US-based fast casual restaurant chain Shake Shack has partnered with Zero Acre Farms to work on a pilot programme to use Zero Acre oil for frying.

As part of this programme, Shake Shack's two restaurant locations in New York City, Hudson Yards and Battery Park City, will start using Zero Acre oil exclusively in place of soybean oil.

The tests will be carried out on various menu items, including Shake Shack's Crinkle Cut Fries, the 'Shroom Burger, Shack Stack, Veggie Shack, Chicken Shack, Chicken Bites and new limited-time Hot Menu items.

Zero Acre Farms said: “Shacks are among the first deployments of Zero Acre oil in the foodservice sector and are part of Shake Shack's ongoing commitment to Stand for Something Good across its operations and in the community.”

Zero Acre Farms co-founder and CEO Jeff Nobbs said the Zero Acre oil is expected to further elevate the taste of Shake Shack's fries, chicken and other menu items.

Nobbs added: “This partnership combines the deliciousness that Shake Shack is known for with the health and sustainability focus of Zero Acre, allowing diners to feel good with every bite.”

Made from rain-fed sugarcane plants, the Zero Acre oil has a higher concentration of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, which is more suited for frying when compared to the polyunsaturated fats present in conventional vegetable oils.

The trial programme is one of the initiatives being launched by Shake Shack as part of its annual release of the ‘Stand For Something Good Summary’.

Shake Shack supply chain and menu innovation senior vice-president Jeffrey Amoscato said the fast casual restaurant chain is exploring ways to reduce its environmental footprint.

Amoscato added: “We remain committed to exploring initiatives that help us become a more sustainable business, including the reduction of waste across operations and collaborating with farmers and suppliers on a regular basis."