Smashburger just gave us a reason to freak out—in the best way. The fast-casual burger chain is going bananas with two new summer shakes that are as nostalgic as they are over-the-top delicious.
Introducing:
- The Banana Shake – classic, creamy, and packed with real banana purée
- The Banana Chocolatey Chip Shake – all of the above, plus melt-in-your-mouth Denali chocolatey chips and a generous swirl of whipped cream
Both treats are crafted with Häagen-Dazs® vanilla ice cream, which means this isn’t your average fast food frozen drink. It’s summer vacation in a cup—with a little wink to your inner child.
A banana bombshell
Starting April 22, Smashburger fans nationwide can get their hands (and mouths) on these limited-time banana baddies. And they’re not stopping there—Shake Happy Hour is making a triumphant return. Every Friday from May 2 to July 31, you can snag any shake for 50% off from 2–5 p.m. with the code SHAKES25. That’s right: mid-afternoon bliss just got a banana-fueled upgrade.
And the best part? These aren’t just frozen drinks. They’re customizable frozen drinks. Add chocolatey chips to any shake for just 50 cents more. They melt into the mix like magic, giving you that “chocolate swirl in every sip” vibe without any inconvenient crunch.
“The rich banana flavor mixed with chocolatey chips that melt into every sip makes these shakes fun, refreshing, and the perfect way to sip into summer.” Tom Ryan, Smashburger Founder.
We agree, Tom. And we’re already planning our Friday afternoons accordingly.
Shakes just got real
Now, let’s zoom out from the straw for a second. Because these shakes are more than just a new menu item—they’re a blueprint for what’s trending in CPG and fast-casual flavor development:
- Banana is back: Not just for smoothies anymore. Brands are leaning into banana as a nostalgic, tropical flavor that feels familiar and fresh.
- Premium matters: Häagen-Dazs and Denali? Smashburger’s using name-brand ingredients that signal indulgence and quality.
- Customization is king: Adding chocolate chips for just 50 cents? That’s operationally simple but gives consumers a sense of control and creativity.
- LTOs build buzz: Limited-time offers (LTOs) keep menus exciting and give consumers a reason to come back—or FOMO will do its job.
Smashburger’s sweet summer twist
This shake drop is a tasty case study for R&D teams and trend-hungry marketers:
- Banana purée is having a moment. Expect to see more of it in both beverages and frozen treats.
- Chocolatey inclusions are trending too—especially those that melt or swirl instead of crunch. (Texture matters!)
- Dairy blends and high-end ice cream pairings are leveling up the frozen dessert game. Think indulgence with a chef-y twist.
- Retro refresh: Bringing back childhood favorites in elevated formats is a winning combo—especially for Millennial and Gen Z audiences.
If you’re in the business of food innovation, private label, or even co-packing sweet treats, take note: the market is moving toward playful indulgence with recognizable, nostalgic flavors at the forefront. Summer and new drinks are meant to be!
The final scoop
Smashburger’s summer shake launch is more than a seasonal gimmick—it’s a creamy, dreamy example of how fast-casual chains are using limited-time drops to test flavors, drive traffic, and keep fans coming back. For the CPG world, it’s a flavorful reminder that simple ingredients (banana, chocolate, cream) can become trend gold with the right twist.
So whether you’re a retailer, a brand manager, or just someone who’s into really good milkshakes—this one’s for you.
Need help sourcing banana purée or premium chocolate chips? We’ve got you. Let’s whip up something sweet together. For more ideas, insights, or ingredients, hit us up anytime. Or better yet—let’s shake things up. Contact us today!
