NotCo dips into foodservice with test launch at select Shake Shack locations

18-May-2022 - Last updated on 18-May-2022 at 16:15 GMT

Photo Credit: NotCo

NotCo, a foodtech startup that uses patented AI technology to produce plant-based versions of traditional animal products, has partnered with fast food chain Shake Shack on a test launch of a plant-based chocolate custard and milk shake.

Shake Shake will be the first foodservice partner to feature NotCo products on its menu including a non-dairy chocolate custard and non-dairy chocolate shake available at 10 select Shake Shack locations in New York and South Florida throughout the summer.

Using a combination of technology with AI, chefs and R&D teams, NotCo said it is able to replicate the same rich flavor, creaminess, and functionality as the existing items, replacing both dairy and egg components, in under four months.

The non-dairy chocolate frozen custard is a proprietary formula and the non-dairy chocolate shake is a mixture of the custard and NotCo's NotMilk pea-based milk, which first hit the US market in late 2020.

"Their food is unfussy, consistently delicious, and high quality. In a way, Shake Shack has created the perfect blueprint for what we want to emulate with our plant-based foods, and we’re so excited to be kicking off this journey into Food Service with their team," said Matias Muchnick, CEO and co-founder of NotCo.

“We have been looking at the plant-based space for a while and are so excited to be partnering with an innovative food-tech leader such as NotCo,” said Jeff Amoscato, SVP of supply chain and menu innovation at Shake Shack.

“Non-dairy custard and shakes have been something our guests have wanted and we are looking forward to seeing where this test takes us.”