Shake Shack’s vegan shakes and ice cream were created by artificial intelligence

Is artificial intelligence taking over the food industry?

Shake Shack announced its new vegan desserts, featuring AI-generated dairy-free milk, will be in all 260 US stores on Friday.

In 2022, the fast food joint partnered with NotCo to use its AI-generated dairy-free milk, called NoMilk, for its chocolate milkshake and frozen custard.

“We felt that ultimately NotMilk​™ was the best ingredient to deliver on the taste our guests expect and love from our new non-dairy menu items,” Shake Shack’s CMO, Jay Livingston told the Post.

NoMillk was created by “Giuseppe” — NotCo’s AI system — that can analyze food products on a molecular level and replicate it using only plant-based options. 

“It looks for matches in flavor, texture, nutrition and functionality, among other characteristics,” according to the website. “Each recipe is different and there are some that match better than others.”

NotCo’s CEO and Founder Matias Muchnick reveals “partnering up with Shake Shack used to be a dream of mine and one of the most ambitious milestones for NotCo.”

A year later, Shake Shack is allowing customers nationwide to taste the delicious vegan sweets.

“These impactful additions to our core menu give our guests more options, and we can’t wait to roll them out for Shack fans across the country,” Livingston, said in a statement. 

Shake Shack locations in New York will also release a veggie burger made with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, carrots, farro and quinoa, topped with American cheese, crispy onions, pickles and ShackSauce.

Shake Shack has another meatless burger option that’s been on the core menu for a while, called the Shroom burger, which includes a breaded portabella mushroom but is not considered vegan due to its cheesy inside.

The new Veggie Shack has been in the works since 2018, according to VegNews, with the company testing out different menu options and seeing how customers respond.

In 2021, the franchise released the Vegan Crispy Shallot Burger, including a mushroom-based vegan patty topped with smoky vegan cheddar cheese, beer-marinated fried shallots, lettuce and dijonnaise sauce in the UK for a limited time.

“Since we started Shake Shack in 2004, our mission has been to serve up elevated versions of the classics that not only taste great but are crafted with premium ingredients,” said Livingston.