# Strawberry Candy-Topped Milkshakes Zaxby’s Creates A NERDS-Topped Strawberry Milkshake By Ellen Smith | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerds-strawberry-milkshake-2 References: [fastfoodpost](https://www.fastfoodpost.com/zaxbys-launches-new-nerds-strawberry-milkshake)  Zaxby's introduced the [NERDS Strawberry Milkshake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawberry-swirl-shake), a collaboration that pairs the chain's strawberry shake with the iconic NERDS candy and a stack of playful toppings. The drink uses a strawberry-flavored shake swirled with pieces of Original NERDS for a [crunchy-sweet mix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-crunch-shake), featuring whipped cream on top. The shake is finished with Rainbow NERDS, NERDS Gummy Clusters and a maraschino cherry for layered texture and color. Pricing varies by location but one local store listed the mashup at $5.49. The shake turns a classic fast-food dessert into a [multisensory treat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerds-sugar-crush-cookie), combining chew and cream for a nostalgic candy moment. The collaboration gives Zaxby's a playful limited-menu option that leans into confectionery tie-ins and shareable indulgence. Image Credit: Zaxby's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 66% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 92% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Candy-collab Desserts:** Branded confectionery pairings create limited-time dessert formats that blend fan nostalgia with quick-service menu novelty. - **Texture-layered Treats:** Crunchy, chewy and creamy combinations signal white-space for multisensory indulgences that stand out in crowded beverage and dessert categories. - **Shareable Nostalgia:** Bright colors, familiar candy brands and playful toppings transform everyday treats into social-ready products with emotional appeal. ### Where This Applies - **Quick-service Restaurants:** Fast-food chains can differentiate dessert menus through co-branded, limited-run items that drive trial and impulse purchases. - **Confectionery:** Candy makers gain new consumption occasions when their products become mix-ins and toppings for beverages, frozen treats and restaurant desserts. - **Frozen Desserts:** Milkshake and ice cream formats benefit from unexpected inclusions that add texture, visual impact and premiumized novelty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lovey-Dovey QSR Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/true-love-shake.md) - [Festive Cookie-Flavored Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zaxbys-cookie-butter-shake.md) - [Cereal-Infused QSR Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruity-pebbles-milkshake.md) - [Nostalgic Biy Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biy-milkshakes.md) - [Collaboration Snack Cake Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hostess-cupcake-shake.md) - [Flavorful Dry Rub Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dry-rubs.md) - [Candy-Infused Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candyinfused-milkshakes.md) - [Branded Nutty Chocolate Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-peanut-butter-shake.md) - [Indulgent Ranch-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-bacon-ranch.md)