Wake N’ Shake

Just in time to rival the return of the Shamrock Shake at McDonald's, the fast food chain Jack in the Box is offering a new milkshake that is sure to make those who drink it squeal like a pig in horrified response. It's The Bacon Shake.

This bacon-flavored milkshake is being offered as part of a new promotional campaign targeted at lovers of bacon, titled "Marry Bacon." The campaign includes TV advertisements and its own website of activities, marrybacon.com. Not included on menus, the milkshake is a secret item and only available by request.

Some might cringe in disgust at the thought of a bacon-flavored milkshake, assuming it has an obscene amount of fat from its meaty flavoring. While the Bacon Shake clocks in at a hefty 773 calories to a 16-ounce drink, it actually contains fewer calories than the restaurant's standard chocolate and strawberry milkshake offerings. However, it does have more fat, including an extra gram of trans fat.

Vegetarians need not fear, as the shake contains only bacon-flavored syrup and not actual bacon mixed into the milkshake. Anyone who dares to try the Bacon Shake is not actually drinking swine. Babe and Wilbur have been saved for their Bacon Cheeseburgers.

Now for the big question: How does it taste?

The first drink of the Bacon Shake is actually an exciting rush, just due to the realization that a milkshake can actually taste like meat. Subsequent drinks, however, do not have the same effect. I love bacon as much as the next person, but it is simply not meant to be in liquid form.

Halfway through the dessert, the experience worsens. The misery sinks in. With every drink, I search around my mouth for the bacon bits, trying to find the source of this sorcery. At this point, the after-taste starts to kick in. The overpowering after-taste lingers for hours and gives me a vivid idea of what it would taste like to gargle a glass of bacon grease.

The only legitimate reason to try this milkshake is simply to believe it exists. Also, someone could find amusement in leaving one of these monstrous creations unlabeled in the freezer for the next unsuspecting victim.

Besides that, there really is no reason to endure this unpleasant treat. Although, if someone is looking for the next revolution in dieting, I suggest a drink of this in the morning would surely kill his or her appetite for the entire day.

The milkshake is available for a limited and undetermined amount of time and costs $3.99 for the regular 16-ounce size.

Want another opinion? A majority of our staff at The Independent tested the Bacon Shake on video for your viewing pleasure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwY-6VvJOa4