Product: 2015 F’real Milkshakes and Smoothies
Manufacturer Stated Serving Size: 16oz
MSRP: $2.99-$3.99
Flavors Tested: Blueberry Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry, Chocolate Malt
Reviewer: 6’ 165 lbs, reckless driving style
Locations Tested: Gas Stations in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, California and Washington
Days Tested: 15
Intro
Several years ago, Blister’s editor-in-chief kicked off the “Random Review” Series with his in-depth look at the Salsitas Spicy Salsa Chips.
Inspired by his analysis (and the idea of built-in guacamole), I am here to present my own gas station favorite.
No, F’real
I’m bad at driving and I don’t like doing it. But I do like skiing, and try to do that as much as possible. As a result, I end up sleeping in my car a decent amount, and I also spend an above-average amount of time in gas stations.
Fortunately, I still have the digestive system of a 21 year old male, since (unfortunately) I also have the eating habits of a 21 year old male.
But I don’t usually mind my diet of sour gummy worms, various Hostess pies (“Vs.” review coming soon if I can get it approved), gas station hot dogs, and the occasional slice of long-expired pizza.
But sometimes, I get a hankering for fruit.
It’s probably the same biological need for fruit that’s felt by pirates who are about to succumb to scurvy. This need cannot be sated with candy, no matter how “Sour apple-flavored with real fruit juice!” that candy may be.
Of course, in the high cholesterol, environment of your average gas station, fresh fruit is not often available. (I’m not at all willing to count the depressing looking apples or bananas sitting in the plastic bowl by the cash register with the sign, “Fresh”.)
That’s when I discovered F’real.
They claim to be “The folks who proudly bring you the BEST TASTING milkshakes, smoothies and frozen cappuccinos blended by YOU in our magical milkshake machine.”
They also claim to use “Real Ingredients” and “Fresh Blending.”
I was intrigued. The abundant use of ALL CAPS made me ready to believe that F’real could offer the solution I was looking for.
The Process.
In their marketing copy F’real claims that their milkshake machine is “Magical.” This may be the first time I have ever 100% agreed with a manufacturer’s description.
The image below gives some idea of the typical F’real setup:
As you can see, the customer is greeted by an array of choices that are tastefully displayed in the F’real F’reezer. While it can be hard to choose a flavor, I’ve outlined a few of my favorite choices below.
Once you’ve made your decision, simply peel back the foil lid from your cup, and place its slotted base in the machined pedestal. Then choose your desired thickness (I usually go with “medium”) and press the Start button. The cup then ascends up into the machine, and your frozen treat will be ground into your preferred texture.
I have no idea what actually happens up there, but I assume there’s some kind of industrial-strength, multi blade grinder with some sort of laser heating. I would not recommend sticking your arm up into the F’real machine unless you want a nickname like “One Hand Ryan” or “Stumpy Steve.”
However, this machine is not merely a milkshake grinder. No, this is America! So this machine is also a personal marketer—you can watch ads for upcoming movies on its built-in screen as it prepares your snack.
Once it’s done whipping up your smoothie to the desired thickness, the magnificent machine then lowers your cup back down, and the screen prompts you to remove your shake.
This process is indeed magical, and in my opinion, nearly perfect. Though if there were flames shooting out the top of the machine, that would be cool too.
NEXT: Flavors, Comparisons, Etc.
Fun read. IMO, the best food item available in gas/convenience stores, esp in rural places.
No 21 year old is a truly “good” driver. Keep at it, it’ll come!
Ok I like the taste . But bioengineering . What’s your definition of that. Is that even safe genetically alterd DNA .now I’m concerned ? explain please
Yesterday evening I bought 3 freal smoothies. .when we place the cups to grind or whipp up the frozen smoothie..the machine made this huge sound like it was breaking down ..The cashier even glanced over and shrugged his shoulders.. when we got home both my boys as drinking found pieces of shredded plastic in the mix..I don’t know how it got there but I kept the full cups with the plastic inside iam going to call the company to let them know about this incedent for us..last time I buy from those and that’s too bad because we finally found something simple and easy to access at anytime and the price was great…
Love my f’real candy cotton flavor and the cupcake batter one( not sure I have name correct). Thank you for inventing this. Hurry up and bring back my candy cotton flavor please.
Smoothies are great also.
Michele S. Shera
Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania
This is absolutely the worst machine I have ever purchased. It came in damaged and it has never worked right from the day I bought it. I am returning it. They made it seem like all the problems were my fault.
hey don
i own 2 of these machines which i bought a year apart.the first one was made in usa and the other one in china.the one made in US has been trouble free whereas the made in PRC one has given trouble since day one.did you send yours back?do you remember where was it made?
thanks
jay
It is the worst milkshake I’ve ever had McDonald’s milkshake is better
I agree. Mine was so nasty I threw it away. I won’t buy those ever again!!!!
They add far too much sugar to their product. I won’t buy it again. Unnecessary sugar calories.
Yes I thought it was alot of sugar for a 12 oz 41 grams and it wasn’t even sweet i got the strawberry banana smoothie
I look for these machines when we’re on the road, stopping at convenience stores to get gas and snacks. I have always been pleased with the product and have tried many flavors. It’s a great idea to allow the consumer to choose the thickness of the milkshake. I love the F’real milkshakes. So far I’ve only traveled through the central states of the US. I hope they are located elsewhere.
Terrible company no support whatsoever. Pay over $15,000 for the equipment. You would think they would have a better support. The tech told me to call a plumber to work on a blender. Lol what a joke of a company.
I only love the mango but either they have 1 or none ,once a good cashier was working & told me they were in the back & hadn’t been put out I brought all 12 ,company needs to leave more stock !!! 29505
Shake Machines are out of order quite a bit.Cups are smaller than before.And the smaller cups are just a bit over half full.Never again.
I had mango. Blended it at the store. Walked home , covered with Saran Wrap. Extra frosty. Deeelicious. But, what does bioengineered mean to FReal?
Hello sir. I want to know some things about the machine
Had a choc-mint while on the road [going through Crafers S.A.. I loved it, and gave tried to swing by there for another when I can.