In-N-Out removing artificial food dyes from menu items

By Yi-Jin Yu

Popular burger chain In-N-Out is making changes to its menu less than a month after the Department of Health and Human Services announced it would work to phase out artificial food dyes.

The California-based restaurant chain confirmed to "Good Morning America" that it would no longer use synthetic food dyes including Yellow 5 and Red 40, as well as artificial flavors such as artificial vanilla.

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE

In this April 1, 2024, file photo, a sign for In-N-Out Burger is shown in Azusa, Calif.

In-N-Out also said it would stop using the preservative calcium propionate, a type of calcium salt that is often used as an anti-browning agent and as a mold inhibitor. The chain said it would also move away from using high-fructose corn syrup, no longer offer sucralose and saccharin sweetener packets, and would add non-dairy oat milk creamer.

"We're also in the process of transitioning to ketchup made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup and researching an even better-quality oil for our fries," In-N-Out Owner and President Lynsi Snyder said in a statement.

Paul Bersebach/Orange County Register via Getty Images, FILE

In this July 26, 2024, file photo, customers dine-in during opening day of the In-N-Out Burger at The Outlets at Orange in Orange, Calif.

Snyder added, "Part of our Mission/Purpose Statement says, 'Providing the freshest, highest-quality foods and services…' That's why we strive to have the best and be the best in all areas. It's been my family's priority since 1948, and it remains my priority to this very day. Here at In-N-Out, our Customer is number one, and we hope they feel that way."

In-N-Out said the changes it will make include:

• Replacing artificial flavors with natural flavors in its chocolate syrup and hot cocoa.
• Replacing artificial vanilla with natural vanilla in its shake mix.
• Replacing calcium propionate with natural enzymes in its buns and removing cottonseed oil.
• Replacing high-fructose corn syrup with natural sugar in its shake mix, strawberry syrup, spread and Signature Pink Lemonade.
• Replacing Red 40 with beta carotene and vegetable juice in Strawberry Shakes and its Signature Pink Lemonade.
• Replacing Yellow 5 with turmeric in chilies, pickles and spread.

Earlier this month, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement, "For too long, our food system has relied on synthetic, petroleum-based dyes that offer no nutritional value and pose unnecessary health risks. We're removing these dyes and approving safe, natural alternatives -- to protect families and support healthier choices."

Critics of synthetic dyes have long claimed that they are harmful and should not be included in America's food supply, but dietitians and nutritionists have not reached a consensus on synthetic food dyes, with some saying they should be avoided and others saying more research is needed.

In-N-Out is joining Tyson Foods in making ingredient changes. Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie King said earlier this month in an earnings call that the meat processing company would reformulate products to remove synthetic dyes, according to reporting from Reuters.