National Chocolate Milkshake Day, observed annually on 12th September, provides a specific occasion for brands and retailers to promote limited-time offers on chocolate-flavoured beverages. The following article details the promotions available in 2018, as reported by various media outlets. The information is derived from a selection of contemporary news articles and social media posts, which collectively outline the types of deals, participating brands, and the conditions required to redeem them. This guide focuses on the promotional mechanics, eligibility criteria, and the geographic scope of the offers, providing a factual overview for consumers interested in seasonal food and beverage freebies.
The celebrations in 2018 featured a mix of nationwide fast-food chains and regional independents, offering deals ranging from completely free milkshakes to significant discounts. A common theme across many promotions was the requirement for a purchase to unlock the free or discounted item, a standard practice in the restaurant industry to drive footfall and increase average transaction value. Other offers were tied to charitable donations or loyalty programme participation, presenting alternative avenues for consumers to access the deals.
Overview of National Promotions
Several well-known fast-food restaurants were reported to have participated in National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018. The promotions were typically time-sensitive, valid only for the day of the celebration (12th September 2018), and subject to availability at participating locations. Consumers were advised to verify the offer’s validity with their local outlet before visiting.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s did not offer a completely free milkshake in 2018. Instead, the promotion focused on a discounted bundle through the McDonald’s mobile application. Customers who purchased any large or medium-sized drink from the McCafé menu—which includes milkshakes—could obtain a second drink for one penny. This offer was not restricted to chocolate milkshakes; customers could choose any flavour available in the McCafé drink range. The promotion required the use of the McDonald’s app to access the deal.
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, two related fast-food chains, offered a free small milkshake and a free small fry. However, this promotion was conditional on the purchase of a specific menu item. For Carl’s Jr., customers needed to sign up for the brand’s email list to receive a coupon, which was then redeemable upon the purchase of a Six Dollar Burger. Similarly, Hardee’s required customers to sign up for its newsletter to receive a coupon for a free small milkshake and small fry, with the purchase of a Thickburger required to redeem the offer.
Chick-Fil-A
Chick-Fil-A’s promotion was structured around its rewards programme rather than a one-day-only event. Customers who were members of the Chick-Fil-A One rewards programme could accumulate points with each purchase. These points could then be redeemed for free items, including a chocolate milkshake or any other drink. While this allowed for a free milkshake, it was contingent on prior spending to earn the necessary points, meaning it was not a no-cost offer for new customers on the day itself.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt presented a promotion that combined a charitable donation with customer discounts. On 12th September 2018, customers who donated $1 or more to the No Kid Hungry charity at their local Orange Leaf store received two benefits: a half-price milkshake and a discount card for a free frozen yoghurt on a subsequent visit. The half-price discount applied to all shakes, not exclusively chocolate. This offer was available at participating locations on the specific day of the celebration.
Regional and Local Offers
Beyond the nationwide chains, the source material indicates that some regional or local businesses also participated. For example, Walker’s Vintage Café in Madisonville, Kentucky, was mentioned as offering a free or discounted milkshake. The sources suggest that consumers should check with local businesses that sell milkshakes, as many independent establishments may have joined the celebration with their own promotions.
Context: National Chocolate Day (October 28)
While the primary focus is National Chocolate Milkshake Day, the source material also references a related holiday: National Chocolate Day on 28th October. It is important to distinguish between these two events, as the promotions associated with each are distinct.
National Chocolate Day, as per the 2018 reports, featured deals from retailers like Godiva. These promotions were not for milkshakes but for chocolate products such as bars and confectionery. For instance, Godiva offered a 25% discount on purchases of $75 or more, a 20% discount on purchases of $50 or more, and a Buy 1, Get 1 50% off deal on specific 5-piece assorted chocolate bars. Free standard shipping was also available for orders between $60 and $599. These offers were available in-store and online, and joining the Godiva Chocolate Rewards Club was suggested as a way to access additional benefits.
Historical and Cultural Context of Milkshakes
The sources provide a brief historical background to milkshakes, which helps contextualise the celebration. The term "milkshake" originally referred to a "wholesome drink" containing chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrups, and sometimes contained whiskey and eggs. The modern, creamy, ice-cream-based milkshake emerged in the early 1900s with the invention of the electric blender, such as the Hamilton Beach Cyclone Drink Mixer. By the 1920s, chocolate syrup had become a popular addition, solidifying the chocolate milkshake as a staple of American diner culture.
Eligibility and Redemption Processes
The offers documented for National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 typically required specific actions from consumers:
- Sign-up for Marketing Communications: Several offers (Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s) required customers to sign up for an email newsletter to receive a coupon.
- Point-Based Redemption: The Chick-Fil-A offer was accessible only to members of its loyalty programme who had accumulated sufficient points through prior purchases.
- Purchase Requirements: Most free milkshake offers were tied to the purchase of another item, such as a burger (Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s) or a large/medium McCafé drink (McDonald’s).
- Charitable Donation: The Orange Leaf promotion required a minimum donation to a specified charity.
- Geographic Limitations: Offers were typically valid only at participating locations within the United States, and availability could vary by region. The sources do not specify if any of these promotions were available to UK consumers.
Conclusion
National Chocolate Milkshake Day 2018 served as a marketing vehicle for various food and beverage brands, primarily in the United States. The documented freebies and discounts were predominantly structured as promotional incentives to drive sales, requiring a purchase, sign-up, or donation to access. While nationwide chains like McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Orange Leaf participated with specific offers, the event also prompted some local businesses to create their own promotions. For consumers, the day presented an opportunity to enjoy chocolate milkshakes at a reduced cost or as part of a bundled deal, provided they met the specific eligibility criteria set by each brand.