Shake Shack Debuts ‘Crispy’ and ‘Cravable’ New Side, and It’s Not Fries
This is the first new side Shake Shack has released since 2004.
Shake Shack has debuted its first “crispy” and “cravable” new side since introducing its legendary fries in 2004.
For a limited time, fried pickles will be a side dish on Shake Shack’s menu, paired with burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, or milkshakes. Previously, customers could only request fries as a side with their main dishes.
Per a company press release, the side debuted on May 20. It states, “Brine-y, Crispy, Craveable. Our newest side, Fried Pickles, are here, and they are stealing the spotlight. Featuring thick, juicy dill pickles fried to perfection, with a crisp outer layer packed full of flavor, for everything your summer BBQ (and beyond!) needs.”
Shake Shack continues, “These Fried Pickles come with a side of our Buttermilk Ranch and can be enjoyed on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a sandwich, hot dog, or even our Crinkle Cuts. As the first ever additional side to join Shake Shack’s menu since our Crinkle Cuts, these Fried Pickles are only here for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to bite into something legendary.”
According to TODAY, Shake Shack revealed that in 2024, one-third of guests who sampled the chain’s Summer BBQ Menu raved about the fried pickle topping on its Carolina BBQ Burger. Additionally, customers expressed a desire for more side options. In response, the chain developed a new menu item to meet that demand, retailing at $3.99.
In April, Shake Shack announced the nationwide return of its Summer BBQ Menu, which launched on May 2. Menu items include the Smoky Classic BBQ Burger, Smoky Classic BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Carolina BBQ Burger with Fried Pickles, and Carolina BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Fried Pickles, along with Spicy Fries and Spicy Cheese Fries.
“BBQ season is finally here, and to celebrate, we’re bringing our spin on classic flavors to the menu,” the chain shared in a blog post. “Rather lounge by the pool than sweat over a grill? We’ve got you covered with our limited-time BBQ Menu.”
This new menu addition piggybacks on Shake Shack’s continued innovations, including the introduction of its first-ever combo meal on March 2, 2025. For two weeks, customers enjoyed a value-priced meal of a Chicken Shack sandwich, crinkle-cut fries, and a small soda for $9.99.
Shake Shake, Other Fast-Food Eateries Celebrate Pickles
Pickles are having a major moment in fast food, and they’ve become more than just a tangy topping on your favorite sandwich. Once a humble sidekick, pickles are now taking center stage in menus across major fast-food chains, including Shake Shack, and customers can’t seem to get enough.
From chicken sandwiches to burgers, pickles add a crunch and punch that customers crave. Chick-fil-A has long credited its signature dill pickle chips as one of the reasons its chicken sandwich remains a fan favorite. And they’re not alone.
McDonald’s continues to highlight pickles as a key part of its classic Big Mac and cheeseburgers, while Popeyes includes them in its chicken sandwich, which helped spark the so-called “chicken sandwich wars.” Other chains like Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings have gone even further by offering fried pickle sides and pickle-flavored sauces, tapping into customers’ appetite for bold, nostalgic flavors.
Grubhub reported that in 2023, public consumption of pickles had the largest increase since the prior year, clocking in at 89%, totaling over 6.9 million pickles ordered in 2023. People embraced their love of pickles and put the salty, briny indulgences on everything, and fast-food chains responded in kind.
In 2024 and 2025, several fast-food chains embraced the pickle trend, introducing innovative, pickle-centric menu items that delighted fans nationwide. Popeyes launched an entire “Pickle Menu” in April 2025, transforming its offerings with bold, briny flavors. The lineup featured a Pickle Glaze Sandwich, Pickle Glaze Bone-In and Boneless Wings, Fried Pickles, and even a Pickle Lemonade.
Sonic released its Big Dill Cheeseburger in May 2024. This limited-time offering included a beef patty topped with pickle fries, crinkle-cut pickles, creamy dill-infused ranch sauce, and chopped lettuce on a toasted brioche bun. Accompanying the burger, Sonic’s Pickle Fries — fried dill pickle spears served with ranch dressing.
Burger King added Pickle Fries to its menu in late 2024. Fried dill pickle spears were battered and seasoned and served with Hidden Valley Ranch sauce.
Whether it’s the flavor, the crunch, or just pure pickle passion, it’s clear this briny bite has become a must-have on modern fast-food menus.
