Shake Shack fries are vegan.
They’re made from only potatoes and cooked in vegetable oil (soybean oil). But some Shake Shack locations might use the same fryer for meat or cheese products, which could cause cross-contamination. So, if you’re strict vegan or allergic, always ask the staff at your local branch.
Short Answer:
Yes, Shake Shack fries are vegan, but they might be cooked in the same oil as non-vegan items.
What Are Shake Shack Fries Made Of?
Ingredients of Shake Shack Fries
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are made using:
- Potatoes
- Soybean oil (used for frying)
- Salt
They do not contain any:
- Animal fat
- Dairy (like butter or cheese)
- Eggs
So yes, the ingredients are 100% vegan.
How Are Shake Shack Fries Cooked?
Frying Method
Shake Shack uses deep fryers filled with soybean oil.
But here’s what matters:
Shared Fryers
At many locations, the same oil might be used for:
- Chicken bites
- Cheese fries
- Burgers (if fried)
This means cross-contamination is possible.
What is cross-contamination?
It means vegan food touches or gets cooked in the same place as non-vegan food, making it not truly vegan for some people.
Wanna know : How Many Calories In Shake Shack Fries
Are Shake Shack Cheese Fries Vegan?
No. Cheese fries are not vegan because:
- Cheese is dairy (comes from milk)
- It may be made with animal-based rennet
Can You Make Shake Shack Fries 100% Vegan?
Ask the Staff
You can politely ask:
- “Do you use a separate fryer for fries?”
- “Are the fries cooked with chicken or meat items?”
If they say yes to a separate fryer, then your fries are truly vegan.
Shake Shack Vegan Options (Besides Fries)
Shake Shack is not a fully vegan restaurant, but some locations offer plant-based items:
| Menu Item | Is it Vegan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crinkle-Cut Fries | ✅ Vegan | Check for cross-contamination |
| Cheese Fries | ❌ Not Vegan | Contains dairy |
| Shroom Burger | ❌ Not Vegan | Has cheese and dairy-based sauces |
| Veggie Shack (Some Locations) | 🟡 May Be Vegan | Ask for no cheese or mayo |
| Shake Shack Beverages | 🟡 Depends | Lemonades are usually vegan; shakes are not |
Are Shake Shack Fries Gluten-Free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. But like vegan items, cross-contamination can happen in shared fryers.
Read More : Is Shake Shack Sauce Gluten Free?
Pros and Cons of Shake Shack Fries for Vegans
Pros:
- 100% plant-based ingredients
- No animal products in the fries themselves
- Cooked in vegetable oil
Cons:
- Possible cross-contact with animal products
- No certified vegan labeling
- Limited vegan menu overall
FAQs About Shake Shack Fries
Are Shake Shack fries vegan in 2025?
Yes, they are still made from potatoes and cooked in soybean oil. Always confirm at your location.
Do Shake Shack fries contain dairy?
No, plain fries do not contain any milk or cheese.
What oil does Shake Shack use for fries?
They use soybean oil, which is plant-based and vegan.
Can vegans eat cheese fries at Shake Shack?
No, because cheese is a dairy product and not vegan.
Are Shake Shack fries cooked with meat?
It depends on the branch. Some use shared fryers, so you must ask.
Final Thoughts: Can Vegans Eat Shake Shack Fries?
Yes, Shake Shack fries are vegan by ingredients, but there is a risk of cross-contamination due to shared fryers. If you’re not strict or allergic, you can enjoy them safely. For strict vegans, it’s best to ask the restaurant or skip them if there’s no separate fryer.
Tip: Pair your fries with a vegan drink like lemonade or iced tea for a simple, plant-based meal.
