Whataburger shakes have become a beloved staple for fans of the Texas-based fast food chain. These creamy, indulgent treats offer a delightful way to cool off and satisfy sweet cravings. Whataburger’s shake menu features classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, along with rotating seasonal options that keep customers coming back for more.
The chain has introduced several limited-time shake flavors to excite taste buds. Recent offerings have included the Dr Pepper Shake, a unique blend that combines the iconic soda with Whataburger’s signature shake base. The White Chocolate Peppermint Shake emerged as a festive winter option, available for a short period during the holiday season.
Whataburger continues to innovate with its shake lineup, as evidenced by the introduction of the Caramel Latte Shake. This frozen beverage combines real espresso with vanilla and caramel flavors, appealing to both shake enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike. Customers can enjoy these frosty treats in-store, via drive-thru, or through convenient curbside pickup and delivery options.
History of Whataburger
Whataburger‘s story began on August 8, 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened the first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas. Dobson partnered with Paul Burton to launch this iconic fast-food chain.
The company’s trademark was secured on June 23, 1950, through the Texas Secretary of State office. This laid the foundation for Whataburger’s future growth and brand recognition.
From its humble beginnings, Whataburger quickly gained popularity for its made-to-order burgers. The chain’s commitment to quality and customization helped it build a loyal customer base.
Over the years, Whataburger expanded its menu beyond burgers. It introduced new items while maintaining its focus on fresh, made-when-you-order food.
In 2009, Whataburger relocated its headquarters from Corpus Christi to San Antonio, Texas. This move signaled a new chapter in the company’s development.
For most of its history, Whataburger remained family-owned. The Dobson family maintained control of the business for nearly seven decades.
In 2019, a significant change occurred when the majority stake in Whataburger was sold to BDT & MSD Partners, a private equity firm. This transition marked a new era for the beloved Texas-based chain.
Today, Whataburger continues to operate as a regional fast-food powerhouse. It maintains its distinctive orange-and-white-striped restaurants and serves customers 24/7 across multiple states.
Overview of the Whataburger Menu
Whataburger offers a diverse menu featuring classic American fare. The lineup includes signature burgers, chicken options, and a variety of beverages to complement meals.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Whataburger’s core menu revolves around its iconic burgers. The namesake Whataburger stands out as a customer favorite, featuring a large beef patty on a toasted bun. Customization options allow diners to add toppings like cheese, bacon, or jalapeños.
The menu also includes specialty sandwiches like the Patty Melt and the Monterey Melt. These items offer unique flavor combinations to satisfy diverse tastes. For those seeking lighter options, Whataburger provides junior-sized burgers and sandwiches.
Seasonal limited-time offerings frequently appear on the menu, giving customers new flavors to explore throughout the year.
Chicken Items
Whataburger’s chicken selection caters to those looking for alternatives to beef. The Whatachick’n Sandwich features a breaded chicken filet served on a bun with lettuce and tomato. Grilled chicken options are available for health-conscious diners.
Chicken Strips are another popular choice, available in both regular and spicy varieties. These can be ordered as part of a meal or on their own. The kid’s menu includes smaller portions of chicken items, making them suitable for younger guests.
Salads topped with grilled or crispy chicken provide lighter meal choices for those watching their calorie intake.
Drinks and Beverages
Whataburger’s drink menu complements its food offerings with a range of options. Soft drinks are available in various sizes, with free refills for dine-in customers. Iced tea, both sweetened and unsweetened, is a staple beverage choice.
The shake menu is a highlight, featuring classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Specialty shakes, such as the Dr Pepper Shake, make occasional appearances. Prices for shakes typically range from $3.99 to $4.29.
Coffee and hot chocolate are offered for those seeking warm beverages. Whataburger also provides a selection of breakfast drinks, including orange juice and milk, to pair with their morning menu items.
Whataburger Shakes Overview
Whataburger offers a variety of creamy milkshakes to complement their signature burgers. Their shake menu features classic flavors and rotating seasonal options for customers to enjoy year-round.
Classic Milkshakes
Whataburger’s classic milkshake lineup includes three staple flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. These shakes are made with real ice cream, blended to a smooth consistency. The vanilla shake provides a sweet, simple base, while the chocolate offers a rich cocoa flavor. Strawberry shakes feature a fruity taste that’s particularly refreshing.
Prices for these classic shakes typically range from $2.89 to $3.79, depending on size and location. Customers can order shakes in-store, through drive-thru, or via curbside pickup using the Whataburger app. Some locations also offer malts as an alternative to traditional shakes, adding a slightly tangier flavor profile.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offer Shakes
Whataburger introduces special shake flavors throughout the year to keep their menu exciting. These limited-time offers often align with seasonal themes or popular flavor trends. One example is the Salted Caramel Shake, which has been available in select Southern states.
This shake combines creamy caramel with a hint of salt for a balanced sweet-and-salty taste. Other seasonal flavors may include:
- Peppermint (winter)
- Peach (summer)
- Pumpkin Spice (fall)
These special shakes are typically available for a few weeks to a few months, giving customers a chance to try unique flavors alongside Whataburger’s classic menu items.
Nutritional Information
Whataburger shakes pack a significant caloric punch and offer varying protein content. The nutritional profile differs depending on flavor and size choices.
