Is Arby’s mint shake seasonal?

Arby’s mint shake has become a fan favorite menu item at the fast food chain. With its cool minty flavor and creamy texture, the mint shake is the perfect treat to enjoy during the warm summer months. This has led many Arby’s customers to wonder – is the mint shake only available for a limited time as a seasonal item?

The History of the Arby’s Mint Shake

The Arby’s mint shake was first introduced to menus in April 2010 as a limited-time seasonal offering. It quickly became popular due to its unique minty flavor and smooth, creamy texture. The original mint shake was made with mint syrup, milk, and vanilla soft serve ice cream. It was topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

Due to popular demand, Arby’s decided to bring back the mint shake the following summer in June 2011. Again, it was advertised as a seasonal summer treat. The comeback of the mint shake proved successful, leading Arby’s to decide to add it to their permanent menu in August of 2011. While no longer labeled as seasonal, the mint shake has become a staple summer menu item that many customers look forward to each year.

Availability of the Mint Shake Year-Round

Although the mint shake originated as a limited-time summer offering, it is now available year-round at most Arby’s locations. However, there are some exceptions:

  • Some locations only serve it seasonally during the summer months.
  • Availability may depend on supply and demand – popular summer items may sell out faster outside of peak season.
  • A small number of locations do not have the mint shake at all.

So while the mint shake is intended to be available 365 days a year, you may encounter some variability depending on your specific Arby’s location. Your best bet is to call ahead to confirm they have the mint shake before making a special trip.

Why the Mint Shake is Often Associatied with Summer

There are several reasons why the mint shake continues to be strongly associated with summer, even though it is now a year-round menu item:

  • Initial history as a seasonal summer product – this set customer expectations that it was a summer-only treat.
  • Minty flavor profile is refreshing and cooling, suiting hot summer weather.
  • Milkshakes in general see increased popularity in the summer.
  • Heavier marketing and promotions for the mint shake in summer months.
  • Customers develop seasonal cravings and associate it with fond summer memories.

The exclusive summer seasonal availability when it was first introduced helped establish the mint shake as a quintessential summer treat in customers’ minds. Even though it is now sold year-round, people still tend to equate it with the carefree days of summer.

Seasonal Flavor Trends at Arby’s

While the mint shake can be enjoyed year-round, Arby’s does continue to offer other seasonal and limited-time flavors:

Season Limited-Time Flavors
Spring Shamrock shake, Jamocha shake
Summer Mint shake, mocha shake, lemon shake
Fall Caramel apple shake, pumpkin spice shake
Winter Eggnog shake, chocolate peppermint shake

Arby’s leverages the allure of seasonal flavors by offering a rotating lineup of limited-time shakes. While mint is available year-round, they market seasonal variations to generate interest and excitement. This provides customers with a feeling of novelty while also driving sales.

Should You Rush to Get the Mint Shake?

Given that the Arby’s mint shake is intended to be available all year, there is no need to rush out to get it before it disappears. However, here are some things to consider if you don’t want to miss out on this iconic summertime treat:

  • Demand often increases in hot weather, so summer supplies may be more limited.
  • Promotions and marketing spotlight the mint shake in summer.
  • Stopping by your local Arby’s in spring or early summer will ensure you don’t miss it.
  • Call ahead to verify your location has good supply before making a long trip.
  • Consider enjoying it more frequently during its “prime season.”

While it’s not completely off-limits in other seasons, the mint shake is really at its best when enjoyed in the summertime heat. Planning to get your fix in June, July, and August when shakes are top of mind is your best bet for capturing that nostalgic summer flavor.

Why People Love the Mint Shake

The Arby’s mint shake has earned a loyal following for several reasons:

  • Unique minty flavor – The refreshing mint stands out from typical vanilla and chocolate shakes.
  • Creamy, smooth texture – Melted vanilla ice cream provides an indulgent treat.
  • Nostalgia and tradition – Customers have fond memories of enjoying it as a kid.
  • Limited availability – As an original seasonal item, people want to get it before it’s gone.
  • Affordable indulgence – At around $2.99, it’s an affordable way to treat yourself.

