Arby’s, the popular fast-food chain, has been a staple in the quick-service industry for decades. While they’re known for their roast beef sandwiches, another menu item has gained a cult following: their milkshakes. But have you ever wondered what Arby’s milkshakes are made of? In this article, we’ll delve into the ingredients, composition, and production process of these beloved treats.
The History of Arby’s Milkshakes
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a brief look at the history of Arby’s milkshakes. Arby’s was founded in 1964 by Forrest and Leroy Raffel in Boardman, Ohio. Initially, the menu consisted of roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and soft drinks. However, in the early 1970s, Arby’s began to expand their menu to include milkshakes.
The introduction of milkshakes was a strategic move to compete with other fast-food chains and to provide customers with a sweet treat to complement their meals. Over the years, Arby’s milkshakes have become a staple on their menu, with a variety of flavors and toppings available.
Arby’s Milkshake Ingredients
So, what are Arby’s milkshakes made of? According to Arby’s website and nutrition information, their milkshakes contain the following ingredients:
- Ice cream (made from milkfat, nonfat milk, sugar, corn syrup, and stabilizers like mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, and carrageenan)
- Milk (whole, low-fat, or nonfat)
- Flavorings (natural and artificial)
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Stabilizers (like mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, and carrageenan)
- Emulsifiers (like polysorbate 80)
- Colors (artificial and natural)
It’s worth noting that Arby’s milkshakes do not contain any high-fructose corn syrup, which is a common ingredient in many fast-food desserts.
Ice Cream: The Base of Arby’s Milkshakes
The ice cream used in Arby’s milkshakes is a proprietary blend made by a third-party supplier. The exact recipe is not publicly available, but according to Arby’s nutrition information, their ice cream contains a mix of milkfat, nonfat milk, sugar, and corn syrup.
The ice cream is also stabilized with ingredients like mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, and carrageenan. These stabilizers help to improve the texture and prevent ice crystals from forming, giving the milkshake a smooth and creamy consistency.
Flavorings and Colors
Arby’s milkshakes come in a variety of flavors, including classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The flavorings used in Arby’s milkshakes are a combination of natural and artificial ingredients.
For example, the vanilla flavoring is made from natural vanilla extract, while the chocolate flavoring contains a mix of natural and artificial cocoa flavorings. The strawberry flavoring is made from a combination of natural and artificial strawberry flavorings.
In addition to flavorings, Arby’s milkshakes also contain artificial colors to enhance their appearance. For example, the strawberry milkshake contains a pink color additive to give it a bright and appealing color.
The Production Process
So, how are Arby’s milkshakes made? The production process involves a combination of automated and manual steps.
First, the ice cream is dispensed into a blender cup using a proprietary ice cream dispenser. The dispenser ensures that the correct amount of ice cream is used for each milkshake.
Next, the desired flavorings and toppings are added to the blender cup. This can include syrups, whipped cream, or other mix-ins like nuts or candy pieces.
The blender cup is then placed into a high-speed blender, which mixes the ingredients together to create a smooth and creamy milkshake. The blender is programmed to mix the ingredients for a specific amount of time to ensure consistency.
Once the milkshake is blended, it’s poured into a cup and topped with whipped cream and other toppings as desired.
Quality Control
Arby’s has a strict quality control process in place to ensure that their milkshakes meet their high standards. This includes regular taste tests and quality checks to ensure that the milkshakes are smooth, creamy, and flavorful.
Arby’s also uses a proprietary cleaning and sanitizing process to ensure that their blenders and equipment are clean and free of contaminants.
Nutrition Information
Arby’s milkshakes are a treat, and as such, they’re high in calories, sugar, and fat. According to Arby’s nutrition information, a small vanilla milkshake contains:
- 340 calories
- 14g of fat
- 46g of sugar
- 40mg of cholesterol
- 350mg of sodium
A large milkshake can contain up to 840 calories, 30g of fat, and 94g of sugar.
Healthier Options
While Arby’s milkshakes are a treat, there are some healthier options available. For example, Arby’s offers a “light” version of their milkshakes, which contains fewer calories and less sugar.
Customers can also customize their milkshakes by asking for less sugar or using a sugar-free syrup. Additionally, Arby’s offers a variety of toppings, including nuts and fruit, which can add fiber and protein to the milkshake.
Conclusion
Arby’s milkshakes are a beloved treat that’s been a staple on their menu for decades. While they’re high in calories and sugar, they’re made with a proprietary blend of ice cream, flavorings, and toppings that are designed to provide a smooth and creamy texture.
By understanding the ingredients and production process behind Arby’s milkshakes, customers can make informed decisions about their dietary choices. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or strawberry, Arby’s milkshakes are a delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Additional Resources
For more information about Arby’s milkshakes, including nutrition information and ingredients, visit Arby’s website at www.arbys.com.
You can also follow Arby’s on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest promotions and menu items.
| Flavor | Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla (small) | 340 | 14 | 46 |
| Chocolate (small) | 360 | 15 | 50 |
| Strawberry (small) | 380 | 16 | 54 |
Note: Nutrition information is for small milkshakes and may vary depending on size and toppings.
