In-N-Out, the popular burger chain headquartered in Irvine, California, has confirmed it is changing the recipes for two of its menu items and a condiment.
The moves follow the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement of plans to phase out synthetic food dyes by the end of 2026, including red dye No. 3, which studies have linked to increased cancer risks.
“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,” an In-N-Out spokesperson told Nexstar’s KTLA on Wednesday. “We’re also in the process of transitioning to an upgraded ketchup, which is made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.”
The not-so-secret meaning behind In-N-Out’s palm trees
An unofficial fan account reported that the new ketchup packets will be branded “Simply Heinz.”
In-N-Out appears to be the first major restaurant chain to publicly announce recipe changes following the federal government’s decision.
Earlier this week, the FDA approved the first three natural food colorants — Galdieria blue, butterfly pea extract, and calcium phosphate — that will serve as replacements for petroleum-based synthetic dyes. Several other natural colorants are currently awaiting approval.
In-N-Out Burger was founded in Baldwin Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, in 1948. It currently has more than 400 restaurants in the United States, primarily on the West Coast and in the Mountain West.
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