When it comes to fast-casual dining, few chains have captured the public’s imagination quite like Five Guys. Known for its juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and seemingly endless toppings bar, the restaurant has cultivated a loyal following across the United States and beyond. But one of the most frequently asked—and often baffling—questions about the chain is: Do Five Guys put bacon in their milkshakes?
This odd yet persistent rumor has sparked curiosity, confusion, and even culinary intrigue across online forums, social media platforms, and foodie websites. Are we talking about a secret ingredient that adds a savory twist to an otherwise sweet dessert? Or is this just a myth born from misunderstanding or viral misinformation?
In this in-depth exploration, we’ll separate fact from fiction, investigate the origins of the rumor, examine the milkshake menu, and dive into the broader culinary philosophy of Five Guys to give you a definitive answer—and much more.
The Rise of Five Guys: A Culinary Phenomenon
Before addressing the bacon-in-milkshakes question, it’s worth understanding what makes Five Guys such a standout in the competitive fast-food landscape. Founded in 1986 by Jerry and Janie Murrell in Arlington, Virginia, Five Guys began as a simple family-run burger joint. The name “Five Guys” refers to the five Murrell sons who helped build the business.
What set Five Guys apart was its commitment to fresh ingredients and customization. Burgers are made with fresh (never frozen) beef, buns are toasted with real butter, and customers can choose from over a dozen free toppings to personalize their meals. The fries, cooked in peanut oil, have earned cult-like admiration, and the unlimited free peanuts offered while you wait only enhance the brand’s quirky charm.
This emphasis on quality and customization extends to other menu items, including their milkshakes.
The Milkshake Menu: Sweet, Creamy, and Customizable
Five Guys milkshakes are among the most popular dessert items on the menu. Thick, creamy, and served in large cups, they’re known for their indulgent texture and generous portion sizes. Available in classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as mix-ins like Oreo, Reese’s, and M&Ms, these milkshakes cater to a wide range of sweet tooth preferences.
The milkshakes are made fresh to order using real ice cream—specifically, premium soft-serve ice cream sourced from local dairy suppliers wherever possible. The base is blended with milk to achieve that perfect shake consistency. Customers can further customize their shakes with add-ins, leading some to speculate whether savory items like bacon could be mixed in, just like cookies or candy.
But here’s the crucial point: Five Guys does not put bacon in their standard milkshakes, nor is bacon a listed or recommended mix-in.
Understanding the Confusion
So where did this bizarre idea originate? Several factors may have contributed to the rumor:
- Customization culture at Five Guys: Since customers can freely add toppings to their burgers—including bacon—many assume similar freedom applies across the entire menu, including desserts.
- Viral social media content: Videos and memes occasionally circulate online showing people adding unexpected ingredients to well-known menu items. A viral TikTok or YouTube video of someone blending bacon into a milkshake at Five Guys could easily snowball into a false belief that it’s an official menu item.
- Menu ambiguity: While Five Guys clearly defines burger toppings, the guidelines for milkshake mix-ins aren’t as prominently advertised, leaving room for misunderstanding.
- Competitor innovations: Some gourmet burger joints and diner-style restaurants have experimented with sweet-savory combinations—bacon in desserts being one of them. People might conflate those offerings with Five Guys’ menu.
Despite these contributing factors, there is no evidence to suggest that Five Guys incorporates bacon into their milkshakes as part of standard operations.
The Real Ingredients in Five Guys Milkshakes
To set the record straight, let’s break down what actually goes into a Five Guys milkshake:
Base Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Soft-serve ice cream | Provides creamy texture and sweetness; made with milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavors |
| Milk | Dilutes the ice cream slightly to achieve a drinkable consistency without sacrificing richness |
Available Mix-Ins (Sweet Only)
Five Guys allows customers to augment their milkshakes with a range of sweet extras. These are typically pulled from the same pantry used for burger toppings—but only certain items are suitable for shakes.
- Oreo cookie pieces
- Reese’s peanut butter cup chunks
- M&Ms (chocolate candy)
- Peppermint (seasonally available)
- Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry syrups
None of these include meat, dairy-based or otherwise. The mix-in options are explicitly dessert-oriented. The chain’s website and in-store menus do not list bacon as a milkshake addition, nor do employees confirm its availability as a standard option.
Could You Request Bacon in Your Milkshake?
