NEW YORK — TheNotCompany Inc. is making its first foray into the US foodservice channel. The Chilean startup, which uses artificial intelligence to create plant-based foods and beverages, is teaming up with Shake Shack to test a non-dairy chocolate custard and non-dairy chocolate shake.
NotCo replicated the same flavor, creaminess and functionality as the existing items, replacing both dairy and egg components, in under four months, according to the company. The new menu items will be tested at Shake Shack locations in New York and Florida throughout the summer.
The custard is a proprietary formula, while the shake is a mixture of the custard and NotMilk, the startup’s flagship milk alternative. Launched in the United States in 2020, NotMilk features nontraditional ingredients like cabbage and pineapple juice, which combine to create the aromatic compounds that give milk its unique taste.
“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, senior vice president of supply chain and menu innovation at Shake Shack. “Non-dairy custard and shakes have been something our guests have wanted. We are looking forward to seeing where this test takes us.”
NotCo’s meat alternative, featuring pea protein, spinach and cacao, has appeared on menus at Papa John’s and Burger King in South America. The company also has developed plant-based ice cream and mayonnaise alternatives. In February it partnered with The Kraft Heinz Co. for ajoint venturefocused on plant-based innovation.
