A big change is coming to your order—here’s what’s behind the switch
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A beloved American fast-food chain is making some quiet but significant changes to how your meal is made.
While most customers won't immediately notice what’s happening behind the scenes, those with a sharp palate might detect a subtle shift.
And it's all tied to a national health push and growing scrutiny of artificial ingredients.
In-N-Out, the legendary West Coast burger chain with over 400 locations, has begun removing artificial ingredients from its menu.
Specifically, the company confirmed it is phasing out artificial coloring from its Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade.
The color in these drinks may have included Red 40, a dye linked to hyperactivity in children and flagged by RFK Jr. as a health concern.
As a result, fans might start noticing that their lemonade looks a little less vibrant than it used to.
In addition to the dyes, In-N-Out is also making a major condiment switch. The company announced it is transitioning to a ketchup made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
This swap may result in a less sweet, more balanced flavor that’s common in European ketchup.
While not on the FDA’s immediate chopping block, high fructose corn syrup has been criticized for links to obesity, diabetes, and appetite control issues.
A company spokesperson told DailyMail.com: "As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with the highest-quality ingredients, we have removed artificial coloring... and are transitioning to upgraded ketchup."
This shift comes amid proposed FDA changes, supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., targeting eight artificial dyes.
These include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and the infamous Red 40, among others. While In-N-Out hasn’t announced further ingredient removals, the trend suggests more updates could follow.
Some fans have already taken to social media to share photos of the new, less pink lemonade, noting the subtle visual difference.
Taste-wise, however, there are no major complaints—most say the drinks and shakes still taste the same.
The ketchup shift may be more noticeable, especially for longtime customers who are sensitive to flavor balance and sweetness levels.
The company has also been expanding its healthier options, like protein burgers served in lettuce instead of buns.
This isn’t just an In-N-Out move. PepsiCo, which owns brands like Cheetos, Lay’s, Tostitos, and Doritos, also announced it’s removing artificial ingredients from major product lines.
CEO Ramon Laguarta confirmed Lay’s and Tostitos would both be dye-free by the end of the year. And the company recently launched its Simply Ruffles Hot & Spicy, which contains no artificial colors or flavors.
As customer preferences evolve, natural ingredients are becoming more of a corporate priority.
Earlier this week, the FDA approved three new natural dyes for use in American foods.
These include Galdieria blue (from microalgae), butterfly pea flower extract (a rich blue-to-purple color), and calcium phosphate, a white coloring derived from limestone and acid.
These dyes could replace artificial counterparts across beverages, snacks, and even condiments.
The shift signals a broader movement toward cleaner labeling and transparency in the food industry.
While Red 40 and other artificial dyes aren’t illegal yet, the writing may be on the wall for their future in US food production.
Consumers, regulators, and even fast-food companies are beginning to align on safer, more natural alternatives.
For In-N-Out fans, these changes may feel minor—but they reflect a larger transformation happening behind the scenes.
And in a world where food is both fuel and comfort, even a small change in taste or recipe can mean a lot.
Read more:
Have you noticed the change in taste or color at your favorite fast food spot? Do you think ditching artificial ingredients makes a difference? Share your thoughts in the comments—your opinion might help others rethink what’s really in their meal.
While most customers won't immediately notice what’s happening behind the scenes, those with a sharp palate might detect a subtle shift.
And it's all tied to a national health push and growing scrutiny of artificial ingredients.
In-N-Out, the legendary West Coast burger chain with over 400 locations, has begun removing artificial ingredients from its menu.
Specifically, the company confirmed it is phasing out artificial coloring from its Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade.
The color in these drinks may have included Red 40, a dye linked to hyperactivity in children and flagged by RFK Jr. as a health concern.
As a result, fans might start noticing that their lemonade looks a little less vibrant than it used to.
In addition to the dyes, In-N-Out is also making a major condiment switch. The company announced it is transitioning to a ketchup made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
This swap may result in a less sweet, more balanced flavor that’s common in European ketchup.
While not on the FDA’s immediate chopping block, high fructose corn syrup has been criticized for links to obesity, diabetes, and appetite control issues.
A company spokesperson told DailyMail.com: "As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with the highest-quality ingredients, we have removed artificial coloring... and are transitioning to upgraded ketchup."
This shift comes amid proposed FDA changes, supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., targeting eight artificial dyes.
These include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and the infamous Red 40, among others. While In-N-Out hasn’t announced further ingredient removals, the trend suggests more updates could follow.
Some fans have already taken to social media to share photos of the new, less pink lemonade, noting the subtle visual difference.
Taste-wise, however, there are no major complaints—most say the drinks and shakes still taste the same.
The ketchup shift may be more noticeable, especially for longtime customers who are sensitive to flavor balance and sweetness levels.
The company has also been expanding its healthier options, like protein burgers served in lettuce instead of buns.
This isn’t just an In-N-Out move. PepsiCo, which owns brands like Cheetos, Lay’s, Tostitos, and Doritos, also announced it’s removing artificial ingredients from major product lines.
CEO Ramon Laguarta confirmed Lay’s and Tostitos would both be dye-free by the end of the year. And the company recently launched its Simply Ruffles Hot & Spicy, which contains no artificial colors or flavors.
As customer preferences evolve, natural ingredients are becoming more of a corporate priority.
Earlier this week, the FDA approved three new natural dyes for use in American foods.
These include Galdieria blue (from microalgae), butterfly pea flower extract (a rich blue-to-purple color), and calcium phosphate, a white coloring derived from limestone and acid.
These dyes could replace artificial counterparts across beverages, snacks, and even condiments.
The shift signals a broader movement toward cleaner labeling and transparency in the food industry.
While Red 40 and other artificial dyes aren’t illegal yet, the writing may be on the wall for their future in US food production.
Consumers, regulators, and even fast-food companies are beginning to align on safer, more natural alternatives.
For In-N-Out fans, these changes may feel minor—but they reflect a larger transformation happening behind the scenes.
And in a world where food is both fuel and comfort, even a small change in taste or recipe can mean a lot.
Read more:
- This could change what you eat—State targets 9 cancer-causing ingredients
- Popular foods could look very different soon—RFK Jr’s FDA cracks down on this ingredient