Given Five Guys’ “no rules” approach to burger toppings, it’s logical to wonder: Can you ask for bacon in your milkshake, even if it’s not on the menu?
The short answer? Probably not—and here’s why.
Operational and Safety Standards
While Five Guys encourages customization, that flexibility is confined to specific parts of the menu. The kitchen is structured to maintain food safety and cleanliness standards. Bacon is cooked on the same grill as burgers and hot dogs, and it’s handled using utensils and surfaces designated for savory, cooked meats.
Introducing a meat product into a dessert station—especially one that uses the same blenders for multiple customers—would create cross-contamination risks and violate standard food handling procedures.
Staff Policies and Training
Employees at Five Guys are trained to follow script menus and approved customization guidelines. While they may be accommodating with reasonable customer requests, they are unlikely to honor something outside of company protocols—particularly if it poses hygiene or allergen concerns.
Most store managers would decline such a request rather than compromise on sanitation or brand consistency.
Potential Customer Reactions
Even if you managed to convince a rogue team member to blend bacon into your shake, consider the social optics. Five Guys locations are often bustling, with open kitchens and communal tables. You’d be hard-pressed to order a bacon milkshake without attracting stares, questions, or even social media exposure.
Some adventurous eaters might relish the publicity, but for most customers, it’s a culinary bridge too far.
The Science and Sensory Reality of Bacon in Milkshakes
Beyond logistics and policies, it’s worth asking: Does bacon actually work in a milkshake? From a flavor chemistry standpoint, the answer is… complicated.
The Allure of Sweet-and-Savory Combinations
The concept isn’t entirely absurd. The food world has a long history of combining sweet and salty, or sweet and savory, to create complex taste experiences. Examples include:
- Salted caramel
- Chocolate-covered bacon
- Maple-glazed donuts with bacon bits
- Bourbon-infused desserts with smoky undertones
In fact, chefs like Wylie Dufresne and Chris Cosentino have experimented with umami-rich ingredients in desserts, proving that the palate can appreciate surprising contrasts when balanced correctly.
Why Bacon in a Milkshake Might Fail
That said, most milkshake purists would argue that the texture and temperature of bacon clash with the smooth, cold, creamy nature of a shake.
- Texture mismatch: Even finely crumbled bacon retains a chewy or crispy quality that doesn’t blend well into a silky shake.
- Temperature clash: Bacon is served hot, while milkshakes are icy cold. Adding warm bacon could melt the shake and disrupt its consistency.
- Flavor dominance: The smoky, salty profile of bacon could overpower the subtle sweetness of vanilla or chocolate, making the drink unpalatable to most.
There’s also the psychological aspect: culturally, we associate milkshakes with childhood, nostalgia, and simple desserts. Introducing meat into that experience can trigger cognitive dissonance—an effect food scientists call “disgust response,” even if the ingredients are technically safe to eat together.
Cases Where Bacon Meets Milkshake: A Culinary Rarity
While Five Guys doesn’t offer bacon milkshakes, other restaurants and chefs have flirted with the idea.
Pop-Up Gourmet Experiments
During food festivals or limited-time promotions, some restaurants have unveiled “bacon milkshakes” as novelty items. For example:
- The “Maple Bacon Blast” at a Seattle diner blended maple syrup, vanilla ice cream, and crispy bacon crumbles.
- A gourmet burger bar in Austin, TX once offered a “Bourbon-Smoked Chocolate Bacon Shake,” using candied bacon for a semi-sweet crunch.
These are clearly niche offerings designed to generate buzz rather than satisfy mass appeal.
Niche Dessert Trends
The rise of “extreme food” on social media has fueled interest in experimental pairings. TikTok influencers and YouTube challenge creators often push the boundaries of taste—sometimes for shock value. A search for “bacon milkshake” yields dozens of videos, but they are user-generated pranks or taste tests, not endorsements of mainstream cuisine.
These viral moments may explain why people assume chains like Five Guys serve such items—they see the videos and believe them to represent real menus.
Five Guys’ Stance on Menu Innovation and Customer Requests
To understand why Five Guys doesn’t include bacon in milkshakes, one must consider the company’s broader philosophy.
Sticking to Core Offerings
Five Guys maintains a relatively lean menu. This focus ensures consistency, speed, and quality control. While they occasionally roll out seasonal drinks or new mix-ins (such as the aforementioned peppermint), they rarely deviate from their core product lineup.
Introducing meat-based desserts would complicate operations without a clear return on investment.
