TL;DR
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is now making its frozen custard from scratch at all locations, using eggs and butterfat for a richer, denser product. This move highlights the chain’s focus on quality and differentiation in the fast food dessert market.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has announced that it is now making its frozen custard from scratch at all of its more than 580 locations across the U.S. and Canada. This development underscores the chain’s commitment to quality and differentiates its dessert from standard ice cream, which it has emphasized as a key part of its menu.
According to Food Republic, Freddy’s custard is now prepared daily on-site using eggs, which give it a richer, smoother texture, and contains at least 10% butterfat, contributing to its creaminess. Unlike typical ice cream, frozen custard is denser because it incorporates less air during churning. The chain offers vanilla and chocolate flavors, made fresh in batches throughout the day, with options for custom toppings or mix-ins like syrups, nuts, fruits, and candies.
Freddy’s has also launched a Custard of the Week promotion for summer 2026, featuring special flavors such as cherry cheesecake, PBJ shake, and Rocky Road sundae. Customers can enjoy custard in various forms, including sundaes, shakes, concretes, or simply in cups or cones, with the option to take home pints and quarts. The move to make custard from scratch aligns with Freddy’s broader focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order offerings.
Impact of Scratch-Made Custard on Freddy’s Market Position
This shift to scratch-made custard highlights Freddy’s efforts to differentiate itself in the competitive fast food dessert segment, which includes chains like Culver’s and White Castle. By emphasizing quality ingredients like eggs and butterfat, Freddy’s aims to attract customers seeking premium frozen treats. It also reinforces the chain’s reputation for high-quality, made-to-order food, which could influence customer loyalty and brand perception.
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Freddy’s Custard: From Origins to Recent Innovations
Founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, Freddy’s has grown to over 580 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Known for its smash-style steakburgers and classic frozen custard, the chain has maintained a lower profile compared to giants like Shake Shack. Its custard, originally made with standard ingredients, has now been upgraded to a scratch-made process, aligning with a broader trend among fast food chains to emphasize quality and freshness.
This move comes amid increasing consumer interest in premium desserts and transparency about ingredients, especially in the Midwest, where custard is especially popular. Freddy’s decision to produce custard from scratch reflects its focus on quality and differentiation within a crowded market.
“Freddy’s custard now contains at least 10% butterfat and is made fresh daily, emphasizing quality and freshness.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Details About Production Process and Regional Rollout
It is not yet confirmed whether all locations have fully transitioned to scratch-made custard or if some stores are still using pre-made mixes. Additionally, the specific timeline for nationwide implementation and whether this move will influence pricing or menu options remains unclear. Further details about the production process at individual locations are still emerging.
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Next Steps for Freddy’s Custard Expansion and Marketing
Freddy’s is expected to promote its new scratch-made custard through marketing campaigns and menu updates. Observers anticipate that the chain will monitor customer response and may expand the promotion of its high-quality custard offerings. Future developments could include new flavors or innovations based on customer feedback and operational capacity.
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Key Questions
Why did Freddy’s decide to start making custard from scratch?
Freddy’s aims to emphasize quality and differentiate its dessert offerings by using fresh ingredients like eggs and butterfat, aligning with consumer demand for higher-quality fast food treats.
How does Freddy’s custard differ from ice cream?
Custard contains at least 10% butterfat and eggs, making it richer, smoother, and denser than typical ice cream, which generally contains less fat and air.
Will the switch to scratch-made custard affect prices?
It is not yet confirmed whether pricing will change as a result of the new production process. Further details are expected in upcoming marketing or operational updates.
Are all Freddy’s locations now making custard from scratch?
This has been announced as a chain-wide initiative, but it is still unclear if every location has fully transitioned or if some are still using pre-made mixes during the rollout.
What flavors are available with the new custard?
Freddy’s offers vanilla and chocolate flavors, made fresh daily, with options for custom toppings, sundaes, shakes, and specialty creations like the Custard of the Week.
Source: Food Republic
