Dairy-Free Indulgence Arrives: A New Era in Fast-Casual Shakes
Plant-based options are taking the food and beverage industry by storm, and Burger Lounge, a leader in sustainable, eco-conscious quick service, just set the new gold standard. In a move sure to excite both restaurant pros and dairy-free devotees, Burger Lounge has partnered with ultra-creamy KLIMON to roll out a brand-new line of dairy-free milkshakes across all 25 California locations. For foodservice executives, F&B managers, and hospitality industry trendsetters, this collaboration represents the intersection of menu innovation, inclusive hospitality, and sustainability in the modern food and beverage landscape.
What’s on the Menu? KLIMON x Burger Lounge Shakes
Burger Lounge’s new dairy-free shakes aren’t about compromise, they’re about craveable indulgence. Powered by KLIMON’s next-generation, plant-based frozen dessert, the shakes come in these tempting, food & beverage professional-approved flavors:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Cookies & Cream
- Modern Times® Cold Brew
(for a caffeinated twist, perfect for a buzzy midday treat)
And for those who crave a classic, there’s now a dairy-free Root Beer Float made with KLIMON Vanilla. Whether you’re an operator eyeing menu innovation or a hospitality manager seeking the next viral flavor, these shakes are positioned to impress every palate, vegan, flexitarian, or dairy aficionado.
Price Point: $8.95 to $9.95
Where: All 25 Burger Lounge California outposts
The Procurement Perspective: Why KLIMON, Why Now?
Nick Brigante, Director of Procurement & Operations Analysis at Burger Lounge (www.burgerlounge.com), summed up the move in one irresistible declaration:
“KLIMON is, hands down, the creamiest and best tasting dairy-free ice cream alternative on the market. For us, switching to KLIMON was a no-brainer. It delivers incredible flavor, performs like dairy in the kitchen, and lets us proudly serve shakes that ALL of our guests can enjoy.”
Burger Lounge’s procurement and F&B leadership see key benefits for the food service industry:
- Maximum Inclusivity: Allergen-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options mean wider consumer reach
- Consistent Performance: KLIMON behaves like dairy in the kitchen, no training headaches
- Premium Ingredients: No fillers, no artificial flavors or colors, no gluten, and free of common allergens
For buyers, food and beverage directors, and institutional purchasing leads, KLIMON checks the boxes for both operational excellence and guest satisfaction, a true food industry award contender.
KLIMON’s Vision: Plant-Based That Never Feels Like a Sacrifice
Alex Cotraviwat, CEO of KLIMON (www.klimon.com), explains what sets this partnership, and this plant-based frozen dessert, apart in a crowded F&B marketplace:
“Burger Lounge has built a loyal following by putting flavor and quality first, and we’re thrilled to bring KLIMON into that experience. Together, we’re proving that indulgent, crave-worthy shakes don’t need dairy, and that plant-based options can delight every guest.”
For food and beverage managers chasing the next viral plant-based flavor or sustainability initiative, KLIMON’s approach is all about high-impact taste with zero compromises. Their foodservice-ready line is engineered for commercial kitchens but appeals to every sweet-toothed guest in your dining room.
Food & Beverage Industry Trends: Why Dairy-Free Shakes Matter Now
This launch sits at the collision of several of today’s most important food and beverage trends:
- Rise of Plant-Based Dining: As highlighted in Food & Beverage Magazine’s insights on plant-based trends, consumers demand delicious, animal-free options without sacrificing indulgence.
- Menu Innovation that Drives Profit: Dairy-free shakes unlock incremental sales from a previously underserved segment, allergy-sensitive, vegan, or health-conscious guests.
- Sustainability as a Growth Lever: Both brands commit to responsible sourcing and sustainability, meeting the demands of today’s hospitality executive and tomorrow’s conscientious consumer.
For operators wondering about the future of menu innovation, Burger Lounge’s move with KLIMON is a case study in how to leverage product partnerships, guest inclusivity, and sustainability all in one glass.
Product Deep Dive: Shake Lineup & Specifications
KLIMON Dairy-Free Shakes at Burger Lounge, Key Specs for Foodservice Pros:
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream Base: KLIMON’s proprietary blend; ultra-creamy and scoopable
- Clean Label: No fillers, artificial flavors, gluten, or common allergens
- Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Modern Times® Cold Brew
- Specialty Beverage: Root Beer Float with KLIMON Vanilla
- Format: Ready-to-use; designed for fast-casual, QSR, and dine-in applications
- Operational Fit: Minimal retraining required; supports high-volume execution
“Dairy-free should never mean joy-free, at Burger Lounge, these shakes prove it.”
Alt text: A staff member pouring thick, creamy dairy-free shake mix from a blender cup into a tall glass under the bright lights of a California Burger Lounge counter.
Real-World Results: Guest Feedback & Menu Impact
Early data and guest reviews point to this launch as a breakthrough in the food & beverage services sector:
- Broad Guest Appeal: Flexitarians, vegans, dairy-sensitive, and traditionalists alike rave about the mouthfeel and flavor
- Operational Simplicity: F&B managers cite seamless integration: no specialty equipment or lengthy onboarding needed
- Sales Uplift: Observed check averages are up as diners add shakes to both dine-in and takeout orders
This rapid adoption makes Burger Lounge’s KLIMON shakes a model for food and beverage sustainability and menu engineering success.
About KLIMON
KLIMON is a pioneering, 100% plant-based frozen dessert company dedicated to reimagining indulgence for the modern palate. Engineered for high-performance kitchens and menu innovation, KLIMON’s lineup includes creamy tubs for scooping, soft-serve, and retail novelties: all free of dairy, fillers, and common allergens. Their products are used by food and beverage companies and hospitality leaders nationwide. KLIMON is part of the Jaback Group; explore their foodservice offerings at klimon.com/foodservice.
About Burger Lounge
Founded in 2007 in La Jolla, Burger Lounge is California’s original grass-fed burger joint. Renowned for doing “common things, uncommonly well,” Burger Lounge stands out for sourcing organic, non-GMO ingredients from responsible growers and ranchers. The menu now spans gourmet burgers, salads, hand-cut fries, onion rings, and the new line of KLIMON-powered milkshakes: raising the bar for plant-based and sustainable options in the fast-casual food and beverage industry. burgerlounge.com
Additional Reading & Resources
- Sipping Into the Future: The Hottest Drink Trends Making Waves in 2025
- Organic Food: The Benefits of Natural and Organic Produce
- SpotOn Unveils 2025 Predictions for the Restaurant Industry
Join the Conversation: How Will You Innovate With Dairy-Free?
Is your food & beverage company or restaurant group looking for the next must-try menu innovation? Have you tasted the new plant-based shakes? Drop your thoughts, success stories, or questions in the comments below, or tag @foodandbeveragemag on Instagram to show your shake pics in action!
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Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
