Beloved Burger Chain Removes Some Ingredients From Popular Menu Items

In-N-Out Burger, the California-based fast-food chain known for its limited menu and commitment to quality, has announced significant changes to some of its menu items.

The company is removing artificial coloring from its strawberry shakes and signature pink lemonade, and transitioning its ketchup recipe to use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.

The move comes amid growing scrutiny over artificial additives in food products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation's food supply, citing potential health risks. The FDA's initiative includes revoking authorizations for certain synthetic dyes and encouraging the use of natural alternatives.

In a statement to Fox News, In-N-Out spokesperson Patty Pena said, "As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with the highest-quality ingredients, we have removed artificial coloring from our Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade." She added that the company is "in the process of transitioning to an upgraded ketchup, which is made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup."

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The FDA's efforts are part of a broader campaign to improve food safety and public health. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized the need to eliminate synthetic dyes, stating, "We have a new epidemic of childhood diabetes, obesity, depression, and ADHD. Given the growing concerns of doctors and parents about the potential role of petroleum-based food dyes, we should not be taking risks and do everything possible to safeguard the health of our children."

In-N-Out's decision aligns with these regulatory changes and reflects the company's longstanding emphasis on ingredient quality. Founded in 1948, In-N-Out has grown to over 400 locations across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. The company remains privately owned by the Snyder family and employs approximately 27,000 people.

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While In-N-Out has not specified which artificial dyes were removed, the FDA has recently approved several natural food color additives, including Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate, as part of its initiative to replace synthetic dyes with natural alternatives.

Customers may notice subtle differences in the appearance and taste of the affected products, reflecting the company's commitment to cleaner, more natural ingredients.(ABC7 Los Angeles)

The ingredient changes are even more notable within the context that In-N-Out rarely changes its simple menu for any reason. The chain added a "lite pink" lemonade drink and Cherry Coke to its offerings in 2023. Five years prior, In-N-Out brought back hot cocoa, originally introduced in the 1950s.

In-N-Out is not the only popular food chain to find nutrition religion in the past few months. Fast food industry trade QSR has reported that Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake has recently begun frying its famous shoestring fries in beef tallow, "the best way possible," at its more than 450 locations.

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As the FDA continues to push for the elimination of synthetic dyes and other artificial additives from the food supply, more companies are likely to follow In-N-Out's lead in reformulating their products to meet evolving health standards and consumer expectations.