What makes Arby’s milkshakes unique compared to other fast-food chains?
Arby’s milkshakes stand out from the competition due to their rich and creamy texture, which is achieved through the use of a proprietary ice cream mix. This mix is made with a combination of natural and artificial ingredients, including milkfat, nonfat milk, and whey, which provides a smooth and velvety consistency. Additionally, Arby’s milkshakes are made with a specific type of syrup that is designed to complement the flavor of the ice cream, rather than overpower it.
The unique composition of Arby’s milkshakes is also due in part to the company’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Unlike some other fast-food chains, Arby’s does not use artificial flavorings or preservatives in their milkshakes. Instead, they rely on natural ingredients like vanilla extract and cocoa powder to give their milkshakes a rich and authentic flavor. This attention to detail has helped Arby’s establish a loyal following among milkshake enthusiasts.
What are the main ingredients in Arby’s milkshakes?
The main ingredients in Arby’s milkshakes include a proprietary ice cream mix, milk, and a specific type of syrup that is designed to complement the flavor of the ice cream. The ice cream mix is made with a combination of natural and artificial ingredients, including milkfat, nonfat milk, and whey. The milk used in Arby’s milkshakes is a combination of 2% and whole milk, which provides a rich and creamy texture. The syrup used in Arby’s milkshakes is made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and natural flavorings.
In addition to these main ingredients, Arby’s milkshakes may also contain other ingredients depending on the flavor. For example, the chocolate milkshake contains cocoa powder, while the strawberry milkshake contains a combination of natural and artificial flavorings. Arby’s also offers a variety of toppings and mix-ins, including whipped cream, nuts, and candy pieces, which can be added to the milkshake to enhance the flavor and texture.
Are Arby’s milkshakes made with real ice cream?
Arby’s milkshakes are made with a proprietary ice cream mix that is designed to mimic the taste and texture of real ice cream. While the mix is not technically considered “real” ice cream, it is made with many of the same ingredients, including milkfat, nonfat milk, and whey. The mix is also designed to have a similar consistency and texture to real ice cream, which makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
That being said, Arby’s milkshakes do contain some ingredients that are not typically found in real ice cream, such as artificial flavorings and preservatives. However, the company has made a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and avoiding artificial flavorings and preservatives whenever possible. As a result, Arby’s milkshakes have a reputation for being some of the best in the fast-food industry.
How many calories are in an Arby’s milkshake?
The number of calories in an Arby’s milkshake can vary depending on the size and flavor. A small Arby’s milkshake typically contains around 350-400 calories, while a medium milkshake contains around 500-550 calories. A large Arby’s milkshake can contain as many as 700-750 calories. It’s worth noting that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.
In addition to calories, Arby’s milkshakes are also high in fat, sugar, and sodium. A large Arby’s milkshake can contain as much as 25-30 grams of fat, 60-70 grams of sugar, and 300-400 milligrams of sodium. While an occasional Arby’s milkshake is unlikely to cause harm, regular consumption can contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Does Arby’s offer any low-calorie or low-fat milkshake options?
Arby’s does not currently offer any low-calorie or low-fat milkshake options. However, the company has introduced a range of lighter menu options in recent years, including salads and sandwiches with fewer than 300 calories. It’s possible that Arby’s may introduce a lower-calorie milkshake option in the future, but for now, customers who are watching their diet may want to consider a smaller size or a lighter topping.
That being said, Arby’s does offer a range of milkshake flavors that are lower in calories than others. For example, the vanilla milkshake contains fewer calories than the chocolate or strawberry milkshake. Customers can also customize their milkshake by asking for a lighter topping or a smaller size, which can help reduce the calorie count.
Can I customize my Arby’s milkshake with different toppings or mix-ins?
Yes, Arby’s offers a range of toppings and mix-ins that can be added to their milkshakes. Some popular options include whipped cream, nuts, and candy pieces. Customers can also ask for a lighter topping or a smaller size to reduce the calorie count. In addition, Arby’s offers a range of flavor shots that can be added to the milkshake, including caramel, hazelnut, and peppermint.
It’s worth noting that not all Arby’s locations may offer the same range of toppings and mix-ins. Customers who are looking for a specific topping or flavor shot may want to call ahead to confirm availability. Additionally, some toppings and mix-ins may contain allergens or other ingredients that customers with dietary restrictions may want to avoid.
Are Arby’s milkshakes suitable for customers with dietary restrictions?
Arby’s milkshakes may not be suitable for customers with certain dietary restrictions. For example, the milkshakes contain dairy products, which makes them unsuitable for customers who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. The milkshakes also contain gluten, which makes them unsuitable for customers with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.
Additionally, some Arby’s milkshakes may contain nuts, soy, or other ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in some customers. Customers with dietary restrictions may want to check with their local Arby’s to see if they offer any milkshake options that are suitable for their needs. Arby’s also offers a range of non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond milk and soy milk, which can be substituted in some milkshake flavors.