In a move reflecting shifting health standards under the current presidential administration, In-N-Out Burger has announced major changes to its menu. The popular fast-food chain is eliminating synthetic dyes and several artificial ingredients from its food and beverages.
Among the most notable changes, the chain is removing Red Dye No. 40 and Yellow 5 from menu staples such as the strawberry milkshake and signature pink lemonade. These dyes will be replaced by natural coloring agents like beta carotene, vegetable juice, and turmeric. Turmeric will also be used to replace Yellow 5 in the brand’s pickles, chilies, and signature spread.
In-N-Out Owner and President Lynsi Snyder detailed the changes in a statement shared with Newsweek on May 15, 2025. “We are proud to say we’ve replaced calcium propionate with natural enzymes in our buns, and removed cottonseed oil,” Snyder said. Other changes include replacing artificial vanilla with natural vanilla in the shake mix, using natural flavors in chocolate syrup and hot cocoa, and swapping high-fructose corn syrup for natural sugar in several products.
Additionally, the chain is replacing sucralose and saccharin in its sweetener packets with stevia leaf extract, and has introduced oat milk as a non-dairy creamer option. Snyder also noted that the company is transitioning to ketchup made with real sugar and is researching healthier oils for its fries.
These updates come in response to new guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which aim to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes due to potential health risks. The initiative was introduced by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Reactions on social media have been largely positive. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called the changes “a good start,” while others urged the company to go further, suggesting a switch to avocado oil or eliminating sugar from ketchup entirely. Another commenter praised the company, writing, “In-N-Out cares about their customers and workers. Wish I could say the same about other companies.”
With these changes, In-N-Out positions itself as a leader among fast-food brands adapting to growing consumer demand for healthier, more natural ingredients.
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