Let’s Go Wisconsin does a mint shake taste test, pinning the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake against the Culver’s Mint Shake. Which mint shake is best? Keep reading for the results of this food battle.
In honor of everything green in March, the Shamrock Shake is back at McDonald’s. For many, the Shamrock Shake is a limited-time food item you have to get at least once every year. However, could Culver’s Mint Shake, which is available all year long, actually be the better choice?
The Let’s Go Wisconsin team has taken it upon themselves to do this hard-hitting research and answer the question once and for all: which mint shake is better? Along with taste, we will be taking price and everything else that adds to the experience into account for our taste tests.
Mint Shake Taste Test: Shamrock Shake vs Culver’s Mint Shake
Now, let’s get the specifics out of the way. Both shakes come in different sizes and have different prices. In order to get the same price, I went with a large Shamrock Shake and a medium Culver’s Mint Shake. They were $4.89 apiece, according to prices in Eau Claire, WI.
For the same price, McDonald’s gives you a little more volume and some whipped cream. I’m unsure if this is everywhere, but McDonald’s in Eau Claire no longer gives you a cherry, if that’s your thing. While Culver’s Mint Shake is slightly smaller, you are allowed a second mix-in for free. For the purity of this taste test, I abstained. However, you could pair mint with hot fudge, Andes Mints, marshmallow, cheesecake, or many other options.
The other quick detail we should point out is that Culver’s uses custard instead of ice cream. So, if you have an egg allergy, you’re going with the Shamrock Shake, unless you like to live dangerously. In which case, read on.
Now, let’s get to the most important part…
The Taste
First off, McDonald’s Shamrock Shake has a lower viscosity (shoutout to high school chemistry). In other words, it is easier to drink through a straw, whereas the Culver’s Mint Shake is a thick boy, so be prepared to use the spoon it comes with.
The Shamrock Shake is sweeter and has more of a generic mint flavor. If you have ever had the mint-flavored milk from Kwik Trip, I would compare the taste to that. The Culver’s Mint Shake is much more creamy and it tastes like the peppermint hard candies, despite it being green in color. The regular mint custard at Culver’s is made with peppermint oil, so I assume the shake is a similar process.
The Verdict: Is the Shamrock Shake or Culver’s Mint Shake Better?
Based on taste alone, the mint shake from Culver’s is the winner. It is creamier and has a better mint taste. Additionally, you can make it your own by adding a second flavor to it for free.
Now, McDonald’s Shamrock Shake gives you a bit more for the price and is still a great shake. If getting a Shamrock Shake every March is a tradition to you and it makes you happy, there is no reason for me to say that is a bad choice. However, if you are craving a mint shake the other 11 months out of the year, just know Culver’s does not only have an option, it has a superior product.
McDonald’s Nutrition — Large Shamrock Shake
- 800 Calories
- 20g Total Fat
- 135g Total Carbs
- 103g Total Sugars
- 18g Protein
Culver’s Nutrition — Medium Mint Shake
- 840 Calories
- 38g Total Fat
- 114g Total Carbs
- 97g Total Sugars
- 12g Protein
So, you know OUR thoughts on these two mint shakes, but what do YOU think? Share this article and let us know which you prefer! You can also use the comments or tweet at us to let us know which Wisconsin taste test to do next!
