Milkshake trend overview

Milkshake trends are shaking up 2025, quite literally. Once a nostalgic diner classic, milkshakes are now the center of a modern flavor revolution. From indulgent dessert drinks to protein-packed functional blends, food brands and restaurants are adapting fast to evolving consumer needs.

Milkshake trend

Trend overview

  • Social conversations about Milkshake have by year-over-year
  • of U.S. restaurants offer Milkshake dishes on their menus
  • The top consumer need driving Milkshake consumption today is
  • Milkshake is the most dominant dietary adaptation

Interested? Discover more

Trusted by
Nestle
Campbells
Givaudan
KraftHeinz
PepsiCo
Nestle
Campbells
Givaudan
KraftHeinz
PepsiCo

Milkshake Trend performance

Monitor trend developments

Track how milkshake trends evolve across social media, restaurant menus, and online recipes. Flavor conversations spike every summer, with increased experimentation in functional milkshakes, think “energy boost,” “high-protein,” and “dairy-free.”
Get Started Icon Trend

Ingredients & flavors for milkshake

Chocolate

Still the undisputed favorite. Variations like double chocolate and mocha shakes dominate menus.

Strawberry

Balances sweetness with nostalgia; often featured in retro diner themes.

Vanilla

A base flavor that adapts to every trend, from classic to sugar-free.

Matcha Green Tea

A rising star for its perceived health benefits and unique flavor.

Salted Caramel

Adds indulgent contrast and pairs well with nut-based milks.

Avocado

Seen in health-focused menus; offers a creamy, nutrient-dense twist.

Red Velvet

Drives social buzz thanks to its rich color and visual appeal.

Bubble Tea (Tapioca)

Adds texture and fun, merging two beverage trends into one.

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10

Consumer behavior: when & why people order Milkshake

Milkshakes aren’t just dessert anymore. They’re an anytime indulgence, driven by emotion, convenience, and function.
  • Peak times: Mid-afternoon (snack or energy boost)
  • Key drivers: Comfort & nostalgia
  • Rising formats: “ready-to-drink protein milkshake”, “plant-based oat shake”, “dessert-style milkshake”, “bubble tea milkshake”, “coffee-infused shake”, “functional meal shake”
Top insight: Consumers want milkshakes that balance comfort with customization, a feel-good treat that fits modern lifestyles.

Global Milkshake inspirations to watch

Your next winning dish could be inspired by Milkshake variations from around the world. Use Tastewise to track global twists and localize them for your market.
  • Ube & Taro Milkshakes – From Southeast Asia; known for natural sweetness and color.
  • Cardamom & Saffron Blends – From the Middle East; bringing a sophisticated twist.
  • Coffee & Cocoa Hybrids – From Europe; blurring lines between dessert and energy drink.
  • Berry-forward Vegan Shakes – From France; aligning indulgence with wellness.

These global variations are being reimagined for restaurant menus, frozen meals, and better-for-you retail offerings across the U.S. and beyond.

Top ingredients by popularity

Use this data to refine recipes or inspire new formats for Milkshake that tap into functional needs or nostalgic comfort.

Top claims shaping F&B trend

These top claims are shaping product launches and menu positioning in the Milkshake space. Tastewise reveals these claims in context, helping you understand not just what’s trending. but why.

How to use Milkshake data for menu innovation

Whether you're a chef, R&D lead, or brand marketer, Milkshake data is your launchpad.

For Retail:

  • Identify which flavors resonate most with your target consumers.
  • Layer claims + flavors + need-states to tell stronger product stories.
  • Spot whitespace early (e.g., high-protein vegan milkshake mix).

For Foodservice:

  • Build crave-worthy LTOs inspired by global milkshake formats.
  • Use AI to generate new recipes based on your current menu items.

For Campaigns & Content:

  • Create storytelling angles like “milkshakes that boost your mood.”
  • Anchor messaging in trending claims (sugar-free, plant-based).

Milkshake Trends and Popularity

Milkshake trends are blending nostalgia with innovation. Once a classic diner indulgence, the milkshake has evolved into a versatile drink that satisfies comfort cravings, wellness goals, and on-the-go lifestyles. From plant-based oat shakes to high-protein dessert blends, brands and operators are reimagining this creamy favorite to match today’s consumer needs.

FAQs about Milkshake Trends

  1. What is Tastewise?

    Tastewise is an AI-powered platform built for the food and beverage industry. It analyzes real-time data across social media, recipes, menus, and eCommerce to uncover what’s driving milkshake trends right now. With trillions of data points and food-specific AI, Tastewise helps teams launch products, build menus, and execute campaigns that connect with real consumer behavior.

  2. How does Tastewise help restaurants create better milkshake menus?

    Tastewise shows restaurants which milkshake ingredients, flavors, and claims are growing fastest — and why. With daily menu data and social sentiment insights, you can align your milkshake menu with what consumers actually crave: indulgence, functionality, or convenience.

  3. What milkshake trends can Tastewise predict for my market?

    With Tastewise, you can explore milkshake trends by country, region, or even zip code. The platform surfaces emerging signals in:

    • Ingredients (e.g., ube, bubble tea pearls, avocado)
    • Formats (e.g., “ready-to-drink shake”, “plant-based oat milkshake”, “functional energy shake”)
    • Claims (e.g., high-protein, sugar-free, dairy-free)

    These insights help brands and operators anticipate shifts in consumer preferences and design products that fit local market demands.

  4. Can Tastewise help with milkshake innovation for retail products?

    Absolutely. Tastewise supports retail milkshake innovation by combining real-time consumer data with Generative AI. Whether you’re developing a new ready-to-drink milkshake, a frozen mix, or a functional shake brand, Tastewise helps you:

    • Discover rising ingredients and flavor combinations

    • Validate product concepts before launch

    • Create AI-generated recipes, positioning, and content ideas

    • Connect innovation strategy with real consumer motivations

  5. How do I use Tastewise Insights for milkshake trends?

    Tastewise Insights is your go-to tool for tracking the fastest-rising milkshake trends. It provides:

    • Weekly or monthly views of top milkshake trends

    • Early signals of breakout flavors like bubble tea milkshake or coffee-infused shake

    • Instant access to trend data, seasonality, and consumer context

    Use Insights to stay ahead of market shifts and turn emerging flavor signals into ready-to-launch products and campaigns.

  6. Does Tastewise offer a free trial?

    Yes. Tastewise offers a 14-day free trial with no obligation. You’ll get:

    • One exclusive, AI-powered industry survey

    • Unlimited GenAI content generation (for menus, decks, or campaigns)

    • Early access to trend reports on vegan, sugar-free, and high-protein milkshakes

    Start your free trial today and discover how Tastewise turns real-time trend data into actionable innovation.

Get free trend reports with Tastewise Insights

Discover what's next for Milkshake, from rising flavor pairings to niche health claims. Use Insights to validate ideas, reduce guesswork, and turn insights into action. Export beautiful, data-backed reports in seconds and get your next innovation to market faster

Try it now