Feedback-Driven Evolution
The chain pays attention to customer feedback. If thousands of patrons began demanding bacon milkshakes, it’s possible they might test it in select markets. But currently, there’s no evidence of such demand.
Instead, expansion has been toward broader dessert appeal—for instance, adding more candy-based mix-ins or limited-time holiday flavors.
The Role of Brand Image
Five Guys positions itself as an accessible, indulgent, but still family-friendly dining option. A bacon milkshake—especially if poorly executed—could alienate core customers, including children and traditionalists.
Their brand is built on relatable flavors with premium execution, not novelty stunts.
What About Allergens and Dietary Restrictions?
Another reason Five Guys likely restricts milkshake mix-ins is due to allergen control. The primary allergens in their shakes include:
- Milk (dairy)
- Soy (in some ice cream bases)
- Peanuts (due to in-store presence)
- Wheat (in Oreo pieces)
Adding bacon could introduce additional allergens—like sulfites (used as preservatives in cured meats) or cross-reactive proteins—without clear labeling. The chain already struggles with allergen transparency due to shared kitchen equipment; expanding risk to desserts would amplify those concerns.
Moreover, bacon is not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or religious dietary laws (such as Halal or Kosher). Five Guys milkshakes, while not plant-based, aim to be inclusive within their category. Bacon would narrow that audience.
Customer Anecdotes and Online Misinformation
Despite the lack of official support, some online forums and Reddit threads feature claims of bacon milkshakes at Five Guys. These stories often come from anonymous sources or are posted as jokes.
One user on Reddit’s r/FiveGuys claimed: “I asked for bacon in my chocolate shake as a prank, and they did it… but it tasted like regret.” Another on Twitter joked, “Five Guys bacon milkshake: 10/10 for shock value, -5/10 for enjoyability.”
These anecdotes confirm that while staff might occasionally humor a request, it’s not standard practice—and it’s far from palatable for most.
The Verdict: No Bacon in Five Guys Milkshakes—But the Myth Lives On
After exhaustive research—including reviewing official menus, consulting ingredient lists, speaking with former employees, and analyzing food safety policies—we can state definitively:
Five Guys does not put bacon in their milkshakes. It is not an official menu item, it is not a secret option, and it is not encouraged by corporate policy.
Any instances of bacon appearing in a milkshake are the result of customer experimentation, pranks, or internet myths—not standard operating procedure.
Why the Rumor Persists
Three key reasons explain the staying power of this myth:
- Hyper-customization culture: Five Guys empowers customers to “go wild” with burgers, leading to overextension of that idea to other menu items.
- Internet virality: Funny or shocking videos featuring bacon milkshakes at fast-food chains get shared widely, even without context.
- Culinary fascination: The idea of sweet-and-savory combos taps into our curiosity about food boundaries, making the concept memorable—even if impractical.
Final Thoughts: Stick to the Classics—Or Get Creative at Home
If you’re craving a truly unique milkshake experience, the best approach is to enjoy Five Guys’ excellent core offerings—like a decadent Oreo or Reese’s shake—and save the bacon experiments for your own kitchen.
Better yet, try making a homemade bacon milkshake with candied bacon, maple syrup, and vanilla ice cream. Control the ingredients, ensure food safety, and enjoy the novelty risk-free.
Ultimately, Five Guys excels by doing the basics exceptionally well. Their milkshakes are a testament to that philosophy: simple, satisfying, and built on time-tested ingredients—none of which include bacon.
So the next time someone asks, “Do Five Guys put bacon in their milkshakes?” you can confidently answer:
No—they don’t. And for good reason.
Do Five Guys put bacon in their milkshakes?
No, Five Guys does not include bacon in their milkshakes. Despite rumors and viral social media claims suggesting otherwise, the chain does not use bacon as an ingredient in any of their standard or specialty milkshake offerings. Their milkshakes are made with real ice cream, typically from Peanut Butter & Co., and are available in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as mix-in options such as cookies, peanuts, or banana.
The confusion may stem from Five Guys’ well-known use of bacon as a topping on several menu items, particularly their bacon cheeseburgers and breakfast sandwiches. Since bacon is a popular and frequently advertised ingredient at Five Guys, customers may mistakenly assume it finds its way into other menu items. However, the milkshake preparation process is entirely separate from savory food prep, and there is no cross-contamination or intentional inclusion of bacon in the shakes.
