The freakshake, a whimsical and extravagant milkshake, touched the very tip of popularity in the mid-2010s, alluring social media and dessert lovers around the world. Its history is relatively short, but its impact on dessert culture has been tremendous and enduring.
The freakshake is widely considered to have originated in Canberra, Australia, at a cafe called Pâtissez. In 2015, the cafe's owners, Anna Petridis and Gina Petridis, introduced their first freakshake, popularized as the "Nutella and Salty Pretzel." It exhibited a chocolate milkshake adorned with Nutella, pretzels, and whipped cream piled high. It was further embellished with pretzels, caramel sauce, and even additional stuff like brownies or cookies. The exaggerated presentation and indulgent combination of flavors quickly gained colossal traction and global attention. The way it was presented meticulously as the dessert relies equally on the sense of spectacle as it rides on its delightful flavors.
Ascent to Fame
The Freakshake's celebrityhood had its meteoric ascent due in large part to its visual appeal. These milkshakes were not just regular beverages; they were positioned and designed as Instagrammable works of art. The overindulgent, gravity-defying toppings and creative combinations of sweets turned them into a viral sensation on social media platforms. The more outrageous, elaborate, and gloriously colorful the shake, the more likely it was to attract attention online.
After making them, Anna posted a photo on social media of the four milkshakes she had just made. It was enough to send the world into a tizzy.
Few media houses and social media portals such asBuzzFeed, MTV America, Good Morning America, and the Today Show, popularized the word about Anna’s creation. Given the rapid pace with which the milkshake became popular and seeing that many other coffee shops were adopting similar concepts, they decided to buy the rights to the word “Freakshake” to impede others from doing so and to acquire its popularity. Due to their success and popularity, they opened two more shops in Singapore and Malaysia. Another one was opened in Bangkok.Cafes and dessert shops around the world began crafting their own versions, experimenting with various flavors and toppings. The trend didn't stop at cafes; it inspired home bakers and DIY enthusiasts who sought to recreate these extravagant shakes in their own kitchens. Freakshakes soon transcended their Australian origins and emerged as a global phenomenon.
As the freakshake trend branched out, variations emerged to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Some featured classic flavors like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, while others embraced unconventional combinations such as matcha green tea, cereal, and even savory elements entailing bacon and cheese. The freakshake has been adopted and adapted to localized, regional palates in various corners of the world. Newer health-conscious alternatives have sprung up, including vegan and gluten-free options. There are even seasonal variations springing, tailored to suit festive occasions. Some include baked goodies and others with generous alcoholic additions.
Despite their surging popularity, freakshakes have faced an onslaught of criticism for their excessive sugar and calorie content. Some have argued that the trend promotes unhealthy eating habits, provoking huge nutritional concerns. The excessive use of sugary and fatty ingredients without much nutritional benefit may contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of diabetes. The excess of toppings and elaborate presentations of freakshakes often lead to a substantive amount of food waste. Their size and complexity lend to immediate environmental concerns. There’s also a rush to be Instagram-friendly with this, which can compel many to privilege aesthetics over their health in the pursuit of attention. This trend’s lack of scope for vegan alternatives has also been a bone of contention.
While the initial hype around freakshakes may have extenuated, their legacy can be glimpsed in the ongoing trend of over-the-top, visually stunning desserts. The freakshake's influence is ample in various dessert creations that prioritize aesthetics and shareability, assuaging people to indulge in the experience of both eating and photographing their treats.
The Freakshake's journey from a creative concoction in an Australian cafe to a global dessert phenomenon is a testament to the staggering power of social media and visual appeal in determining, creating, and influencing food trends. Despite the swath of controversy that accompanied it, its impact on dessert culture is likely to prevail and shimmer as a reminder of the era when extravagant and visually stunning sweets captured the entire attention of the culinary world.