Curiosity drives us to seek answers to intriguing questions, and one such question that has captured our attention is, “Does Grimace Shake have Red 40?”
To quench this thirst for knowledge, we embarked on a quest to uncover the truth by exploring various sources and conducting our own investigation into the ingredients of Grimace Shake.
In this article, we will share our findings and the process of creating Grimace Shake at home, providing you with an informed perspective on this captivating query.

Table of Contents
Making Grimace Shake at Home: Our Exploration
Our journey began with extensive research across multiple platforms and sources, delving into the intricacies of Grimace Shake’s composition.
While our investigation provided valuable insights, we must note that determining the exact ingredients of commercially available products can sometimes be challenging due to proprietary information and variations across regions and time.
Therefore, to ensure accurate information, we took matters into our own hands and decided to learn the recipe, gather the ingredients, and make Grimace Shake at home.
@santacruzmedicinals Did that Grimace shake have red 40???? #grimaceshake #red40 #santacruzmedicinals ♬ original sound – Santa Cruz Medicinals
Armed with determination and a spirit of adventure, we embarked on the task of making Grimace Shake from scratch. Here’s what we discovered:
The Ingredients
In our pursuit of knowledge, we uncovered a homemade recipe that claimed to recreate the flavors of Grimace Shake. According to this recipe, the ingredients typically used are as follows:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Frozen blueberries
- Milk
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped cream (optional)
The Process
We meticulously followed the recipe to ensure an authentic representation of Grimace Shake. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of our process:
- Gather all the necessary ingredients, ensuring their quality and freshness.
- In a blender, combine the milk, vanilla ice cream, frozen blueberries, and strawberry jam.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Pour the shake into serving glasses, leaving room for a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Top the shake with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Serve the homemade Grimace Shake immediately and enjoy!
@alexawhatsfordinner I was wondering if anything strange would happen to me if I made the Grimace Shake at home…? 🫣 recipe below 💜 Ingredients: -1 cup fresh raspberries or ¼ cup raspberry jam -1 tsp honey (omit if using jam) -1 cup vanilla ice cream -1 cup milk of choice -½ cup frozen blueberries -½ cup frozen strawberries -1 tsp blue spirulina powder -Whipped cream, for topping -Rainbow sprinkles, for topping Directions: -If using fresh raspberries, mash them into a paste and mix in the honey. -Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, frozen blueberries, mashed raspberries, frozen strawberries, and spirulina to a blender and blend until smooth. -Pour the shake into serving glasses and top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy! #grimace #grimaceshake #grimacesbirthday #grimacebirthdayshake #homemade #grimacebirthdaymeal #easyrecipe #simplerecipe #copycatrecipe #yum #foodie #foodvideo ♬ What You Need (Instrumental) – KAYTRANADA
The Verdict: Does Grimace Shake Have Red 40?
After our thorough investigation, including the examination of various sources and firsthand exploration, we found no conclusive evidence to suggest that Grimace Shake contains Red 40.
*It’s important to note that commercially available products may vary in their formulations and regional adaptations, so it’s always advisable to consult the specific ingredient list or reach out to McDonald’s directly for detailed information regarding the presence of Red 40 or other food colorings in their milkshakes.
Embarking on our quest not only satisfied our curiosity but also highlighted the joy of crafting our own Grimace Shake at home. By taking control of the ingredients and preparing the shake from scratch, we had the opportunity to tailor the recipe to our personal preferences and dietary needs.
This process empowers individuals who may have allergies, sensitivities, or concerns about certain food colorings to create a customized version of Grimace Shake that aligns with their requirements.
*If you have concerns about food colorings or allergies, let’s prepare Grimace Shake at home using your own ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exploration into the world of Grimace Shake has yielded fascinating insights. While we couldn’t definitively confirm the presence or absence of Red 40 in Grimace Shake, our homemade journey enabled us to appreciate the thrill of uncovering knowledge and crafting our own culinary creations.
If you are curious about the specific ingredients or have concerns regarding food colorings, we recommend consulting the ingredient list or reaching out to McDonald’s for accurate and up-to-date information.
In the spirit of adventure, we encourage you to embark on your own culinary escapades and discover the joy of making Grimace Shake in the comfort of your own home.

Fernando is the creator and writer behind the food blog Eating with your Hands. Living and working in cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Berlin, and being married to a Canadian foodie, has given Fernando a passion and interest in food and inspired him to run EWYH.