cookies.

The base shake itself is thick and creamy. It is not a thin, sippable drink. You will likely need a spoon for the first few minutes.

They use a standard soft-serve style ice cream base. Then they blend it with your chosen toppings. The result is a dense, cold treat that holds its shape.

The Menu: Simple, But Overwhelming

The menu is a list of base flavors. You pick one, like chocolate or strawberry. Then you pick mix-ins from a separate list.

Mix-ins include bacon, Oreos, bananas, and peanut butter. You can also add malt powder. The combinations are nearly endless.

Here is the catch: you do not get to choose the quantity. The staff adds a generous scoop of each requested mix-in. That sounds great, but it can get messy.

Bacon in a Milkshake: Does It Work?

Yes, and it is not a gimmick. The salty, crispy bits cut through the sweet cream. It tastes like a salted caramel dessert, but with actual texture.

I was skeptical the first time. Now I order it regularly. Just be aware that the bacon gets chewy if you let the shake sit too long.

Texture and Consistency: The Real Test

A great shake needs to be thick but still drinkable. Five Guys nails this balance most of the time. It is thick enough to stand a straw up in, but it melts enough to sip.

However, consistency varies by location. I have had shakes that were nearly solid and required a fork. I have also had one that was runny and melted fast.

The mix-ins change the texture too. Crushed Oreos add grit. Bananas make it smoother. Peanut butter makes it heavier and almost chewy.

The Price Question: Cheap or Expensive?

Prices vary by region, so check your local store. Generally, a small shake is comparable to a fast-food combo meal drink. It is not a bargain, but it is not outrageous either.

You pay for the premium ice cream base and the free mix-ins. Compared to a specialty ice cream shop, it is actually a good deal. Compared to a McDonald’s McFlurry, it is pricier.

The value depends on how you look at it. You get a massive, customizable dessert for a mid-range price. If you load it with toppings, the value improves.

Calories and Nutrition: The Honest Talk

This is not a health food. A small shake with mix-ins can easily top 700 calories. A large with multiple mix-ins can exceed 1,000 calories.

That is a meal, not a treat. If you are watching sugar intake, this is a once-in-a-while splurge. There is no sugar-free option or light base.

One positive note: the ingredients are real. You can see the ice cream, the actual fruit, and the real peanut butter. There are no mystery powders or artificial flavor syrups in the base.

Portion Size: Bigger Than You Think

The small is actually quite large. It comes in a standard paper cup, but it is filled to the brim. The large is huge and often needs two hands.

Most adults will struggle to finish a small. A large is best shared by two or three people. Do not oversize just because it is only a dollar more.

I recommend the small. It is enough for one person, and it stays cold longer because there is less surface area to melt.

How It Compares to a Homemade Shake

You can make a good shake at home with ice cream and milk. But most home blenders struggle with thick, frozen mixtures. You end up with a soupy mess or a chunky slush.

A dedicated drink mixer solves that problem. The Vitamix blender handles thick shakes well, but it is expensive. A cheaper, focused tool works just as well for this one job.

The Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster Retro Milkshake Maker is a solid option. It uses a 28-ounce stainless steel cup. The two speeds let you start slow to break up cookies, then go fast to whip it smooth.

The tilt-back head makes adding mix-ins easy. You do not have to stop the motor and dig around with a spoon. The spindle detaches for dishwasher cleaning.

Homemade shakes cost less per serving. You control the sugar and the mix-in quality. But you have to buy the machine and store it.

The Verdict: Worth It or Not?

Yes, Five Guys milkshakes are worth trying. They are not the best shakes in the world, but they are consistently good. The free mix-ins and thick texture set them apart from fast-food rivals.

The downsides are real. Prices have crept up. Calorie counts are high. Quality varies between stores.

If you want a guaranteed good shake without leaving the house, consider making your own. A simple countertop appliance gives you repeatable results.

For the occasional treat, the drive-thru is fine. For weekly shakes, buy a mixer and perfect your recipe. Both options beat a sad, watery fast-food shake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a milkshake without mix-ins?

Yes. You can order a plain vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry shake. The staff will not force mix-ins on you.

Are the mix-ins really free?

Yes. Five Guys does not charge extra for mix-ins. You can add as many as you want for the base price.

What is the best mix-in combination?

Bacon and chocolate is a classic. Oreo and peanut butter is rich. Banana and strawberry is fruity. Try malt powder with vanilla for a old-school flavor.

Can I order a milkshake for delivery?

Yes, but it will likely arrive melted. The shake is thick when made, but delivery time ruins the texture. Pick it up in person if you can.

Is the Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster hard to clean?

No. The spindle and cup are dishwasher safe. The head wipes down with a damp cloth. It takes less than a minute to clean by hand.

Does the DrinkMaster make thick shakes?

Yes, if you use the right ratio. Use about 2 cups of ice cream and 1/4 cup of milk. Start on low speed, then increase to high for 30 seconds.

Check the current price on Amazon if you are interested. It is a practical purchase for shake lovers.