Shake Shack is a popular fast food chain known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, and shakes. However, for customers with dairy allergies or sensitivities, a key question is: does Shake Shack offer dairy-free shake options?
The Basics of Shake Shack’s Shake Menu
Shake Shack offers both classic shakes and specialty “Concrete” shakes. Their classic shake flavors include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, caramel, coffee, peanut butter, and black & white. Concrete shakes feature mix-ins like cake batter or coffee crust.
By default, Shake Shack’s shakes contain dairy ingredients like milk, cream, ice cream, and/or frozen yogurt. So out of the box, none of their shakes are dairy-free.
Can You Customize a Dairy-Free Shake?
While dairy-free shakes are not a standard menu item, some Shake Shack locations allow you to customize a dairy-free shake by requesting alternative milk options like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. However, this customization is not guaranteed to be available.
If you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, your best bet is to call your local Shake Shack ahead of time and ask if they can make shakes with non-dairy milk substitutes. Some locations will accommodate the request, while others may not have alternative milks on hand.
Does Shake Shack Offer Vegan Shakes?
At this time, Shake Shack does not offer pre-made vegan shake options anywhere. While some vegan customers have been able to customize dairy-free shakes with alternative milks, Shake Shack’s standard ice cream/frozen yogurt bases contain dairy.
So unless your local Shake Shack confirms they have access to vegan ice cream or frozen yogurt, it will be challenging to order a truly vegan shake there.
What About Allergens and Ingredients?
If you need to avoid dairy due to an allergy, be sure to inform your Shake Shack location so they can take precautions against cross-contamination. You’ll also want to double-check ingredients since milk, cream, and other dairy components can show up in shakes unexpectedly.
Shake Shack provides allergen and nutrition information on their website for standard menu items only. For customized orders, you’ll need to consult directly with the restaurant staff.
Third-Party Delivery Services
It’s important to note that if you order Shake Shack for delivery through third-party platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc., your ability to customize items or make allergy requests may be limited.
Your best option is to order directly from Shake Shack so you can confirm allergy accommodations with the location making your food.
Dairy-Free Fast Food Shake Options
If you want a fast food-style shake but need to avoid dairy, here are some potential options to consider from other chains:
- Burger King – Offers vanilla shakes made with soft serve that is dairy-free.
- Carl’s Jr. – Has an Oreo shake made with non-dairy vanilla soft serve.
- Dairy Queen – Seasonally offers Dairy-Free Blizzard treats made with non-dairy bases.
- In-N-Out Burger – Allows you to customize shakes with soy milk or almond milk instead of ice cream.
- Sonic Drive-In – Has Real Fruit Smoothies made without dairy as thick shake alternatives.
- Steak ‘n Shake – Lets you swap milkshakes for “Juice Fusions” with non-dairy juice options.
How to Order a Dairy-Free Shake at Shake Shack
If you want to attempt to order a customized dairy-free shake from Shake Shack, here are some tips:
- Check online or call your local Shake Shack to see if they have non-dairy milk options.
- When ordering, ask for a shake made with almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc. instead of dairy milk.
- Specify that you require a dairy-free shake due to an allergy so they take precautions.
- Ask if they have access to dairy-free ice cream or yogurt for the base.
- Inquire about the ingredients and preparation process to check for cross-contamination.
- Order directly from the restaurant instead of via third-party delivery.
Even doing all of these steps does not guarantee you’ll get a truly dairy-free shake from Shake Shack. But it’s your best chance to request one modified to your dietary needs.
Shake Shack Dairy-Free Shake FAQs
Does Shake Shack have vegan shakes?
No, at this time Shake Shack does not offer pre-made vegan shakes anywhere. Some locations may be able to customize a dairy-free shake, but the bases likely still contain egg. So vegans would not have a shake option unless a location confirms they have access to vegan frozen dessert options.
Do Shake Shack shakes have milk?
Yes, traditionally all Shake Shack shakes are made with ice cream, frozen yogurt, milk, and/or cream. So by default they contain dairy milk ingredients unless you request a customized dairy-free version.
Does Shake Shack use peanut oil?
Shake Shack states that some locations may use peanut oil for preparing menu items. Your best option if you have a peanut allergy is to contact your local Shake Shack directly to inquire about their current oil ingredients.
Are Shake Shack blizzards dairy free?
No, Shake Shack does not offer any products called “blizzards.” The similar thick shake items on their menu are made from soft serve containing dairy. Some locations may be able to customize a dairy-free shake alternative using non-dairy milk and ice cream/yogurt options if available.
Is there dairy in Shake Shack chocolate shake?
Yes, the classic chocolate shake from Shake Shack contains dairy ingredients like milk, cream, and ice cream. Some locations may be able to substitute non-dairy milk and a dairy-free frozen dessert to customize a dairy-free chocolate shake, but you would need to request it.
The Bottom Line
While dairy-free shake options are not widely available on Shake Shack’s standard menu, some locations are willing to accommodate requests for customized shakes made without dairy. Your best option is to contact your local Shake Shack directly to inquire about their dairy-free shake capabilities.
With some creativity and flexibility, Shake Shack may be able to whip up a modified shake you can enjoy despite dietary restrictions. But there’s no guarantee – so calling ahead is a must if you need to avoid dairy.
