The phrase 'Jake shake' can refer to one of two completely different products, a fact that often causes confusion. On one hand, you have the sweet, decadent milkshake from The Milkshake Factory, created in honor of a popular hockey player. On the other, there is a line of plant-based meal replacement shakes designed for complete and healthy nutrition. Both are called a 'Jake shake' in popular parlance, but their ingredients, purpose, and history couldn't be more distinct. This guide will help you understand the difference and, more importantly, what was in each version.
The Milkshake Factory's Jake's Shake
In Pittsburgh, hockey fans instantly recognize the "Jake's Shake" as a tribute to former Penguins forward Jake Guentzel. The Milkshake Factory, a popular local establishment, created this special shake in 2018 in partnership with the team. The idea was a perfect blend of fan appreciation and smart marketing, leveraging Guentzel's popularity. The shake was a modification of his personal favorite chocolate shake order.
For years, the shake was a fan favorite, particularly due to a promotion where it was sold at half price after every Guentzel goal. However, the story came to an end when Guentzel was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in March 2024. The Milkshake Factory retired the name but kept the beloved recipe, renaming it the "Cookie Brownie Fudge" shake.
The Indulgent Ingredients
The Milkshake Factory's Jake's Shake was not for the calorie-conscious. It was a rich, multi-layered dessert packed with sweet treats. The ingredients came together to create an unforgettable chocolate experience.
- Hot Fudge: A warm, gooey foundation of hot fudge swirled throughout.
- Cookies and Cream: Crushed cookies and cream were blended in, adding texture and flavor.
- Brownies: Chunks of rich, chewy brownies were mixed into the concoction.
- Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream topped the shake.
- Caramel and Chocolate Drizzle: A finishing touch of black and gold-colored drizzles of fudge and caramel paid homage to the Penguins' team colors.
- Chocolate '59': A small chocolate piece featuring Guentzel's jersey number was the final flourish.
The Jake Meal Replacement Shake
Completely separate from the dessert shake is the Jake meal replacement shake, produced by Jake Food. This is a vegan, plant-based, and nutritionally complete shake designed to serve as a healthy meal on the go. It is formulated with essential vitamins and minerals to provide balanced nutrition for those with busy lifestyles. Unlike the decadent dessert shake, the Jake meal replacement shake is designed to keep you feeling full for several hours while providing essential nutrients.
Formulations and Ingredients
Jake offers several shake varieties to suit different dietary needs and lifestyles. These include Light, Original, and Sports versions.
- Vegan Protein: Primarily sourced from peas and oats, providing a complete amino acid profile.
- Oats: Serve as a source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and are a rich source of fiber.
- Plant-Based Fats: A blend of oils, including sunflower seed, flaxseed, and coconut oil, provides essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A comprehensive mix of micronutrients is added to ensure each shake is a complete meal.
Comparison of the Two Jake Shakes
The differences between the two products that share a name are stark. One is a delightful treat, a dessert celebrating a hockey player, while the other is a carefully formulated meal replacement for optimal nutrition. Here is a table highlighting their key distinctions.
| Feature | The Milkshake Factory's Jake's Shake | The Jake Meal Replacement Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Created by The Milkshake Factory in Pittsburgh in 2018. | A vegan meal replacement brand from Jake Food. |
| Ingredients | Hot fudge, cookies and cream, brownies, caramel, whipped cream, milk chocolate. | Pea protein, oat flour, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin and mineral blend. |
| Purpose | An indulgent, high-calorie dessert to celebrate a hockey player. | A nutritionally complete, plant-based meal replacement. |
| Nutritional Profile | High in sugar and calories; a dessert item. | Balanced with protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals; a healthy meal option. |
| Status | Retired in March 2024 and renamed "Cookie Brownie Fudge". | Still available and offered in various formulas (Light, Original, Sports). |
A Tale of Two Jakes: A Summary
To recap, if you're reminiscing about the old "Jake shake" that was a local sensation, you're likely thinking of the chocolate-heavy dessert from The Milkshake Factory. This was an exciting part of Pittsburgh's hockey culture, now living on as the "Cookie Brownie Fudge" shake. Conversely, if you're looking for a healthy, complete meal substitute with plant-based ingredients, you are seeking the Jake meal replacement shake from Jake Food. While they share a similar name, their ingredients and purpose are entirely different. So, whether you're craving a decadent treat or a nutritious meal, specifying which "Jake shake" you want is the key to getting exactly what you're looking for.
Conclusion
The existence of two entirely different products known as the "Jake shake" is a testament to how popular culture and brand names can lead to confusion. The Milkshake Factory's version was a hyper-indulgent, fan-inspired dessert, while the Jake Food product is a functional, plant-based meal replacement. The former was a delightful chapter in sports fan history, ending with a name change, while the latter continues to serve a market focused on convenience and nutritional completeness. Understanding the context is essential to knowing which delicious—though very different—shake is being discussed.
