Your Full Guide to Shake Shack's Non-Dairy Menu
Shake Shack has evolved its menu to cater to a wider range of dietary needs, including those who are non-dairy or lactose intolerant. The key to navigating the menu is understanding what is available as-is and what requires customization. While the classic menu is built around dairy, recent partnerships have brought some fantastic new plant-based items to the forefront.
The Dedicated Non-Dairy Desserts
The most straightforward non-dairy options are the desserts created in partnership with NotCo, a food-tech company that uses AI to replicate the taste and texture of dairy products. These are a game-changer for those who previously had to skip dessert at Shake Shack.
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake: This hand-spun shake is made with NotMilk™, offering a creamy, rich chocolate flavor without any dairy ingredients.
- Non-Dairy Frozen Custard: For those who prefer a scoop, the non-dairy frozen custard provides a velvety, rich chocolatey experience, also made with NotMilk™.
Customizable Burgers and Sides
For a complete meal, a little modification is necessary for the main courses. Shake Shack's allergen guide and FAQ confirm that some items can be made non-dairy with specific requests.
The Non-Dairy Veggie Shack
While the standard Veggie Shack burger comes with cheese and ShackSauce (which contains egg), it is possible to make it dairy-free. The patty itself is made from a blend of mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, quinoa, and farro, and is dairy-free.
To order a dairy-free Veggie Shack, you must request it:
- Without American cheese
- Without ShackSauce
- On a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap (the standard potato roll contains dairy)
- Without crispy onions (these can contain dairy or be prepared with equipment used for dairy products)
Fries: The Essential Side
Good news for fry lovers: Shake Shack's crinkle-cut fries are listed as vegan and are a safe non-dairy side. However, those with severe dairy allergies should always confirm the preparation method with staff due to the potential for cross-contamination from shared fryers.
Comparison Table: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Options
| Menu Item | Standard Preparation | Non-Dairy Modification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakes | Contains dairy | Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake | A dedicated non-dairy dessert option. |
| Frozen Custard | Contains dairy | Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard | Another dedicated non-dairy dessert option. |
| Veggie Shack | Contains American cheese, ShackSauce, crispy onions, potato roll | Ordered with a lettuce wrap or gluten-free bun, no cheese, no ShackSauce, no crispy onions | Requires specific modifications. |
| 'Shroom Burger | Fried mushroom patty stuffed with cheese | Not possible | The cheese is inside the patty and cannot be removed. |
| Crinkle-Cut Fries | Cooked in vegetable oil | No modification needed | Generally safe, but ask about shared fryers for severe allergies. |
| Buns | Standard potato roll contains dairy | Gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap | The gluten-free bun is confirmed to be vegan and dairy-free. |
| ShackSauce | Contains eggs and potentially dairy | Omit | Not a dairy-free item. |
How to Ensure Your Order is Truly Dairy-Free
Ordering non-dairy at a restaurant that primarily uses dairy products requires careful communication with the staff. Here are some key tips:
- Be Specific: When ordering, use clear language like, "I have a dairy allergy and need the Veggie Shack with a gluten-free bun, and no cheese, ShackSauce, or crispy onions."
- Ask About Cross-Contamination: For those with severe allergies, it is crucial to ask if the cooking surfaces, fryers, or utensils are shared with dairy products. While the fries are naturally dairy-free, if they are cooked in oil shared with items like the 'Shroom Burger, it could be a risk.
- Check the Allergen Menu: Shake Shack publishes a detailed allergen guide on its website. It is always a good practice to review this before ordering to understand the potential risks and required modifications for any item.
Conclusion
Thanks to the addition of dedicated non-dairy desserts made with NotMilk™, Shake Shack has substantially improved its menu for those avoiding dairy. While burgers require customization, the availability of a dairy-free bun option and vegan fries makes a complete, satisfying non-dairy meal a reality. With careful ordering and clear communication, individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies can confidently enjoy a Shake Shack meal.
