Are the Shakes at In-N-Out Good? An Honest Review

According to the official In-N-Out website, all of their shakes are made with real ice cream, a claim that sets them apart from many fast-food competitors. This commitment to quality is a major reason to consider if the shakes at In-N-Out are good, but the real test is in the taste and texture.

Quick Summary

An in-depth review of In-N-Out's milkshakes, examining their classic and secret menu options. The article details the flavor profiles, texture, and ingredients to help diners decide which shake is the right choice for them. It also compares the shakes to others in the fast-food market.

Key Points

• Made with Real Ice Cream: In-N-Out officially states their shakes are made with real, high-quality ice cream mix, not powdered bases.

• Classic Flavors Done Well: The vanilla and chocolate shakes are consistently praised for their rich, authentic, and creamy flavor profiles.

• The Neapolitan Secret Menu Item: For those who can't choose, the Neapolitan shake blends all three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one delicious treat.

• Thick Consistency is Standard: The shakes are famously thick, sometimes requiring a spoon or time to soften before sipping through a straw.

• Polarizing Strawberry Flavor: The strawberry shake's flavor is milder and sometimes described as slightly artificial compared to its chocolate and vanilla counterparts.

• Secret Menu Customizations: Beyond the Neapolitan, you can also order a Black and White Shake (vanilla and chocolate) or a Root Beer Float.

• Competes on Quality, Not Variety: While In-N-Out's shake menu is limited, its focus on simple, quality ingredients gives it an edge over many fast-food rivals.

In-N-Out Burger has long held a cult-like following for its simple, high-quality menu, and its milkshakes are no exception. But with limited flavor options on the official menu, are the shakes at In-N-Out good enough to satisfy a wide range of tastes? The short answer is yes, for fans of a classic, old-school diner-style shake, but the experience can vary depending on your expectations and your chosen flavor.

The Classic Trio: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry

In-N-Out offers three core flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Each is made with a real ice cream mix that has a specific butterfat content, making them richer than many fast-food competitors who use less expensive powder mixes. This ingredient choice gives the shakes a distinct creaminess and thickness that is central to their appeal.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Vanilla Shake: Praised for its bold and genuine vanilla flavor, the vanilla shake is a standout. It’s sweet, rich, and creamy without tasting artificial, pairing well with the savory flavors of a burger and fries. Some reviewers even detect a hint of caramel, adding a pleasant, buttery complexity. It's a no-frills, reliable classic.
• Chocolate Shake: The chocolate shake is a fan favorite for its smooth, rich cocoa flavor. Unlike some fast-food versions that can taste chalky, In-N-Out's combines real ice cream with a quality chocolate syrup. The result is a satisfyingly decadent, diner-style flavor that transports many drinkers back in time.
• Strawberry Shake: This is often the most polarizing of the three. It has a mild, fruity flavor that some fans appreciate for its subtle sweetness. However, others find it has a slightly synthetic or artificial taste compared to the vanilla and chocolate, which can be a turn-off for those expecting a fresh fruit flavor. In 2025, In-N-Out began transitioning to natural food coloring for their strawberry shakes, which might impact the flavor profile for some customers.

Exploring the Secret Menu Shakes

For those seeking more variety, In-N-Out's secret menu offers customizable shake options that expand beyond the basic trio.

List of Secret Shake Options

• Neapolitan Shake: This iconic secret menu item blends all three classic flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—in one cup. For indecisive diners or those who love a mix of flavors, it’s a harmonious fusion that delivers a different taste with each sip. It offers the best of all worlds without a single flavor becoming overwhelming.
• Black and White Shake: A simple mix of chocolate and vanilla shakes. This combination is perfect for chocolate-vanilla swirl fans who want a richer version than a typical marble ice cream.
• Root Beer Float: Not a traditional shake, but a beloved item on the secret menu. It consists of half root beer soda and half vanilla soft-serve, offering a bubbly, creamy alternative to a standard milkshake.

The Great Comparison: In-N-Out Shakes vs. Competitors

In the crowded fast-food landscape, how do In-N-Out's shakes stack up against the competition? Their commitment to using real ice cream is a significant advantage, but their streamlined menu means they can’t compete on variety with chains like Cook Out or Shake Shack.

