A Guide to What Can Vegans Eat at Shake Shack?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to VegNews, in May 2023, Shake Shack significantly expanded its plant-based offerings by introducing new non-dairy custard and shake options across its U.S. locations. For those wondering exactly what can vegans eat at Shake Shack?, the answer goes beyond simple sides and now includes a customizable veggie burger and decadent frozen desserts.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific menu items available for a vegan diet at Shake Shack, including the necessary modifications for the Veggie Shack burger, the suitability of the crinkle-cut fries, and the new plant-based dessert options. It provides clear instructions for ordering a complete and satisfying plant-based meal.

Key Points

Veggie Shack Modifications: The Veggie Shack patty is vegan, but you must ask for no cheese, no crispy onions, and no ShackSauce, and swap the bun for a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.
Vegan Fries: The plain crinkle-cut fries are vegan, but note that there is a possibility of cross-contamination from other fried items.
Dairy-Free Desserts: Shake Shack offers Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard and a Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake, both made with NotMilk.
Beverage Choices: Standard fountain drinks and iced tea are vegan, but verify the homemade lemonade's status with staff.
Sauce Limitations: Stick to ketchup and mustard, as Shake Shack's famous ShackSauce and BBQ sauce contain animal products.
Avoid the 'Shroom Burger: The 'Shroom Burger is not vegan, as it is stuffed with cheese that cannot be removed.

The Plant-Based Shake Shack Experience: More Than Just Fries

Shake Shack, known for its classic burgers and rich frozen custards, has evolved its menu to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences. While once a difficult destination for those on a vegan diet, recent menu additions and simple ordering modifications have made it a viable fast-food option. By knowing what to ask for, vegans can now enjoy a satisfying meal, complete with a savory burger, fries, and even a dessert. The key to a successful plant-based order lies in customization, with the Veggie Shack and non-dairy frozen custard being the stars of the show.

The Modified Veggie Shack

The centerpiece of a vegan meal at Shake Shack is the Veggie Shack, a house-made vegetable patty available at all US locations. The patty itself is plant-based, featuring a blend of mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa. However, the standard build includes several non-vegan components that must be removed. The standard Veggie Shack comes topped with American cheese, crispy fried onions (battered in dairy and egg), and ShackSauce (egg-based). The Martin's potato bun also contains dairy, so it must be replaced.

How to Order Your Vegan Veggie Shack

For a perfectly customized, plant-based burger, follow these specific steps when ordering:

Request a Veggie Shack. Specify that you want the Veggie Shack burger.
Make the Modifications. Explicitly state "no cheese," "no crispy onions," and "no ShackSauce".
Choose Your Bun. Ask to replace the standard bun with either a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap. The gluten-free bun is confirmed to be vegan.
Add Toppings. Maximize flavor by requesting additional vegan-friendly toppings like pickles, tomato, and raw onion. Cherry peppers are also a suitable addition.

Sides and Extras: A Fry-Tastic Choice

Shake Shack's crispy, crinkle-cut fries are a dependable and delicious vegan option. They are cooked in cholesterol-free, pure soybean oil. While the fries themselves are plant-based, it is important to be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination if that is a concern. The fryers are used to cook other items like the non-vegan 'Shroom Burgers and chicken products. If cross-contamination is a deal-breaker, it's always best to inquire with the staff.

Plant-Based Desserts and Drinks

Beyond savory options, Shake Shack has made significant strides in the dessert category. Thanks to a partnership with NotCo, a food-tech company, the chain offers a creamy Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard and a Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake. These are made with NotMilk, a plant-based beverage that mimics the texture and taste of dairy.

When it comes to beverages, several standard options are safe for vegans. Fountain drinks like Coke, Sprite, and Pepsi are available. While some sources suggest Shake Shack's Fresh Lemonade contains animal products, others indicate their Shack-made lemonades are vegan-friendly, so it is best to verify with the staff. The iced tea is a safe and refreshing option.

Vegan Condiments and Sauces

Not all sauces are created equal for vegan diets. While ketchup and mustard are safe bets, Shake Shack's ShackSauce contains eggs, and its BBQ sauce is not suitable for vegans. For those wanting more than just ketchup, it's best to stick to mustard, or potentially cherry peppers as a savory condiment.

Shake Shack Vegan Menu Comparison Table


Item	Vegan-Friendly?	Modifications Needed	Notes
Veggie Shack	Yes, with modifications	Remove American cheese, crispy onions, and ShackSauce. Swap potato bun for gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.	Patty is made of vegetables and grains.
Plain Fries	Yes	None	Cooked in soybean oil, but cross-contamination is possible.
Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard	Yes	None	Made with NotMilk; manufactured in a facility with dairy.
Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake	Yes	None	Hand-spun with NotMilk; tastes like a classic milkshake.
Fountain Drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.)	Yes	None	Standard soda and iced tea are vegan-friendly.
Ketchup and Mustard	Yes	None	Standard vegan condiments.
'Shroom Burger	No	Cannot be modified	Stuffed with melted cheese inside the patty.
ShackSauce & BBQ Sauce	No	N/A	Contains egg and dairy respectively; avoid entirely.
Fresh Lemonade	Check with staff	N/A	Some sources suggest it is not vegan, while others indicate it is. Confirm at the time of ordering.

Conclusion: A Satisfying Plant-Based Meal is Possible

While Shake Shack is not exclusively a vegan restaurant, it offers a surprisingly accommodating menu for plant-based diners with some straightforward modifications. The introduction of the Veggie Shack patty alongside non-dairy frozen desserts marks a positive step towards greater inclusivity. By remembering to remove non-vegan toppings from the Veggie Shack, choosing the reliable crinkle-cut fries, and opting for the new non-dairy custard or shake, vegans can enjoy a comprehensive and delicious meal. As with any fast-food establishment, it is always a good practice to communicate your dietary needs clearly when ordering to ensure your meal aligns with your lifestyle. For more details on vegan fast food options, check out the article by VegNews.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Veggie Shack is not automatically vegan. To make it vegan, you must request it without cheese, crispy onions, or ShackSauce, and ask for a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap instead of the standard potato bun.

Yes, Shake Shack's plain crinkle-cut fries are vegan. They are cooked in pure soybean oil. However, be aware that there is a risk of cross-contamination from other items cooked in the same fryers.

Shake Shack offers a Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard and a Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake. These are made with NotMilk, a plant-based substitute.

No, you cannot. The ShackSauce contains eggs, and Shake Shack's BBQ sauce is also not vegan. Stick to ketchup or mustard for your dipping needs.

No, the 'Shroom Burger is not a vegan option. It contains a Portobello mushroom patty that is stuffed with melted cheese, which cannot be removed.

The status of Shake Shack's Fresh Lemonade is unclear, with some sources suggesting it's not vegan. For a safe vegan option, stick to their iced tea or standard fountain drinks, and always confirm with staff if you're unsure.

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, politely ask the staff to use fresh, clean surfaces and utensils when preparing your order. This is especially important for items like fries, which share fryers with non-vegan products.