Skip to Content

Comebacks we'd like to see: #12 -- Milkshakes made with milk

More
Text SizeAAA

Filed under: Food

This post is part of our series ranking the top 25 bygone products and trends we'd like to see return.

My first real job outside of babysitting was for an odd local fast food chain in Portland, Ore. called "Arctic Circle." We were famous for three things: our fry sauce, our enormous taco salads, and our milk shakes. The milk shakes were made with soft serve ice cream, seasonal mix-ins, and real milk, mixed in old-fashioned steel cups. I still remember the grinding noise of the milkshake blades grazing the edge of the cup, and working the milk machine, purposely making a shake that was far too much to fit in the cup so I could pour the leftovers into a little cup and indulge.

Unfortunately, today's milkshake is barely recognizable compared to those of the middle of the century. Most milkshakes consumed by Americans today come from McDonald's, Wendy's or Starbucks; where they are all individually "branded", Shamrock Shake, Frosty, Frappuccino, so that it's clear the milk is but a minor player. Nonfat milk solids, corn syrup solids, guar gum, dextrose, cellulose gum, vanillan. Is this progress?

Not in my book. Give me simple ice cream (maybe even made with actual cream!), a handful of berries or a teaspoonful of vanilla, and a nice pull from the milk machine. Mix it up with the original "immersion blender," pour it thickly into a glass, and give me a long-handled spoon. Now that is a milkshake.

What soda fountain treat do you miss the most?

Subscribe to Walletpop

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ensuring a Safe Manicure and Pedicure
Millions of women (and a few men) visit nail salons regularly to have their nails done. ...
Lalique and Haviland Open Flagship Boutique
Two of the most prestigious brands in the luxury industry have joined forces to open a flagship ...

Megan Angelo
Megan Angelo Filed under: Shopping

Your own personal shopper -- free -- at J. Crew

The phrase "personal shopper" inherently has a certain air of snobbery about it, calling to mind that wealthy aunt who always bought the best Christmas gifts but whose over-the-top get-ups elicited ...
Julia Scott
Julia Scott Filed under: Bargains, Saving Money, Bargain Babe

Lots more coupons coming to WalletPop!

I'm a new blogger at Wallet Pop and my name is Julia. My goal is to post the best coupons for all the everyday stuff you buy, like groceries, clothes, and meals out. The little stuff ads up, after ...
Julia Scott
Julia Scott Filed under: Bargain Babe

Free diapers for an entire year

Sign up to receive emails and news from Pampers.com and you could win an ENTIRE YEAR of free diapers. That means your bundle of joy just got a lot cheaper. Why join Pampers? You'll get rewards ...
Laura Heller
Laura Heller Filed under: Shopping, Technology

DVD wars come to online retailers

First books, now movies, the price wars between the biggest retailers just keep getting hotter. Walmart, Target and Amazon are all slashing pre-order pricing on some hot new releases like "Harry ...

Headlines from WalletPop Partners