Your Full Guide to Vegan Eating at Shake Shack
For a long time, the mention of vegan fast food and Shake Shack in the same sentence would likely have been met with a disappointed sigh. However, the landscape has changed dramatically. The company has made a concerted effort to cater to its plant-based customer base, and now offers several appealing options. Knowing how to navigate the menu and make the right customizations is key to a successful vegan meal.
The Veggie Shack: Your Customizable Vegan Main
Shake Shack's flagship plant-based burger, the Veggie Shack, is a game-changer for many diners. Unlike some imitation-meat patties, this is a house-made blend of real vegetables and grains, offering a unique and satisfying flavor profile. The patty is made from a combination of mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, and quinoa, giving it a hearty, savory taste and texture.
However, it's crucial to know that the standard Veggie Shack is not vegan. It is served with dairy American cheese, crispy onions battered in milk and eggs, and ShackSauce, which contains eggs.
To make your Veggie Shack completely vegan, you must specify the following when ordering:
- Omit the cheese: Request that the American cheese slice be left off your burger.
- Omit the crispy onions: The crispy onions are not vegan and should be removed.
- Omit the ShackSauce: This mayo-based sauce contains eggs and dairy.
- Swap the bun: The standard potato bun contains dairy. You will need to request a gluten-free bun, which is vegan, or ask for a lettuce wrap instead.
Following these steps will provide you with a delicious, customized, and entirely vegan veggie burger.
Can Shake Shack's Famous Fries Be Eaten by Vegans?
One of the most popular items at Shake Shack is their signature crinkle-cut fries. The good news for vegans is that the standard fries are completely vegan, as they are cooked in vegetable oil and seasoned with kosher salt. However, there is a very important distinction to make when ordering:
- Avoid all variations: Be careful to order the standard, plain fries. The Cheese Fries, Bacon Cheese Fries, and any other specialty fries are not vegan.
- Beware of cross-contamination: As with any shared fast-food kitchen, there is a risk of cross-contamination. If this is a significant concern for you, it is best to confirm with an employee how the fries are prepared.
For dipping, you can use ketchup or mustard. While some locations have offered vegan lemon aioli, the status of this sauce can vary, so it's always best to ask. Note that the BBQ sauce contains milk and eggs and is not vegan.
Non-Dairy Desserts and Drinks
Shake Shack has recognized the growing demand for vegan desserts and has partnered with the Chilean food-tech company NotCo to introduce delicious plant-based alternatives. As of May 2023, the US menu includes:
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Frozen Custard: Made with NotMilk™, this creamy, chocolatey treat is an excellent vegan substitute for their traditional frozen custard.
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake: A hand-spun shake also made with NotMilk™, offering a rich and satisfying chocolate experience.
These non-dairy options are a huge win for vegans who have long missed out on the dessert offerings. For beverages, most standard fountain drinks and iced tea are vegan. Be cautious with fresh lemonades, as some regions may use non-vegan ingredients; it is always best to double-check.
Comparison of Vegan and Vegetarian Options
| Feature | Veggie Shack (Vegan Modification) | 'Shroom Burger (Not Vegan) |
|---|---|---|
| Patty Ingredients | Mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro, quinoa, and other vegetables and grains. | Portobello mushroom stuffed with Muenster and cheddar cheese. |
| Preparation | Needs explicit modification to be vegan; otherwise served with dairy cheese and non-vegan toppings. | Stuffed with cheese, cannot be made vegan due to the cheese inside the patty. |
| Bun | Requires a vegan gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap. | Standard potato bun contains dairy. |
| Sauce | Must be ordered without ShackSauce. | Served with ShackSauce, which contains dairy and eggs. |
| Main Advantage | A satisfying, customizable burger with a rich vegetable and grain blend. | A unique fried mushroom option, but strictly for vegetarians who consume dairy. |
Potential Cross-Contamination and Other Items
For strict vegans, the risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen is a valid concern. Shake Shack's policy and food preparation areas mean that shared equipment is used for both meat and non-meat products. If this is an issue for you, it is recommended to voice your concerns to the staff when ordering.
While the Veggie Shack, fries, and non-dairy shakes are the main vegan highlights, other potential items to consider include:
- Buns: The gluten-free bun is vegan, but it's important to remember that it is not produced in a dedicated allergen-free facility.
- Condiments: Standard ketchup and mustard are vegan-friendly, but confirm with your local store if they have other options like vegan aioli. As previously mentioned, the BBQ and ShackSauce are not vegan.
Shake Shack's Commitment to Plant-Based Diners
Shake Shack's decision to partner with NotCo and create a unique, vegetable-based patty demonstrates a clear commitment to evolving with consumer preferences. By offering more than just an afterthought salad, the company positions itself as a contender in the increasingly competitive market for vegan-friendly fast-food options. While a completely vegan burger isn't a standard offering, the ability to customize the Veggie Shack provides a substantial and flavorful main course. Their expansion into non-dairy desserts and the reliability of their vegan fries further cement their place as a viable dining option for those on a plant-based diet.
Conclusion
For those seeking a vegan meal at Shake Shack, the menu now offers several compelling and delicious choices. By knowing how to properly customize the Veggie Shack, confidently ordering the crinkle-cut fries, and indulging in the new non-dairy shakes and custard, you can enjoy a full, satisfying meal. While customization and a degree of caution regarding cross-contamination are necessary, Shake Shack has made impressive strides in accommodating vegan diners, making it a much more accessible and appealing option than in years past.
