Yes, Shake Shack Offers a Permanent Non-Dairy Shake
Shake Shack confirmed its commitment to providing plant-based options by introducing a Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake and Non-Dairy Frozen Custard to its core menu across all U.S. locations. The nationwide rollout, announced in May 2023, was the result of extensive testing and positive feedback from an earlier pilot program in select New York and Florida locations. This means that customers who are lactose intolerant, have a milk allergy, or follow a vegan diet can now enjoy a classic, creamy chocolate shake without compromising their dietary needs. The dairy-free shake and custard are hand-spun and made with a sustainable, plant-based milk alternative from food-tech company NotCo, known as NotMilk™.
The NotMilk™ Difference
NotCo utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze the properties of animal-based products and replicate them using plant-based ingredients. The result is a dairy-identical alternative that delivers the creamy texture and rich flavor necessary for a quality shake. This innovative approach ensures that the Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake closely mimics the taste and feel of its traditional dairy counterpart. According to reports and reviews, the shake offers a rich chocolatey flavor that rivals a standard dairy milkshake.
Navigating the Shake Shack Menu for Dairy-Free Options
In addition to their signature dairy-free shake, Shake Shack offers a number of other items that can be ordered dairy-free or made vegan with modifications. It is always best to specify your dietary needs when ordering to ensure accuracy.
Other Vegan-Friendly Items
- Fries: Shake Shack's famous crispy, crinkle-cut fries are vegan and do not contain dairy ingredients. However, those with severe dairy allergies should be mindful of potential cross-contamination, as the fries are cooked in the same fryers as other items.
- Veggie Shack: This vegetarian burger can be made dairy-free and vegan by requesting it without cheese, without crispy onions, and without the ShackSauce, and by opting for a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap. The burger's patty itself is a blend of vegetables and grains like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and quinoa.
- Drinks: Standard sodas, juices, and water are all safe, dairy-free options.
What to Avoid
For anyone with a dairy allergy, most of the standard Shake Shack menu is off-limits. Their standard frozen custard and shakes are made with premium dairy products. The 'Shroom Burger, while vegetarian, contains melted muenster and cheddar cheese and is not a dairy-free option. Always check the latest allergen information on the Shake Shack website or app when ordering to confirm ingredients and potential allergens.
A Note on Cross-Contamination
For individuals with severe dairy allergies, cross-contamination is a serious concern. Shake Shack's kitchens are not entirely free of dairy products. For example, the fryers are used to cook other items besides the fries, and all shakes are prepared at the same station. While they have procedures in place, there is always a risk. If you have a life-threatening allergy, it is crucial to speak directly with a manager to determine the best course of action or consider if the risk is acceptable for you.
How the Non-Dairy Shake Compares
To help you decide, here is a comparison between Shake Shack's traditional Chocolate Shake and the new Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake.
| Feature | Traditional Chocolate Shake (Dairy) | Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Premium frozen custard made with real cane sugar and cage-free eggs. | Plant-based NotMilk™ frozen custard. | Dairy vs. Plant-Based |
| Texture | Very thick, rich, and creamy. | Smooth and creamy, but slightly less thick than its dairy counterpart. | Slightly different viscosity |
| Flavor Profile | Deep, classic, real dairy flavor. | Rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of dark chocolate notes. | Flavor source (dairy vs. NotMilk) |
| Allergens | Contains milk, egg, wheat. | Dairy-free and plant-based. Still carries risk of cross-contamination. | Dairy elimination |
| Availability | Core menu item, widely available. | Core menu item, widely available across the U.S.. | Both are permanent menu items |
Making Your Own Dairy-Free Shakes at Home
For those who prefer to create a custom shake or want to ensure a completely dairy-free environment, making a shake at home is a simple and rewarding process. The market is full of high-quality dairy-free ice creams and plant-based milks that can serve as the perfect base.
DIY Dairy-Free Shake Recipes
Here are some ideas for creating your own delicious dairy-free shake:
- Simple Chocolate Shake: Blend your favorite brand of dairy-free vanilla or chocolate ice cream alternative with a splash of almond milk and a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich, easy treat.
- Fruity Shake: Combine a frozen banana with a cup of your preferred plant-based milk (like oat or coconut) and a cup of frozen berries for a naturally sweet and thick shake.
- Thick and Creamy Shake: For extra thickness, incorporate ingredients like avocado, nut butter, or soaked cashews into your blend. A handful of ice can also help achieve a frosty consistency.
- Protein-Packed Shake: Use a dairy-free protein powder (like pumpkin seed, chia, or flax) with plant milk, a frozen banana, and a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutritious and filling option.
Customizable Add-Ins
Add texture and flavor with these mix-ins:
- For a peanut butter shake, add a heaping tablespoon of creamy or crunchy peanut butter.
- For a mint chocolate chip version, add a few drops of peppermint extract and vegan chocolate chips.
- Make it super chocolatey by adding additional cocoa powder or using a vegan chocolate syrup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shake Shack does indeed offer a dairy-free shake option for customers in the form of their Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake and Frozen Custard, which were added to the core menu in May 2023. Made with NotMilk™ from NotCo, these products offer a smooth, creamy, and flavorful plant-based alternative to their traditional dairy shakes. While this is excellent news for those avoiding dairy, individuals with severe allergies should remain cautious due to the risk of cross-contamination in the restaurant's kitchen. For a completely safe experience, delicious dairy-free shakes can be easily made at home with numerous plant-based products now widely available. You can learn more about the plant-based NotMilk at the official NotCo website: https://notco.com/.
The Verdict
Shake Shack has recognized the growing demand for plant-based options and has made a meaningful addition to its menu with a permanent, high-quality, dairy-free chocolate shake. This provides a reliable and accessible option for many who previously had no shake choice at the popular chain. Just remember to be mindful of potential cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.