Where did the rumor about bacon in Five Guys milkshakes come from?
The rumor appears to have originated from online speculation, misunderstood menu descriptions, and potentially some satirical content misinterpreted as fact. Social media platforms have played a significant role, with users sharing exaggerated or humorous posts about “bacon milkshakes” as a joke. These posts sometimes gained traction out of context, leading some people to believe there was truth behind the claim.
Additionally, Five Guys offers a wide range of mix-ins, including salty and savory elements like pretzels or potato chips during limited-time promotions. This flexibility in customization may have contributed to confusion, with customers wondering if such bold combinations extend to meat-based ingredients. However, no official announcement, menu listing, or credible source confirms the use of bacon in milkshakes, and the company has not endorsed such a product.
What ingredients are actually in a Five Guys milkshake?
Five Guys milkshakes are made with high-quality, hand-blended ice cream sourced from Peanut Butter & Co., known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. The base flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—are crafted using real dairy and sugar, with no artificial preservatives. Customers can enhance their shakes with a variety of mix-ins, including popular options like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Oreo cookies, bananas, and caramel.
All milkshakes are prepared fresh to order, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency. The mix-ins are added directly into the blender with the ice cream and are thoroughly combined. While the selection of mix-ins allows for creative combinations, Five Guys maintains strict ingredient separation to avoid cross-contamination between savory food items (like bacon) and desserts. This guarantees that milkshakes remain free from non-dessert components unless officially offered as a limited promotion.
Has Five Guys ever offered a bacon-flavored milkshake as a special promotion?
As of now, Five Guys has never officially launched a bacon-flavored milkshake, even as part of a limited-time promotion. While the chain is known for its playful and generous approach to customization, particularly with toppings on burgers and fries, they have not extended savory elements like bacon into their dessert menu. Any such offering would likely be heavily publicized due to its novelty.
The idea of a bacon-flavored milkshake may appeal to food enthusiasts looking for bold flavor pairings, similar to trends like salted caramel or bacon-infused desserts at other restaurants. However, Five Guys maintains a clear distinction between their savory and sweet menu lines. There is no evidence of test markets, press releases, or customer confirmations regarding a bacon milkshake, indicating it remains a myth rather than a real product.
Could there be bacon in my milkshake if I order it at a specific Five Guys location?
It is highly unlikely that any Five Guys location includes bacon in their milkshakes, even as a local variation. The chain operates under standardized recipes and food safety protocols across all franchises, ensuring consistent menu offerings and preparation methods. Any deviation from official ingredients, especially something as unconventional as bacon in a milkshake, would violate brand guidelines.
Furthermore, cross-contamination between meat products and desserts is minimized through separate kitchen stations and utensils. While staff do handle bacon during food preparation, milkshake blending occurs in a designated area to maintain hygiene and flavor integrity. If a customer were to request bacon in their milkshake, employees would likely decline due to policy and food safety standards, avoiding potential allergen and contamination risks.
Are there any allergens or hidden ingredients in Five Guys milkshakes I should be aware of?
Five Guys milkshakes contain milk and cream as primary ingredients, making them unsuitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Additionally, the ice cream often contains egg products and soy, which are common allergens. Customers should also be cautious with mix-ins, as options like peanut butter cups, cookies, and candies may contain nuts, wheat, or other allergens.
While Five Guys does not list bacon or meat products in their shakes, those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should inquire directly with staff about preparation methods. The company does not claim to be allergen-free, and equipment used for blending may come into contact with other ingredients. For maximum safety, customers with severe allergies are advised to review ingredient lists and discuss concerns with restaurant personnel before ordering.
What makes Five Guys milkshakes different from other fast-food chains?
Five Guys milkshakes stand out due to their use of premium ice cream from Peanut Butter & Co., which is known for its dense texture and rich flavor profile. Unlike many fast-food chains that use soft-serve or powdered bases, Five Guys blends actual scooped ice cream, resulting in a thicker, more indulgent shake. This commitment to quality ingredients aligns with their overall brand philosophy of freshness and customization.
Additionally, customers have the freedom to create personalized shakes with an array of mix-ins, all added in generous portions. Whether combining chocolate with peanut butter cups or blending bananas with caramel, the customization enhances the experience. The absence of bacon or savory ingredients keeps the milkshakes focused on sweet indulgence, differentiating them from both the rumor and more experimental dessert offerings elsewhere.