Shake Shack and NotCo teamed up to create two new non-dairy menu additions with proprietary artificial intelligence technology and plant-based innovations. The Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard and Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake will be tested in 10 select Shake Shack locations in New York and South Florida this summer, and with this partnership, NotCo is venturing into foodservice for the first time. Shake Shack will be the first US foodservice partner to feature NotCo-powered products on its menu and Shake Shack is the perfect partner since it is well-known for its hand-spun daily frozen custard and milkshakes.
The rich flavor and creaminess of the beloved Shake Shack menu items are being replicated with animal-free alternatives. In fact, the non-dairy substitutes replaced the existing items (dairy and egg components) in less than four months.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Non-dairy Menu Items
- Plant-based innovations and proprietary AI technology have made it possible to replicate rich flavors and creaminess typically found in dairy and egg-based menu items, opening up opportunities for non-dairy menu items.
- Foodservice Partnerships
- Partnerships between foodservice providers and plant-based companies expand the options for plant-based menu items and generate opportunities for further innovation.
- Rapid Menu Development
- The rapid development of non-dairy menu items indicates how quickly plant-based alternatives can be created, upgraded or augmented to serve changing consumer preferences.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Food and Beverage
- Plant-based innovations in the food and beverage industry may create opportunities for the development of non-dairy products.
- Artificial Intelligence
- The role of AI or machine learning in the food industry has the power to improve the accuracy of developing new flavors and non-dairy menu items.
- Sustainability
- Developing plant-based alternatives for commonly used ingredients can have a positive impact on the environment and foster sustainable solutions in the food industry.
