March is rolling in, and the excitement of St. Patrick’s Day is taking over, but the real showdown is just beginning. Thanks to Wendy’s new Frosty flavor release, fast-food enthusiasts are now debating which seasonal treat reigns supreme: McDonald’s signature Shamrock Shake or Wendy’s new Thin Mint Frosty? Both treats have become trending limited-time shakes, but only one can wear the crown of the best St. Patrick’s Day themed treat.
In one corner, we have the reigning champion: the Shamrock Shake. The shake comes out swinging, representing the essence of St. Patrick’s Day indulgence. First introduced by McDonald’s in 1970, the minty, creamy concoction has established itself as a heavyweight in the ring, with decades of nostalgic flavor to back it up and, its signature (and kind of concerning) green hue. According to McDonald’s.com, the shake has a smooth soft-serve vanilla ice cream base, combined with a hint of mint flavor, and of course, a minty-green dye to tie it all together into a satisfying treat.
Fans of the Shamrock Shake are loyal, and they’re not backing down. Megan Murray, a lifelong supporter, reminisces about the traditions surrounding the shake.
“My mom used to pick up my sister and me from our dance classes and surprise us with a Shamrock Shake around the time that it came out,” she recalls. “I remember the shake being so tasty; it was such a fun treat for us to get.”
Despite the fond memories, the 2025 version of the Shamrock Shake is possibly showing signs of wear.
“I drank the Shamrock Shake this year, and it tasted like drinking essential oils,” exclaimed Murray. “I couldn’t even finish that nasty thing.”
Similar allegations say that the shake’s quality has slowly declined each year, and now, Wendy’s latest creation is ready to dethrone the legend.
In the other corner, the fresh contender, Wendy’s new Thin Mint Frosty, steps into the ring, eager to claim the crown. A recent addition to the seasonal treat arena, this goodie is here to shake things up. Released in collaboration with the Girl Scouts, Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty delivers the beloved flavor of the popular Thin Mint cookie, with the decadent flavors of chocolate and mint, delivering a treat that punches well above its weight.
“I was actually shocked when I tried it for the first time,” said Murray. “It was really chocolatey and an explosion of mint in my mouth at the same time.”
The Thin Mint Frosty also has the added advantage of versatility: it’s available in both chocolate and vanilla ice cream options, giving customers a choice of flavor profiles. This new twist on a classic is nothing short of a game-changer.
As the bell rings for the final round, the Shamrock Shake digs deep, representing over five decades of tradition. It’s the shake that built St. Patrick’s Day indulgence, a minty classic with a loyal following who refuse to let go of the past. But, with the Thin Mint Frosty’s sweet one-two combo of chocolate and mint, and its ability to customize with vanilla or chocolate bases, the challenger is proving to be a fierce competitor.
The battle has never been more intense—and the fight for the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat is far from over. The crown is up for grabs, and it’s still anyone’s fight. Will the Shamrock Shake keep its crown, or is it time for the Thin Mint Frosty to take the title?