Shake Shack pilots sugarcane alternative “Zero Acre Oil” for a greener menu

20 Sep 2023 --- Shake Shack, the New York City-based fast-casual restaurant chain, will begin testing Zero Acre oil in two of its Manhattan locations. Debuting during Climate Week NYC, this pilot program aims to champion sustainability by substituting soybean oil in several of the chain's popular menu items.

Zero Acre oil, produced by Zero Acre Farms, is made from rain-fed sugarcane plants and boasts a clean taste and high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. It is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, offering a more stable alternative to the polyunsaturated fats found in most vegetable oils, notes Shake Shack. 

Swapping out oil for healthier fast food 
The “environmentally-friendly” and “cleaner” cooking oil will be used on a selection of Shake Shack’s menu favorites including Crinkle Cut Fries, Shroom Burgers, Shack Stacks, Veggie Shacks, Chicken Shacks, and Chicken Bites. 

This initiative builds on Shake Shack’s previous menu adjustments. In 2013, the company changed its frozen crinkle cut fries to hand-cut fries, but in response to customer feedback, it eventually reverted to the original menu item.

However, Shake Shack maintains a resolute stance on its menu transformation, a decision that aligns with the company’s strategy. 

Zero Acre oil is made from rain-fed sugarcane.“Like many food businesses, our menu items depend on the natural environment, so it’s crucial for us to explore sustainable food solutions.” Jeffrey Amoscato, senior vice president of supply chain and menu innovation at Shake Shack, emphasizes.

“Our collaboration with Zero Acre underscores our ongoing dedication to reducing our environmental footprint.” According to the company’s business report, Shake Shack is purposefully advocating its role of environmental, sustainability, and social governance goals in maintaining its brand value and image.” 

The company acknowledges that achieving these goals is significant to its future in the fast food industry. Falling short of these targets could potentially result in negative effects on the company’s relationships with investors, partners, customers, as well as its capacity to attract and retain employees, it says. 

Revamping ingredients
Currently, vegetable oils account for 20% of caloric intake in the US, serving as the second ingredient in most fried foods and the third most consumed food worldwide. Soybean oil, rich in aflatoxins, stands out as one of the more contentious vegetable oils. It has traditionally been a favored choice for frying, particularly in the case of French fries, owing to its neutral flavor profile. Replacing traditional ingredients with more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives like Zero Acre oil could bring benefits to the health of fast food lovers, according to the business. 

"We’re thrilled to partner with Shake Shack, a brand known for premium ingredients and culinary integrity," says Jeff Nobbs, co-founder and CEO of Zero Acre Farms. “This partnership allows diners to enjoy the flavors they love while feeling good about their choices.”

Making French fries with a known source oil may alter the food’s negative dietary image, potentially reducing associated health concerns, notes the company.

By Sichong Wang