Happiness cannot be bought, but a soft serve in a cup can. In all fairness, they’re pretty much the same thing. Thanks to fast food giants, though, who figured out that ice cream is also a drink (milkshakes).
However, Blizzards and McFlurry are more like triple-thick milkshakes. They’re made using soft flavoured serves that are blended with different toppings.
Key Takeaways
- Blizzards are a Dairy Queen product, while McFlurries come from McDonald’s.
- Blizzards have a thicker, creamier consistency compared to the slightly softer McFlurries.
- Both treats mix in various toppings, but Blizzards tend to have more topping options than McFlurries.
Blizzard vs McFlurry
The difference between Blizzard and McFlurry is that Blizzards are Dairy Queen products that were first served in 1985, and they come in a variety of soft-serve flavours blended with different toppings, whereas McFlurry is a product of McDonald’s that was first served in 1995 and it comes with a soft vanilla serve as a base and blended toppings.
Blizzards are made using a simple process. Soft-serve ice cream is put in a cup, toppings are added, and then the two are blended together.
Some of the most popular mixtures include mint Oreo, peanut butter Oreo, Oreo cheesecake, rum raisin, strawberry banana, and cappuccino almond. These are always served cold.
Meanwhile, McFlurry is made using the same process. However, the soft-serve base is always vanilla-flavoured.
Different toppings such as butterfingers, Oreo, Twix, Reese’s peanut butter cup, praline, snickers and M&Ms can be added as per the customer’s choice. Moreover, McFlurry is on the cheaper end of the spectrum as compared to Blizzards.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Blizzard | McFlurry |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Blizzard is a product of Dairy Queen. | McFlurry is a product of McDonald’s. |
| Launch | It was launched by the company in 1985. | It was launched by the company in 1995. |
| Soft Serve | Its soft-serve base has a variety of flavours. | Its soft-serve base only comes in vanilla flavour. |
| Toppings | It comes with various toppings such as sea salt toffee fudge, Oreo, pecan cluster, Oreo mocha, rum raisin, etc. | It comes with various toppings such as butterfingers, Oreo, Twix, Reese’s peanut butter cup, praline, snickers, M&Ms, etc. |
| Price | It is more expensive than the latter. | It is on the cheaper end of the spectrum. |
What is Blizzard?
The Blizzard was launched by Dairy Queen in 1985. Since then, it has been one of the most sold products of the franchise. Originally, it was a mixture of soft ice cream, cookies, and candy.
However, Samuel J. Temperato, who owned more than 65 Dairy Queens, figured out that more toppings would be a great idea.
Since then, different candies such as M&Ms and Mars bars began to be blended in blizzards. However, the candy companies refused to sell their products in a crushed manner to Dairy Queen.
Because of this, the candy had to be sold in its original form, and it would then be crushed by hand by Dairy Queen workers.
Now, with the help of blenders, different soft-serve flavours and toppings are used to make a blizzard. Some of the most famous varieties include mint Oreo, peanut butter Oreo, Oreo cheesecake, rum raisin, strawberry banana, and cappuccino almond.
However, the customers can choose which flavours and toppings they want to be blended. Considering the variety, it is only natural for blizzards to be more expensive than McFlurrys.
Despite the pricing, blizzards are one of the largest revenue generators for Dairy Queen, and customers like us ought to keep it that way.
What is McFlurry?
McFlurry is a product of McDonald’s that was first sold in 1995. It was invented by Ron McLellan, who owned a franchisee of the brand in Canada.
Since then, the product sure has created a flurry worldwide. The process of making it is similar to that of blizzards. However, the soft serve only comes in vanilla flavour.
Due to this, the product’s price is much lower than blizzards, but the brand does not compromise on the taste.
McFlurry is made with a variety of toppings such as butterfingers, Oreo, Twix, Reese’s peanut butter cup, praline, Snickers, M&Ms and much more. The blended result is served cold and in a cup.
However, the original McFlurry only came in five toppings. These were Heath, Butterfingers, Oreo, M&M and Nestle’s Crunch. Nowadays, options are very diversified and constantly changing.
Most franchises even come up with their own flavours, which are soaring hits in the localities. For example, Singapore has a Himalayan Tea flavour, and the Netherlands has a Stroopwafel one!
McDonald’s is known to serve exclusive flavours for festivals and seasons. Some of the most notable ones include cotton candy McFlurry in June, pumpkin pie flavour in October and chocolate orange for Christmas.
Main Differences Between Blizzard and McFlurry
- Blizzard is a product of Dairy Queen, whereas McFlurry is a product of McDonald’s.
- Blizzard was launched in 1985, whereas McFlurry was launched in 1995.
- The soft-serve base of Blizzard comes in a variety of flavours, whereas that of McFlurry only comes in vanilla flavour.
- Blizzard has toppings such as sea salt toffee fudge, Oreo, pecan cluster, Oreo mocha, rum raisin, etc. whereas McFlurry has toppings such as butterfingers, Oreo, Twix, Reese’s peanut butter cup, praline, snickers, M&Ms, etc.
- Blizzard is more expensive than the latter because of its variety, whereas McFlurry is on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-6096-1_8
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=pnB8DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT9&dq=blizzard+and+mcflurry&ots=nXWIl1OuLT&sig=RJVrYk8DS2MOKW5M_QmcfPborr8
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I appreciate the detailed information on the ingredients and toppings used in Blizzards and McFlurries. It really highlights the complexity behind these seemingly simple desserts.
The historical context you’ve provided about Blizzard and McFlurry is intriguing. Learning about their origins adds another layer to the enjoyment of these treats.
The price comparison is especially insightful. The differences in costs between the two products reflect their distinct features and offerings.
The article effectively captures the distinctions between Blizzard and McFlurry. It’s helpful for understanding the nuances of their flavors and culinary origins.
Indeed, the detailed breakdown of the differences is an excellent resource for dessert enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Absolutely, the depth of analysis sheds light on the craftsmanship and expertise that go into creating these delectable treats.
The comparison between Blizzard and McFlurry is quite detailed. Thank you for sharing.
The introduction of exclusive flavors by McDonald’s for festivals and seasons is a clever marketing strategy. It adds an element of surprise and anticipation for customers.
Interesting article. It’s amazing to see the development of these dessert options over the years.
I agree, it’s fascinating to see how the process and range of flavors have evolved.
The references provided at the end are a great addition. It’s always beneficial to have access to the sources for further reading.