Milkshakes are no longer just a classic diner drink. In 2026, milkshake trends reflect wider food trends, beverage trends, and dessert trends as brands experiment with flavours, formats, and new consumption occasions.
Are Milkshakes Still Popular?
Milkshakes are still very popular, but the way people enjoy them has changed. Instead of being only a treat for children or fast-food menus, milkshakes are now part of premium desserts, café menus, and social media moments.
Another reason milkshakes remain relevant is flexibility. They work as desserts, snacks, and sometimes even meal replacements. This adaptability helps milkshakes stay aligned with changing consumer habits and modern beverage trends.
What Are the Top 10 Milkshake Flavors?
Milkshake flavours in 2026 combine classic favourites with trend-driven innovation. These flavours often reflect dessert trends, ice cream trends, and popular ingredients seen across menus and social platforms.
Classic Chocolate and Vanilla
Chocolate and vanilla remain the most ordered milkshake flavours. Their familiarity makes them safe choices, especially when paired with premium ingredients or creative toppings.
Strawberry and Mixed Berry
Fruit-based milkshakes continue to perform well, especially in warmer months. These flavours feel lighter and connect with freshness-driven food trends.
Oreo and Cookie-Based Milkshakes
Milkshakes inspired by Oreo trends and cookie trends are extremely popular. Crushed cookies, cookies-and-cream blends, and layered textures add indulgence and visual appeal.
Caramel and Salted Caramel
Caramel flavours add richness and depth. Salted caramel milkshakes feel indulgent without being overly sweet, making them popular with adult consumers.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Combos
This flavour combination continues to grow due to its strong dessert appeal and satisfying texture.
Coffee and Mocha Milkshakes
Coffee-flavoured milkshakes connect milkshakes with café culture and evolving beverage trends, especially among younger adults.
Banana and Tropical Flavours
Banana, coconut, and tropical blends offer a nostalgic feel while also supporting smoothie-style formats.
Matcha and Green Tea
Matcha milkshakes reflect interest in global flavours and evolving dairy trends.
Vegan Chocolate and Plant-Based Options
Plant-based milkshakes using oat, almond, or soy milk are growing as milk trends shift.
Limited Edition and Seasonal Flavours
Short-term flavours tied to seasons or events drive excitement and repeat purchases.
Milkshake sales statistics and market Performance
Milkshake sales have shown steady growth over the past few years, supported by rising demand for indulgent drinks, premium desserts, and social media-friendly formats. The category continues to benefit from its position between beverages and desserts.
Milkshake Market Performance in 2025
In 2025, growth became more balanced. While indulgent milkshakes remained popular, lighter options and plant-based formats gained traction, reflecting evolving milk trends and dairy trends.
Milkshake Market Performance in 2024
In 2024, milkshake sales were supported by strong social media influence. Viral recipes, branded ingredients such as Oreo, and visually rich toppings helped turn milkshakes into shareable experiences rather than simple drinks.
Milkshake Market Performance in 2023
In 2023, the milkshake category continued to grow, driven by premiumisation and menu expansion. More cafés, dessert bars, and fast-casual chains added milkshakes, often with upgraded ingredients and higher price points.
Milkshake Market Performance in 2022
In 2022, milkshake sales recovered strongly as consumers returned to foodservice and out-of-home dining. Milkshakes benefited from post-pandemic comfort food demand and increased interest in classic dessert drinks.
Overall Market Outlook
From 2022 to 2025, milkshakes proved resilient across economic cycles. Their ability to adapt to dessert trends, beverage trends, and changing consumer expectations continues to support long-term market performance.
Milkshakes Consumer Trends
Milkshake consumption varies by region, but common themes appear across markets.
Milkshake Trends in the United States
In the US, milkshakes are strongly linked to indulgence and nostalgia. Oreo trends and cookie trends play a big role, especially in fast casual and dessert-focused chains.
Milkshake Trends in Canada
Canadian consumers respond well to seasonal milkshakes, particularly during summer. There is also growing interest in premium and plant-based options.
Milkshake Trends in the United Kingdom
In the UK, milkshakes are popular in cafés and dessert bars. Coffee-inspired milkshakes and hybrid drinks reflect evolving beverage trends.
Milkshake Trends in Australia
In Australia, milkshakes are closely connected to warm-weather dining. Ice cream trends strongly influence flavour choices and formats.
Milkshake Formats and Occasions Driving Growth
Milkshake growth is not only about flavour. Format and usage occasions play an important role.
Classic Diner-Style Milkshakes
Traditional thick milkshakes remain popular due to nostalgia and comfort. These formats support classic dessert trends.
Premium Dessert Milkshakes
Over-the-top milkshakes with whipped cream, sauces, and toppings turn drinks into full desserts. These perform well on social media.
Ready-to-Drink and Takeaway Milkshakes
Convenient formats support busy lifestyles and expand milkshakes beyond dine-in occasions.
Health-Adjacent and Lighter Milkshakes
Lighter milkshakes with lower sugar or plant-based milk align with modern dairy trends and milk trends.
How Brands Can Use Tastewise to Track Milkshake Trends
Understanding milkshake trends requires more than observation. Data plays a key role.
Identifying Rising Milkshake Flavors
Tastewise helps brands see which flavours are gaining interest across menus, retail, and social conversations.
Tracking Ingredient and Format Shifts
Brands can monitor changes in milk usage, plant-based adoption, and premium toppings connected to dairy trends.
Turning Insights Into Action
Tastewise turns real consumer behavior into insights that help brands launch relevant products faster and with more confidence.
Summary
Milkshake trends in 2026 show how a familiar drink continues to evolve through flavour innovation, new formats, and cultural relevance. By connecting dessert trends, beverage trends, and Gen Z beverage trends, milkshakes remain a powerful driver of growth.
FAQs
Chocolate remains the most popular milkshake flavour, followed by vanilla and Oreo-based options.
Yes, milkshake businesses can be profitable due to high margins, especially when focused on premium formats.
A good milkshake balances texture, flavour, and temperature while using high-quality ingredients.
Some luxury milkshakes include premium ingredients like rare chocolate or gold toppings and can cost hundreds of dollars.
Green milkshakes often contain matcha, mint, or plant-based ingredients and may signal health or global flavour trends.
A black and white milkshake usually combines chocolate and vanilla flavours.
TikTok trends include Oreo milkshakes, extreme toppings, and visually layered dessert drinks.
Tastewise tracks real-time consumer data to reveal rising flavours, formats, and occasions early.
