How did milkshakes become the toast of the world?

Milkshakes, also known as shakes, are icy, sweet dairy beverages. You make them by mixing milk with ice cream and flavoured syrups, like chocolate and fruit. They also contain dry ingredients like nuts, cookies, or candy.

The Atlanta Constitution made the term milkshake popular in 1886. At that time, it was an alcoholic whiskey drink made with eggs and cream. It was similar to eggnog, a milk punch to which they added whiskey.

Before electric blenders, people made these drinks by shaking them by hand. That’s why we refer to them as shakes. In America, in the 1920s, malted milk was sold as an icy health drink at drugstores, pharmacies, and soda fountains. Most of them contained milk, malted milk powder, and chocolate syrup.

How did milkshakes become the toast of the world

In 1920, the U.S. enforced Prohibition. So, stores stopped adding alcohol to milkshakes. 

The gain in the popularity of milkshakes

It all changed in 1922 at a Walgreens outlet in Chicago. Its employee, Ivar “Pop” Coulson, added several scoops of vanilla ice cream to the malted milk. He called it “Horlick’s Malted Milk.” It is said to be the very first version of the modern milkshake. This preparation was a big hit and was made possible, thanks to the invention of electric blenders in the same year (1922) as well. From then on, ice cream became a crucial ingredient in milkshakes.

Later, most began to freeze milkshakes in refrigerators. They sold them to customers after they became frosty. Other food chains started selling milkshakes but with malt or chocolate syrup instead of malted milk. Plant milk, like soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk, was also used according to the preferences of individual customers. 

In the 1950s, Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, bought the rights to a milkshake maker created by Earl Prince. This device automated milkshake production at McDonald’s, a top fast-food chain.

In New England and Rhode Island, milkshakes were called frappes and cabinets, respectively.  At the same time, soda fountains began to multiply. They became the favourite spots for milkshake fans, peaking in the 1950s. As they are said to be rich in calcium and protein, their nutritional value drives their popularity. 

Other popular forms of this beverage are “classic milkshakes.” They come in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and various other flavours. Also, there are malted milkshakes and “speciality flavours.” They include peanut butter, caramel, cookies and cream, lavender, espresso, and matcha. 

Acceptance and the market for milkshakes worldwide

The fame of milkshakes spread to the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries from then on. Other fast-food chains followed in the footsteps of McDonald’s by making it an essential drink on their menus. 

Milkshake rooms became a fad as they became popular in various forms, with coffee being one of them. Meanwhile, functional milkshakes entered gyms. They catered to gym-goers with high-protein, probiotic drinks.

With the changing times, vegan milkshake rooms have emerged. They use plant-based milk from almonds, oats, cashews, coconut, and soy. Market Research Future, a market analysis firm, reports that health-conscious consumers are using milkshakes as meal substitutes. Some want organic ingredients in these drinks. Others want innovation, but not at the cost of taste.

The market share worldwide of milkshakes is expected to increase by 3.6% during the period 2024-2032.

Popularity and trends of milkshakes in India 

Milkshakes made their entry into India in the 1950s. Though they were only in metros like Mumbai and Delhi, they became popular in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Their nutritional benefits and being better than Coke and Sprite made them a hit, especially with teens and kids. 

By 2023, the Indian milkshake market was worth INR 6.4 billion, according to IMARC Group, a global market research firm. The firm adds that milkshake makers sell their products in stores. They sell them in bottles, pouches, and cartons, among other things, as well as in fast-food joints. They are available in every state in India, via malls, supermarkets, grocery stores, and milk parlours. 

Major brands selling milkshakes in India are Mother Dairy, CavinKare, KMF, GCMMF, and Heritage. The market research company says the milkshake market in India will hit INR 29.9 billion by 2032. It will grow at 18% from 2024 to 2032. 

The most popular flavor among milkshakes in our country is chocolate. Vanilla and strawberry follow it.  Do you have a business proposal in India, in the food space? If yes, the Chocolate Room has a great franchise model. We are a favourite brand for milkshakes, chocolates, pastas, and pancakes in various countries, such as the US, the UK, UAE, and Australia. If you tap into our unwavering support, you can share the joy of our world-renowned premium chocolate experiences.

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