The Story of Shake Shack's Vegan Chocolate Shake
For a brief but celebrated period, Shake Shack offered a creamy, plant-based indulgence for its vegan and dairy-free clientele. This offering, the Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake, was the result of a partnership with AI food technology company NotCo. Using their proprietary NotMilk™—a plant-based beverage designed to mimic the taste and texture of real milk—Shake Shack developed both a chocolate shake and a frozen custard that launched nationwide in May 2023. The addition was widely praised by the vegan community, which had few fast-food options for decadent desserts. The AI behind NotCo, named Giuseppe, helped analyze the molecular structure of dairy products to find plant-based equivalents, aiming to create a product that was both delicious and sustainable. This innovation seemed to signal a permanent shift toward more inclusive menus at major fast-food chains.
The Quiet Discontinuation Confirmed by the Community
Despite the positive reception, rumors began to surface in late 2024 that the non-dairy options were disappearing from menus. These weren't official press releases, but rather reports from concerned customers on social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook. Disappointed diners noticed the items were no longer listed or were unavailable when they tried to order. Employees at various locations confirmed to these customers that the products were being phased out, and stock was simply being depleted. A manager in July 2024 told a customer via a Facebook group that the item was officially discontinued. The news spread, leading to widespread frustration among those who had come to rely on the vegan dessert option.
Why Shake Shack Went Quiet: The Missing Official Announcement
Shake Shack never issued a formal announcement about the discontinuation, leaving customers in the dark. This lack of communication fueled speculation and disappointment. The quiet removal stands in stark contrast to the celebratory rollout just over a year prior. While the company has not offered an official explanation, the reasons are likely tied to business performance. Employee speculation pointed to potential low profitability, which can occur even with high demand if an item isn't selling consistently across all locations. Fast-food chains frequently re-evaluate menu items based on complex operational factors, including cost, demand, and logistical simplicity, as suggested by past menu changes.
Table: The Rise and Fall of Shake Shack's Vegan Shake
| Feature | May 2023: The Launch | Late 2024: The Discontinuation |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide at all U.S. Shake Shack locations. | Phased out nationwide; no longer available. |
| Product Basis | NotMilk™ technology from NotCo partnership. | No official replacement; the product was removed. |
| Customer Response | High initial excitement and positive feedback from vegan community. | Disappointment and confusion reported on social media. |
| Company Communication | Official press release and blog post announcing new items. | No official public statement regarding the change. |
Finding Alternatives: What's Still Vegan at Shake Shack and Beyond
Although the Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake is gone, Shake Shack still offers some vegan-friendly menu items. Their iconic crinkle-cut fries are confirmed to be vegan, but it's always wise to ask about shared fryer oil for cross-contamination concerns. The Veggie Shack can also be made vegan with specific modifications. For a dessert alternative, a few places offer reliable vegan options:
- Other Fast Food Chains: While Shake Shack removed its offering, some Johnny Rockets locations have partnered with Craig's Vegan to offer plant-based shakes.
- Local Ice Cream Shops: Many independent parlors now offer rotating dairy-free flavors made with alternative milks like oat, almond, or coconut.
- Home-Made Shakes: For those seeking to recreate the flavor, a number of recipes online use similar plant-based milks and vegan ice creams.
How to Order Vegan at Shake Shack
Here is a simple breakdown of how to navigate the current Shake Shack menu as a vegan:
- For your main course: Order the Veggie Shack, but explicitly request it without cheese, ShackSauce, and crispy fried onions. Also, ask for a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap, as the standard potato bun is not vegan.
- For your side: The crinkle-cut fries are a dependable, vegan-friendly option.
- For your beverage: Stick to fountain sodas, water, or their homemade lemonades, which are vegan.
- For dessert: Unfortunately, the shakes and custards are no longer an option, so you'll need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Disappointing End to a Promising Product
The discontinuation of Shake Shack's vegan chocolate shake is a significant disappointment for the plant-based community. The partnership with NotCo brought a high-quality, flavorful dairy-free product to the masses, and its removal, particularly without public comment, leaves a notable gap in the fast-food dessert landscape. While business decisions are often complex and driven by numerous factors, the outcome serves as a reminder that even popular limited-time or niche items are not always guaranteed to last. Moving forward, diners seeking vegan options will need to continue supporting new menu items and exploring alternatives outside of the Shack to find their sweet fixes. For now, the vegan chocolate shake is a sweet memory for those who enjoyed it and a lesson in fast-food menu volatility for all.
AI Food Tech NotCo played a key role in the development of the shake, bringing innovative plant-based ingredients to a mainstream audience.
