10 Fast Food Ice Creams Better Than A McFlurry & 10 That Are Worse
Frozen Treats Face-Off
A McFlurry might be the go-to for an ice cream fix, but is it really the best out there? Some chains have mastered the frozen treat game, serving up swirls that put McDonald's to shame. Others? Let's just say they should've stuck to burgers and fries. So, here is a rollercoaster of creamy highs and disappointing lows as we rank the ice creams that beat the McFlurry and those that simply pale in comparison.
1. Dairy Queen's Oreo Blizzard
Oreo cookies are crushed and mixed into smooth, creamy vanilla soft serve, creating a thick, spoon-worthy treat. Unlike some ice cream treats that skimp on mix-ins, the Oreo Blizzard is packed with cookies from top to bottom. Since 1985, Blizzards have been a go-to for ice cream lovers, thanks to DQ’s signature soft-serve texture.
2. Wendy's Chocolate Frosty
There’s just something about a Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty that never gets old. It’s not too thick, not too runny—just that perfect in-between that makes every spoonful smooth and satisfying. The light chocolate flavor keeps it from being too rich, so it’s easy to devour the whole thing without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Sonic's Reese's Overload Blast
This over-the-top treat packs in creamy vanilla ice cream, loads of Reese’s peanut butter cups, and an extra drizzle of peanut butter for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Just when you think it can't get better, there are Reese’s Pieces mixed in for that extra crunch.
Sonic® Reese's® OVERLOAD Blast Review! | TravTries! by TravTries!
4. Jack In The Box's Oreo Cookie Ice Cream
If you’re all about Oreos, Jack in the Box’s Oreo Cookie Ice Cream is the kind of treat that just hits the spot. It’s got everything you want—creamy vanilla ice cream loaded with crunchy Oreo chunks that soften enough to blend right in. It’s satisfying and the perfect way to end (or start—no judgment) any meal.
5. Dairy Queen's Butterfinger Blizzard
Peanut butter and chocolate lovers will appreciate the crunchy Butterfinger pieces blended into DQ’s creamy vanilla soft serve. The McFlurry may offer mix-ins, but DQ's Butterfinger Blizzard provides a more satisfying crunch and richer texture, which makes it a superior choice for mix-in lovers.
6. Haagen-Dazs' Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
This one is made with smooth caramel swirled into velvety caramel-infused ice cream. The texture is luxuriously thick, with just the right amount of richness to feel decadent without being overwhelming. Every bite is silky, balanced, and packed with that classic dulce de leche flavor that caramel lovers can’t resist.
Haagen Dazs Dulce De Leche Ice Cream by FoodzFolkz
7. Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked
Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked is the ultimate flavor mashup for anyone who can’t decide between cookie dough and brownies—so why not have both? This fan-favorite blends rich, fudgy brownie chunks with soft, buttery cookie dough pieces, all swirled into a mix of chocolate and vanilla cream.
Ben and Jerry's Half Baked Ice Cream Review by FoodzFolkz
8. Carvel's Fudgie The Whale Ice Cream
Inspired by the iconic Fudgie the Whale cake, this creamy treat is loaded with smooth chocolate ice cream. Every bite delivers that mix of textures, with the crisp crunchies adding a satisfying contrast to the silky ice cream. It’s a must-try for anyone who grew up celebrating with a Fudgie the Whale cake!
How We Made It: Carvel's Fudgie the Whale | Uber Eats by Uber Eats
9. Breyers’ Natural Vanilla Ice Cream
With just a few simple ingredients—milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla—Breyers delivers an authentic ice cream experience. Unlike the artificial taste of McFlurry’s soft serve, Breyers maintains a classic, natural vanilla flavor that’s been beloved for generations.
Does Natural Taste Better? | Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream | Review by Matt's Ice Cream Show
10. Blue Bell’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
Slow-churned for a rich and creamy finish, Blue Bell’s vanilla stands out with a texture that’s both smooth and dense. It’s rich without being too heavy, with a buttery sweetness that tastes like it was churned right in your own kitchen. One scoop and it’s easy to see why it’s a fan favorite.
What You Should Know Before Eating Blue Bell Ice Cream Again by Mashed
1. Burger King's Vanilla Soft Serve
BK’s soft serve melts too quickly, making it hard to enjoy before it’s gone. Its texture lacks the creamy richness of a McFlurry, leaving it feeling thin and underwhelming. To top it off, it’s usually served in a basic cone or cup, with no mix-ins to enhance the flavor.
2. McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae
Basic and predictable, the Hot Fudge Sundae falls flat with its overly sweet, artificial-tasting fudge. Unlike McFlurries, which offer satisfying mix-ins, this sundae feels one-dimensional. To make matters worse, the hot fudge can be too thick, clashing with the quickly melting ice cream for an odd texture.
3. Carl’s Jr. Vanilla Soft Serve Cup
If you're craving something sweet, this soft serve might hit the spot, but it’s nothing to write home about. The vanilla base feels a bit generic, and its consistency can differ from one location to the next. Unlike the McFlurry, which adds some fun with mix-ins, this one keeps it simple.
4. Dairy Queen’s Plain Vanilla Cone
Dairy Queen’s Plain Vanilla Cone offers a simple, straightforward treat in both waffles and cake cones. While the flavor is basic, it can be a satisfying choice for those looking for a no-frills ice cream. The texture is soft, but it tends to melt quickly, which can be a bit messy before you finish.
5. Wendy’s Vanilla Frosty
Compared to its chocolate counterpart, the Vanilla Frosty falls flat. It’s less flavorful and doesn’t carry the same nostalgic weight. While still thicker than McDonald’s soft serve, it doesn’t have the mix-in potential of a McFlurry, which makes it a less exciting option.
Vanilla Frosty is BACK at Wendy's! Get it while you can! by RodrickEats
6. Sonic’s Plain Vanilla Ice Cream
Sonic might be known for its mix-in options, but its plain vanilla ice cream lacks the depth of flavor and creamy consistency that make a dessert stand out. It has a rather artificial taste, lacking the richness that makes a dessert enjoyable. Without any mix-ins or toppings, it can feel a bit bland and uninspiring.
7. Braum’s Vanilla Soft Serve Cone
Braum’s basic soft-serve cone doesn’t quite measure up with its premium counterparts. The texture is incredibly airy, almost cloud-like, and melts so quickly that it barely lingers. As for the flavor, it leans more toward “vanilla-scented” than the rich, creamy vanilla you’d expect from a top-tier cone.
8. KFC’s Soft Serve Cup
KFC is all about fried chicken, and its ice cream doesn’t try to steal the spotlight. The texture is a mix of fluffy and watery, almost like it can't decide what it wants to be. The vanilla flavor is also subtle, and without toppings, it leans more toward a quick bite than a standout dessert.
Pradeepraajkumar1981 on Wikimedia
9. Checkers' Vanilla Cone
Checkers' vanilla soft serve offers a simple, straightforward treat, but the flavor can feel a bit flat, with a somewhat artificial vanilla taste. The texture is light and airy, though it can feel a bit icy as if it’s missing that smooth, creamy finish. Overall, it’s a basic option that could benefit from a bit more depth.
10. Popeyes' Soft Serve Cup
This one falls short compared to McFlurry due to its light, airy texture and lack of rich creaminess. It tends to melt quickly, and its flavor profile leans toward artificial rather than indulgent. Additionally, with limited variety, it doesn't offer the same appeal as more popular soft-serve options.
