When it comes to food allergies and dietary preferences, one of the most common questions customers ask is: “Does Shake Shack use peanut oil?” The short and direct answer is no, Shake Shack does not use peanut oil for cooking or frying their food. Instead, the brand primarily uses soybean oil to prepare items like fries and chicken, and in some locations, they are testing Zero Acre oil, a healthier, sustainable alternative made from sugarcane plants. However, peanuts and other allergens may be present due to cross-contact risks in shared facilities or ingredients. Therefore, individuals with severe peanut allergies should always confirm with their local Shake Shack before ordering.
Below is a detailed, semantically optimized explanation covering Shake Shack’s oil types, allergen policies, peanut allergy safety, regional variations, and ingredient transparency — everything you need to know before dining at Shake Shack.
Read more : What Oil Does Shake Shack Use? Is It healthy for us
Shake Shack Cooking Oil Policy
What Oil Does Shake Shack Use for Frying?
Shake Shack primarily uses soybean oil to fry its crinkle-cut fries, chicken bites, and other fried items. This oil is trans-fat-free and considered one of the most neutral-tasting oils for deep frying.
Recently, Shake Shack started testing a new cooking oil called Zero Acre Oil, which is made from sugarcane plants. This oil is considered a sustainable and health-friendly alternative to traditional vegetable oils because it contains less oxidation and is lower in inflammatory fats.
| Type of Oil | Description | Used For | Peanut Allergy Safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean Oil | Common neutral oil used for deep frying | Fries, Chicken, and some other fried foods | Yes |
| Zero Acre Oil | Sustainable, low-lipid oxidation oil made from sugarcane | Being tested in NYC stores | Yes |
| Canola/Vegetable Oil Mix | Occasionally used for some non-fried items | Burgers, buns, sauces (varies) | Yes |
| Peanut Oil | Not used in Shake Shack kitchens | N/A | Not applicable |
Does Shake Shack Use Peanut Oil in Any Food Items?
Shake Shack’s official allergen menu confirms that no core menu items are cooked in peanut oil. The only possible risk comes from cross-contamination during storage or processing, as certain suppliers may handle peanuts in shared facilities.
For example:
- Fries, burgers, and chicken are cooked in peanut-free environments.
- Shakes and desserts may contain traces of nuts from toppings or mix-ins like peanut butter shakes or chocolate mix-ins.
So, while Shake Shack is not a peanut-free restaurant, it is safe for most people with mild peanut allergies, but those with severe allergies should proceed with caution.
Read more : What Kind of Oil Does Shake Shack Use?
Shake Shack Allergen Information
Shake Shack provides a detailed allergen chart on its website. According to the Shake Shack Allergen Guide (2025):
- Peanuts are not used in fryers or cooking oils.
- Soy is one of the main allergens due to the use of soybean oil.
- Tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, and sesame may be present in certain menu items.
List of Common Allergens in Shake Shack Menu
| Allergen | Found In | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | Not directly used | Cross-contact possible |
| Tree Nuts | Some desserts, shakes | Avoid specialty shakes |
| Soy | Used in frying oil | Common |
| Dairy | Shakes, cheese, buns | Common |
| Wheat | Buns, breaded chicken | Common |
Regional Differences in Cooking Oils
Shake Shack operates in multiple countries, and oil types may vary slightly by region:
- USA – Soybean oil and Zero Acre oil (in testing).
- UK & EU – Mostly rapeseed or sunflower oil.
- Middle East (including KSA, UAE, Qatar) – Soy or canola oil, depending on supplier availability.
This means that if you are visiting Shake Shack in another country, always check the local allergen guide or ask staff directly about the oil used at that specific branch.
Is Shake Shack Safe for People with Peanut Allergies?
If you have a peanut allergy, Shake Shack can generally be considered safe, but with precautions:
- Always inform staff about your allergy before ordering.
- Avoid desserts and shakes that mention peanut or nut ingredients.
- Ask if the location uses a dedicated fryer for fries or chicken.
Shake Shack takes allergen safety seriously and trains its staff to handle such requests, but cross-contact in shared kitchens cannot be completely ruled out.
Why Doesn’t Shake Shack Use Peanut Oil?
There are a few reasons Shake Shack avoids peanut oil:
- Allergen Safety: Peanut oil is one of the most common food allergy concerns worldwide.
- Neutral Taste: Soybean oil provides a consistent flavor without altering the taste of fried foods.
- Cost Efficiency: Soy and canola oils are more affordable and widely available globally.
- Sustainability: The move toward Zero Acre oil reflects Shake Shack’s commitment to healthier, eco-friendly options.
Shake Shack Oil and Health Considerations
Shake Shack’s switch to Zero Acre oil aims to improve the nutritional quality of its fried foods. This oil:
- Contains less saturated fat than traditional frying oils.
- Produces less oxidation when heated.
- Is free from trans fats.
Although fast food is generally not considered healthy, this initiative reflects the chain’s effort to make small but meaningful improvements in food quality.
Read more : Is Shake Shack Healthier Than McDonald’s?
Summary: Does Shake Shack Use Peanut Oil?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does Shake Shack use peanut oil? | No, they use soybean oil (and sometimes Zero Acre oil). |
| Is Shake Shack peanut-free? | Not 100%, but most items are peanut-oil-free. |
| Is Shake Shack safe for peanut allergies? | Generally yes, but confirm with your local store. |
| What oil is Shake Shack switching to? | Zero Acre oil, a healthier and sustainable alternative. |
FAQs
Are Shake Shack fries cooked in peanut oil?
No, Shake Shack fries are cooked in soybean oil, not peanut oil.
Does Shake Shack have any peanut-containing desserts?
Yes, some shakes or frozen custards may include peanut butter as an ingredient. Always check the menu allergen info.
Is there peanut oil in Shake Shack chicken bites or sandwiches?
No, the chicken is fried in soybean oil, not peanut oil.
Is Shake Shack safe for people with peanut allergies?
Generally yes, but always notify staff and avoid menu items that contain nuts.
Does Shake Shack use the same oil in all countries?
Not always. Oil type can vary by location, but peanut oil is not used in any country.
