Wendy’s Brings Back Classic Vanilla Frosty

Get Your Frosty Fix: Vanilla Frosty Returns to Wendy’s Menu

Wendy's Chocolate Frosty and Vanilla Frosty | ©Image Credit: Wendy's
Wendy's Chocolate Frosty and Vanilla Frosty | ©Image Credit: Wendy's

Wendy’s has brought back a beloved favorite that’s sure to excite Frosty fans across the United States. After a months-long hiatus, the classic Vanilla Frosty has returned to the menu, offering a creamy and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, now’s the chance to get a taste of the Vanilla Frosty before it’s gone again.

Vanilla Frosty is Back After a 6-Month Break

The Vanilla Frosty was taken off Wendy’s menu in March 2024. Six months later, Instagram user @Markie_devo shared that some U.S. locations began offering the flavor as early as September 1st. Within a week, the frozen treat was once again available nationwide.

The Vanilla Frosty’s return marks the second time it has been offered this year. It was previously available in January 2024, following an eight-month absence. However, it was removed from the menu shortly after to make room for other seasonal flavors.

Wendy’s has a history of rotating Frosty flavors, with the Vanilla Frosty often being taken off the menu to accommodate limited-time offerings like Strawberry, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint, and Orange Dreamsicle.

There’s no official word yet on how long the Vanilla Frosty will be available, so you may want to grab one while you can before it’s replaced by another seasonal flavor.

What is a Frosty?

For the uninitiated, the Frosty is a signature frozen dessert offered by Wendy’s, known for its unique texture that falls between a milkshake and soft serve ice cream. It is thick enough to be eaten with a spoon but can also be sipped through a straw. The Frosty is available in various flavors, with the classic Chocolate Frosty being a permanent menu item, while the Vanilla Frosty and other seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year.

History of the Frosty

The Frosty was created in 1969 as one of the five original menu items at Wendy’s, which was founded by Dave Thomas. The dessert was co-developed by Thomas and Fred Kappus, who was the CEO of Kappus Company, a foodservice equipment distributor. The inspiration for the Frosty came from frosted malts sold at Thistledown racetrack in Cleveland during the 1960s. Kappus blended chocolate and vanilla soft serve to achieve a maltier flavor that complemented Wendy’s burgers perfectly.

Initially, Wendy’s only offered the Chocolate Frosty for over 30 years. In response to customer requests, the Vanilla Frosty was introduced in 2006. Since then, Wendy’s has experimented with various seasonal flavors, while maintaining that at least one of the two available Frosty flavors is always chocolate.

The Frosty’s recipe has remained largely unchanged since its inception, although it has undergone minor adjustments over the years. The exact formula is considered proprietary, but it generally includes ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar, cocoa, and thickeners like guar gum.

Today, the Frosty continues to be a beloved treat at Wendy’s locations across North America, embodying over five decades of culinary innovation in fast food desserts.

Sources: Wendy’s, Instagram