Navigating the Steak N Shake Menu Without Dairy
For those with a dairy allergy or intolerance, navigating the Steak N Shake menu can be challenging. While the restaurant has long been known for its milkshakes made with real milk and ice cream, it does not offer dedicated dairy-free alternatives for shakes. Similarly, most of their standard steakburgers and sides require significant modifications to be considered dairy-free. The company explicitly states that they cannot guarantee any of their products are free of major allergens, including milk, due to shared cooking and preparation areas. This makes careful ordering and awareness of potential cross-contamination crucial.
Dairy-Free Main Course Options
Crafting a dairy-free burger at Steak N Shake is possible, but it requires a bit of customization. Your best bet is to order a Single Steakburger without cheese and ask for it on its own, as the standard buns contain milk and soy. The 100% pure beef patty itself contains no dairy ingredients, but this comes with a huge asterisk. Given the shared grills, there is a very high risk of cross-contamination from cooking cheese-laden burgers on the same surface. It is essential to communicate your allergy clearly with the staff and request that they take extra precautions if possible.
Toppings and Sauces:
- Most toppings are generally safe, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and ketchup.
- Standard mayonnaise is dairy-free.
- Avoid all cheese, cheesy sauces, and buttered buns.
Dairy-Free Side Dishes
Steak N Shake's fries can be a source of confusion, as the restaurant recently transitioned to cooking them in 100% beef tallow. This makes the frying process dairy-free, but it is not vegetarian or vegan. Additionally, the fries are likely par-fried in a different oil by the manufacturer before being sent to the restaurant. However, the "Steakburger Seasoning" on the fries is considered dairy-free.
Other Potential Sides:
- Baked Beans: A viable option, although ingredients can change and should be double-checked.
- Garden Salad: Order this with no croutons and the light Italian dressing, which is generally free of animal products. All other dressings contain dairy.
What to Avoid Entirely
To ensure your safety, it's best to completely avoid several sections of the Steak N Shake menu where dairy is a key component. This includes all milkshakes, specialty burgers with sauces, and any item listed as containing cheese.
List of items to avoid:
- Milkshakes: Made with real ice cream and milk.
- Cheeseburgers: All variations containing American cheese.
- Specialty Burgers: Such as the Frisco Melt or Garlic Steakburger, which contain multiple dairy-based ingredients.
- Chili: The standard chili contains dairy.
- Sauces and Dressings: Excluding ketchup, mustard, and light Italian dressing, most contain dairy.
Comparison of Steak N Shake vs. Shake Shack for Dairy-Free
To put Steak N Shake's options into perspective, it's useful to compare with a similar restaurant like Shake Shack, which has made more significant strides in offering non-dairy choices. Shake Shack, for example, offers dedicated dairy-free shakes and custards made with NotMilk™.
| Feature | Steak N Shake | Shake Shack | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free Milkshakes | No, uses real milk and ice cream. | Yes, offers non-dairy shakes and custards. | Shake Shack |
| Dairy-Free Burger Options | Requires extensive modification (no bun, no cheese, cross-contamination risk). | Veggie Shack (non-dairy by default) plus regular burger modifications. | Shake Shack |
| Bun Options | Standard buns contain milk; must be ordered bun-less. | Offers a lettuce wrap option; check for allergen-free buns. | Shake Shack |
| Cross-Contamination | High risk due to shared surfaces and fryers. | Acknowledges risk, but has more separated non-dairy offerings. | Shake Shack |
The Final Word on Steak N Shake
While Steak N Shake can technically accommodate a dairy-free diet with careful modifications like ordering a bun-less, plain burger, the options are severely limited. The significant risk of cross-contamination, especially for those with severe allergies, is a major concern. Without dedicated equipment or non-dairy substitutes for their key menu items, Steak N Shake remains a challenging choice for those with a dairy restriction. For a safer and more diverse experience, consider alternatives that have explicitly invested in their dairy-free offerings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to order a modified, bun-less burger and some sides like fries or a salad at Steak N Shake, the overall selection for dairy-free diners is very slim. The extensive use of dairy in key items and the high risk of cross-contamination make it a less-than-ideal choice for anyone with a strict dairy intolerance or allergy. Always check the latest allergen information and be sure to communicate your needs to the restaurant staff.