For many Arby’s fans, a mint shake is the perfect sweet accompaniment to signature sandwiches like the Beef ‘n Cheddar or Curly Fries on a hot summer’s day. The cool, creamy minty flavor is a tasty way to beat the heat and enjoy a mouthwatering treat.

How to Order the Mint Shake

Getting your hands on a minty cold treat at Arby’s is simple:

  1. Visit any participating Arby’s location. Consult Arby’s website or call ahead to confirm mint shake availability.
  2. Decide on shake size – regular or large.
  3. When ordering at the counter or drive-thru, simply request a “mint shake” in your desired size.
  4. You can customize your mint shake by requesting it made with chocolate ice cream or added chocolate syrup.
  5. Pay the advertised mint shake price, usually around $2.99 for a regular.
  6. Enjoy your frosty mint treat! Tip – use a spoon straw to get every last drop.

Be sure to take advantage of any promotional deals or coupons to get your refreshing mint shake at a discount. Act quick, because this coveted flavor has a way of disappearing fast on hot summer days!

Other Milkshake Flavors at Arby’s

While the mint may be the most iconic, Arby’s offers a variety of delicious shake flavors to enjoy:

  • Chocolate
  • Jamocha
  • Vanilla
  • Strawberry
  • Mocha
  • Caramel
  • Cookie butter
  • Salted caramel

Seasonal limited-batch shakes are also introduced for short periods throughout the year, such as pumpkin spice. Be sure to check Arby’s website or ask at your local restaurant to find out what specialty shakes are currently being featured.

How Does Arby’s Mint Shake Compare to Other Chains?

Arby’s provides a unique mint shake flavor profile that stands out from other major fast food chains. Here’s how it compares:

Chain Mint Shake Availability How It Compares
McDonald’s Limited-time Shamrock shake in spring Only available seasonally; more bright green coloring
Wendy’s Not on menu No mint shake option
Burger King Not on menu No mint shake option
Arby’s Year-round Creamy, authentic mint flavor; signature item

Arby’s stands apart for offering mint as a core shake flavor available anytime. It beats out the more artificial-tasting Shamrock option and can’t be found at all at Wendy’s or Burger King. Arby’s has truly cornered the market when it comes to minty milkshake cravings!

Nutritional Info for Arby’s Mint Shake

Like any milkshake, the Arby’s mint shake is high in calories, fat, and sugar. Here are the nutrition facts for a small mint shake:

  • Calories: 530
  • Total fat: 18g
  • Saturated fat: 11g
  • Trans fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total carbs: 80g
  • Dietary fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 69g
  • Protein: 9g

As you can see, the shake provides over half your daily value of saturated fat and no nutritional fiber. The 69g of sugar is equivalent to over 17 teaspoons worth!

While an occasional mint shake can be an enjoyable indulgence, it’s best consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Those looking to cut back on sugar may want to request half the usual pumps of mint syrup.

The Verdict on Arby’s Mint Shake Seasonality

In summary, here’s the final verdict on whether Arby’s mint shake is seasonal:

  • Originally introduced as a summer-only limited offering in 2010.
  • Brought back in summer 2011 due to demand.
  • Added to permanent menu in August 2011, intended for year-round availability.
  • Remains strongly associated with summer due to tradition and flavor profile.
  • Most locations serve it all year but availability can vary.
  • Arby’s continues to promote it more heavily in summer months.
  • Enjoying it during summer provides nostalgia and the best experience.

So while Arby’s mint shake can technically be enjoyed 365 days a year, it remains ingrained in many people’s minds as the quintessential summer milkshake flavor. Indulging in its cool, creamy minty goodness during the sunny months is the best way to experience this Arby’s classic.

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