If you’re searching for a delicious and nutritious plant-based option at Shake Shack, the Veggie Shack burger is a standout choice. It’s not designed to imitate meat like many other fast-food veggie burgers. Instead, it features a wholesome patty made from real ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and farro. With roughly 530 calories and 16 grams of protein, it’s satisfying, filling, and can be customized to be entirely vegan. Topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and ShackSauce on a potato bun, the Veggie Shack offers a balanced mix of flavor, texture, and nutrition for vegetarians, flexitarians, and health-conscious diners alike.
What is the Shake Shack Veggie Burger?
Ingredients in the Veggie Shack Patty
The Veggie Shack patty is house-made and created to showcase the natural taste and texture of vegetables. It contains:
- Mushrooms
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Farro
- Quinoa
This combination results in a flavorful, crispy-outside, tender-inside patty that holds together well and delivers a hearty bite.
Toppings and Components
The standard Shake Shack Veggie Burger includes:
- American cheese
- Crispy fried onions
- Pickles
- ShackSauce
- Toasted potato bun
The burger is designed to provide a satisfying and well-balanced flavor with layers of creaminess, tang, and crunch.
Can the Shake Shack Veggie Burger Be Made Vegan?
Yes, with a few simple customizations, the Veggie Shack can be made 100% vegan. While it is vegetarian by default, you can easily modify it at most locations.
How to Order the Veggie Shack Vegan:
- Remove American cheese
- Remove crispy onions (they may contain dairy or egg)
- Request a vegan bun or lettuce wrap
- Ask for the vegan ShackSauce (available at select Shake Shack locations)
These changes make the burger completely plant-based without compromising its quality or satisfaction.
Shake Shack Veggie Burger Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional profile can help you decide if this burger fits your dietary goals. Here’s a breakdown:
| Nutrient | Standard Veggie Shack | Vegan Version (Lettuce Wrap) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 530 kcal | 310–350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27 g | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g | ~25 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g | 5–6 g |
| Protein | 16 g | 11–12 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg | ~900 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on customization and location.
Taste and Texture Review
Strengths of the Veggie Shack
- Strong umami flavor due to the combination of mushrooms and grains
- Distinct vegetable taste, not masked by artificial flavors
- Balanced mouthfeel with crispy patty edges and soft interior
- Satisfying toppings and flavorful sauce
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher sodium content than typical homemade veggie burgers
- Not suitable for strict vegans unless customized
- May not appeal to those expecting a meat-like burger
Overall, the Veggie Shack is considered flavorful and well-textured by both casual customers and food critics. It stands out for its originality and quality ingredients.
Shake Shack Veggie Burger vs ‘Shroom Burger
Shake Shack offers another vegetarian option called the Shroom Burger. Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Veggie Shack | ‘Shroom Burger |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Mixed vegetables and grains | Fried portobello mushroom with cheese |
| Calories | ~530 kcal | ~510–550 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g | 13 g |
| Vegan Option | Yes (with modifications) | No |
| Texture | Firm and grainy | Crispy and cheesy |
| Flavor Profile | Savory, vegetable-forward | Rich, cheesy, and indulgent |
The Veggie Shack is ideal for those looking for a lighter, plant-based whole food option, while the ‘Shroom Burger is better for those seeking indulgence.
Availability and Ordering
The Veggie Shack is available at most Shake Shack locations across the United States. However, international locations may have a different menu or limited availability. It’s recommended to:
- Check the official Shake Shack menu online
- Call the local outlet to confirm availability
- Use delivery apps to check if the vegan customization options are supported.
FAQs
Is the Shake Shack Veggie Burger vegan?
Not by default, but it can be made vegan by removing cheese, crispy onions, and switching to a vegan bun and sauce.
How many calories are in the Shake Shack Veggie Burger?
The standard version has approximately 530 calories. The vegan version may have 310–350 calories depending on the bun and sauce.
What does the Veggie Shack taste like?
It has a savory, umami-rich flavor from vegetables and grains. It’s not meant to taste like meat but rather celebrate natural ingredients.
Is the Shake Shack Veggie Burger gluten-free?
No. It contains farro and is served on a bun that contains gluten. You can request a lettuce wrap, but the patty itself is not gluten-free.
Does Shake Shack use Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat?
No. The Veggie Shack uses a house-made vegetable and grain patty, not any commercial meat substitute.
