Shake Shack is known for its juicy burgers, creamy milkshakes, and crispy crinkle-cut fries. But if you follow a vegan diet, you might be wondering—does Shake Shack have anything for you?
While their plant-based options are very limited, you won’t have to go totally hungry.
With a little modification, you can enjoy a meal at Shake Shack without straying from your vegan lifestyle.
Here’s everything you need to know about the only three vegan-friendly options on the menu.
1. Veggie Shack (With Modifications)
Shake Shack first introduced the Veggie Shack in 2018, but it’s still only available at select U.S. locations.
If you’re hoping to try it, you may want to check ahead to see if your nearest Shake Shack offers it.
The Veggie Shack patty is made from a hearty blend of:
- Brown rice
- Roasted beets
- Black beans
It comes topped with vegan mayo, mustard, pickles, onions, tomato, and provolone cheese. However, there’s a catch—it’s not fully vegan as is. If you want to make it plant-based, you’ll need to modify your order:
- Remove the bun (it contains dairy)
- Omit the provolone cheese
Once modified, you can still enjoy a satisfying plant-based patty with flavorful toppings. If you want something to hold it together, you can ask for lettuce instead of a bun or bring your own vegan bread if the location allows it.
2. Shake Shack French Fries
French fries are a classic side, and thankfully, Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are made from 100% potatoes with no animal-based ingredients. However, there is a potential issue with cross-contamination.
At some locations, the fries may be cooked in shared fryers with non-vegan items, such as chicken bites or cheese-based products. If this is a concern, it’s best to ask your Shake Shack location how they prepare their fries.
If you’re comfortable with possible cross-contamination, their crispy, golden fries make for an easy vegan-friendly option.
3. Vegan-Friendly Beverages
Shake Shack offers a variety of vegan-friendly drinks, including:
- Coca-Cola products (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.)
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Some wines and beers
If you’re looking for something more exciting than soda, red wine is typically vegan, but not all wines are processed without animal-based fining agents.
If you want to be 100% sure, you can check brands ahead of time or ask staff if they have ingredient information.
One big disappointment—Shake Shack’s famous milkshakes are not vegan, and they currently don’t offer any dairy-free alternatives.
So, if you’re craving something creamy, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Are There Any Other Vegan Options?
Unfortunately, beyond these three items, Shake Shack doesn’t currently offer a dedicated vegan meal.
Unlike some other burger chains, they haven’t introduced a fully plant-based burger with a vegan bun. Their shakes, cheese, and custard-based desserts are all off-limits.
There was some excitement when Shake Shack tested vegan chocolate and vanilla custards made from NotCo’s plant-based milk, but these items haven’t become permanent menu additions yet. Hopefully, in the future, Shake Shack will expand its vegan offerings!
Final Thoughts
Shake Shack may not be the most vegan-friendly fast food chain, but you can still put together a meal with a modified Veggie Shack burger, fries (if you’re okay with cross-contamination), and a drink.
While the options are currently limited, plant-based eating is becoming more popular, and many chains are adding more vegan choices. Hopefully, Shake Shack will follow suit!
If you’re heading to Shake Shack with friends, now you know exactly what you can order—and how to make it work for your vegan lifestyle.
