What makes the pink color in strawberry shakes?

The pink color in strawberry shakes typically comes from the addition of strawberry syrup or strawberry ice cream. These ingredients contain natural red pigments called anthocyanins, which give strawberries their characteristic color. When combined with milk or other dairy products, the anthocyanins become more stable and produce the pink color that is associated with strawberry shakes.

In some cases, artificial food coloring may be added to strawberry shakes to enhance the pink color. However, many companies now use natural ingredients to create the desired color, as consumers increasingly prefer products made with fewer artificial ingredients.