Calorie Content
Whataburger shakes range from 400 to 930 calories per serving. Small shakes contain the fewest calories, while large sizes have the most.
A small vanilla shake has 400 calories, medium 560 calories, and large 800 calories.
Chocolate shakes are slightly higher in calories. A small chocolate shake contains 430 calories, medium 560 calories, and large 860 calories.
The banana pudding shake is the most calorie-dense option, with up to 930 calories in a large size.
Protein and Nutrient Breakdown
Whataburger shakes provide some protein, though they are primarily carbohydrate-based.
Protein content varies by flavor and size but typically ranges from 9-18 grams per shake. This represents about 9% of the total calorie content.
Carbohydrates make up approximately 70% of the calories in these shakes. The remaining 22% comes from fat.
Shakes also contain calcium and vitamin D from their dairy base. However, they are not significant sources of other essential nutrients.
Exclusive Offerings via the Whataburger App
The Whataburger App provides customers with access to exclusive deals and promotions. Users can earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for free shakes and other menu items.
One notable offering through the app was the free Birthday Shake promotion. On August 8, customers with a rewards account could claim a complimentary Orange Birthday Cake Shake to celebrate Whataburger’s anniversary.
The app also features limited-time specials. During the holiday season, Whataburger introduced the White Chocolate Peppermint Shake through the app. This festive treat was available from November 5 to December 30.
Whataburger’s Summer of Savings campaign offered unique deals on popular menu items. App users had exclusive access to these promotions, making it easier to enjoy Whataburger’s flavors at discounted prices.
By using the Whataburger App, customers can stay informed about new shake flavors and seasonal offerings. The app serves as a convenient platform for accessing special promotions and earning rewards on purchases.
Pricing and Value
Whataburger’s shakes offer a balance of quality and affordability. The pricing structure varies by size and flavor, with options to suit different budgets and appetites.
Menu Prices
Whataburger’s shake prices are competitive with other fast food chains. Small shakes typically start around $2.59, medium shakes at $3.29, and large shakes at $3.79. Prices may vary slightly by location and flavor.
Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are standard flavors available year-round. Seasonal or limited-time flavors may be priced slightly higher.
The shake menu often includes malts as well, usually priced the same as shakes. Customers can expect to pay about $0.50-$0.70 more when upgrading from a small to a medium, and from a medium to a large.
Family-Size Deals
Whataburger offers family-size drink options, which can include shakes for larger groups or gatherings. A gallon-sized shake typically serves 8-10 people and ranges from $14.99 to $16.99, depending on the flavor.
This option provides better value for customers buying in bulk. It’s ideal for parties, office events, or family gatherings. The price per serving works out to be less than individual shakes.
Family-size shakes are usually available in vanilla and chocolate flavors. Some locations may offer strawberry as well, but availability can vary. It’s best to call ahead to confirm pricing and flavor options for large orders.
Beverage Options Beyond Shakes
Whataburger offers a diverse selection of drinks to complement their menu. From classic sodas to refreshing teas and energizing coffee, customers can find the perfect beverage to pair with their meal.
Soft Drinks and Teas
Whataburger’s drink menu features a variety of popular soft drinks. Coca-Cola products are available, including Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite. Dr Pepper, a Texas favorite, is also on offer. For those seeking a caffeine-free option, root beer is a tasty choice.
Tea lovers can enjoy Whataburger’s freshly brewed iced tea. Both sweetened and unsweetened versions are available. The sweet tea is particularly popular in Southern locations.
Lemonade provides a tart and refreshing alternative for those looking for a non-carbonated drink. During special promotions, Whataburger occasionally introduces limited-time flavored soft drinks to add excitement to their beverage lineup.
Coffee Selections
Coffee enthusiasts will find satisfying options at Whataburger. Hot coffee is served throughout the day, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. The coffee is brewed fresh and offers a robust flavor.
Iced coffee is available for those who prefer their caffeine cold. It’s a refreshing choice during warm Texas summers. Whataburger’s iced coffee comes pre-sweetened, but customers can request it unsweetened if desired.
For a richer coffee experience, the menu includes specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos at select locations. These espresso-based beverages provide a more indulgent coffee option for discerning customers.
Specialty Items
Whataburger offers unique shake flavors and malt options to satisfy diverse tastes. These specialty items provide a sweet twist on classic favorites, especially during seasonal promotions.
White Chocolate Peppermint Shake
The White Chocolate Peppermint Shake is a festive treat available from November 5 to December 30. This limited-time offering captures the essence of the holiday season in a cup. The shake blends creamy white chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavors.
Customers can enjoy this seasonal delight in-store, at the drive-thru, or through online ordering. The White Chocolate Peppermint Shake pairs well with Whataburger’s savory menu items, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Malts and More
Whataburger’s malt selection adds a rich, nostalgic touch to their shake lineup. Malts are available in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The addition of malted milk powder gives these drinks a distinct taste and texture.
Beyond malts, Whataburger occasionally introduces other specialty shakes. Past offerings have included flavors like Salted Caramel and Dr. Pepper. These unique options cater to adventurous taste buds and provide a refreshing change from standard shake flavors.