In-N-Out Burger Announces Changes to Menu

Newsweek

15-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
In-N-Out Burger, the California-based fast-food chain known for its straightforward menu, is updating several of its items.
The company says it is removing artificial coloring from two of its drinks and is transitioning to a new version of ketchup that uses real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
Why It Matters
The decision comes on the heels of a federal push to eliminate synthetic food dyes from consumer products.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new rule phasing out petroleum-based dyes, citing health risks.
An In-N-Out Burger restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on May 2, 2022.
An In-N-Out Burger restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on May 2, 2022.
GDMatt66/Getty Images
What To Know
The brand told outlets it was changing the recipe for its Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade beverages, saying it had removed artificial coloring.
It was unclear which dyes were removed. Newsweek contacted In-N-Out for comment via online form on Thursday.
Along with changes to its beverages, In-N-Out will be updating a key condiment. The chain confirmed it is moving to a new ketchup formulation that swaps high-fructose corn syrup for real sugar.
The changes place In-N-Out among the first major fast-food chains to publicly shift away from synthetic dyes following the HHS and FDA's announcement.
Petroleum-based food dyes have long been used in a range of food and beverage products, including those targeted toward children. According to an article shared by the National Library of Medicine, the dyes are present in items such as breakfast cereals, candy and vitamins.
The FDA has now approved three alternatives—Galdieria extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract and calcium phosphate—as natural-source replacements for synthetic food colorants.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly criticized food additives.
What People Are Saying
An In-N-Out spokesperson told KTLA on Wednesday: "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.
"We're also in the process of transitioning to an upgraded ketchup, which is made with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup."
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "In-N-Out is BANNING artificial food dyes in their Strawberry Shake & Pink Lemonades.
"They will also REPLACE corn syrup with real sugar in their ketchup.
"RFK JR WINS AGAIN."
What Happens Next
Headquartered in Irvine, California, In-N-Out operates more than 400 locations in eight U.S. states and territories as of March, according to its website.
President Donald Trump's administration plans to phase out several synthetic food dyes from the U.S. food supply by the end of 2026.