In-N-Out vs. Other Fast-Food Milkshakes

Feature	In-N-Out Shake	Shake Shack Shake	Wendy's Frosty
Ingredients	Made with real ice cream mix	Made with house-made frozen custard	Soft-serve dairy dessert, not technically a shake
Flavor Variety	Limited to chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry (plus secret mixes)	Extensive list of classic and limited-edition flavors	Only chocolate and vanilla (often offered seasonally)
Thickness	Thick and creamy, sometimes requiring a spoon initially	Very thick, often requiring a spoon	Thinner consistency, easier to drink immediately
Texture	Hand-spun texture, velvety	Velvety, made with eggs for richness	Smooth, but can become watery quickly
Taste Profile	Authentic, old-school diner taste	Rich and intensely sweet custard base	Blends shake and soft-serve for a unique taste

Conclusion: So, are the shakes at In-N-Out good?

Ultimately, the shakes at In-N-Out are very good, especially if you appreciate classic, high-quality ingredients and a no-nonsense approach. The strength of the shakes lies in their simplicity and consistency, a hallmark of the In-N-Out brand. They may not offer the wild, innovative flavors of some competitors, but their execution of the basics—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—is excellent. The secret menu options, particularly the Neapolitan, offer a creative twist that caters to more adventurous palates. If you’re a fan of a thick, creamy, and authentic-tasting milkshake, In-N-Out's offerings are definitely worth your while. For those who find them too thick, letting them sit for a minute or two will help them become more drinkable through the straw.

Bonus Tip: Pair your shake with a side of fries and dip them in for a classic sweet and savory combination.

What are In-N-Out shakes good for? A Recap

To summarize, the shakes at In-N-Out are ideal for those who value classic flavors and a creamy, rich texture made from real ice cream. The basic flavors are solid, and the secret menu adds a fun element of customization. They stand out in the fast-food space for their ingredient quality and throwback diner feel.

• The Vanilla: A rich and buttery throwback.
• The Chocolate: Smooth, creamy, and satisfyingly nostalgic.
• The Strawberry: Mild and subtly sweet, though can be hit or miss.
• The Neapolitan (Secret): The perfect blend for indecisive flavor lovers.
• The Experience: An authentic diner-style experience without the unnecessary frills.
• The Verdict: Worth it for milkshake purists and In-N-Out fans alike. The quality shines through the simple formula.

For a deeper dive into In-N-Out's food quality, you can visit their official food quality page on their website.

What is the takeaway about In-N-Out shakes?

Ultimately, whether the shakes at In-N-Out are good comes down to your personal taste, but the widespread appreciation for their real ice cream base and classic flavors suggests a high standard. From the simple vanilla to the secret Neapolitan, they offer a quality treat that aligns with the company's long-standing reputation for freshness and simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flavors of shakes does In-N-Out offer?

In-N-Out offers three standard shake flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. You can also order secret menu combinations like the Neapolitan (all three flavors) or the Black and White (vanilla and chocolate).

Are In-N-Out shakes made with real ice cream?

Yes, In-N-Out states that their shakes are made with real ice cream mix, which contributes to their rich, creamy flavor and texture.

Is the Neapolitan shake on the In-N-Out menu?

No, the Neapolitan shake is a popular secret menu item. You must ask for it specifically to get a shake that blends all three available flavors.

What is the texture of an In-N-Out shake?

In-N-Out shakes are known for being thick and creamy. Some people find them too thick to drink through a straw immediately and suggest letting them melt slightly or using a spoon.

Which In-N-Out shake is the best?

This depends on personal preference. Many chocolate lovers favor the chocolate shake for its rich, authentic flavor, while the vanilla is praised for its classic, creamy taste. The Neapolitan is a great option for those who want a blend of all three.

How do In-N-Out shakes compare to Shake Shack's?

In-N-Out shakes are known for their classic, rich, and creamy diner style. Shake Shack's are typically thicker and sweeter, made with a dense frozen custard.

What is a Black and White shake?

A Black and White shake is a secret menu item at In-N-Out that combines the chocolate and vanilla shake flavors.