In-N-Out is changing its iconic strawberry shake, pink lemonade, and ketchup recipes by removing red dye No. 3 and high-fructose corn syrup.
Key Facts:
- In-N-Out is removing red dye No. 3 from its strawberry shake and pink lemonade recipes.
- The company is also reformulating its ketchup to replace high-fructose corn syrup with cane sugar.
- The FDA recently called for faster removal of red dye No. 3, which is linked to cancer in lab animals.
- Many fans voiced support for the changes, citing health benefits.
- Other fast food chains like McDonald’s and Jack in the Box are evaluating or updating their ingredients in response to FDA actions.
The Rest of The Story:
In-N-Out, known for its simple menu and loyal customer base, is making big changes to several products.
The chain’s strawberry milkshake and pink lemonade are losing their signature synthetic red hue, and ketchup will now be sweetened with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
These adjustments come ahead of a 2027 FDA mandate to eliminate red dye No. 3 from food products.
The FDA took action after studies showed the dye caused cancer in rats, though it maintains that current human consumption levels don’t pose the same risk.
Still, the agency must act under the Delaney Clause, which requires banning any additive shown to cause cancer in animals.
In-N-Out has not yet revealed what will replace the dye.
However, customer reactions have been mostly positive, with many suggesting even more natural improvements like real strawberry pieces.
You may have noticed a slight color change in In-N-Out's signature Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Syrup. This results from a quality improvement. Companywide, In-N-Out has upgraded both Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Syrup to use natural food coloring instead of artificial coloring.…
— ᶠᵃⁿ In-N-Out Burger (@innoutburger_) May 13, 2025
Commentary:
In-N-Out’s early adoption of these recipe changes is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s a strong signal that the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement is resonating with both consumers and companies.
This decision shows clear alignment with growing public demand for transparency and health-conscious food options.
The chain didn’t have to act yet—there’s still time on the FDA clock—but they chose to.
Why? Because they likely see the writing on the wall: customers want cleaner, simpler, more natural ingredients.
When a beloved brand like In-N-Out makes such a visible change, it has ripple effects across the fast food industry.
We can expect other chains to follow suit, not because of pressure from Washington, but because of pressure from the marketplace.
Health awareness is no longer a niche issue.
It’s mainstream.
And it’s being driven by a public tired of government partnering with Big Pharma while neglecting common-sense wellness.
Swapping out artificial dyes and high-fructose corn syrup isn’t revolutionary—it’s just overdue.
This shift is especially powerful when driven by voluntary corporate leadership.
It reflects a cultural pivot, not bureaucratic coercion.
Businesses like In-N-Out are leading because they know their customers—and they know what sells.
If the FDA wants to win public trust, this is the model: encourage reform through clarity and speed, not red tape.
When natural alternatives are approved quickly and transparently, companies can pivot—and the public benefits.
In a country that prides itself on personal responsibility and free-market solutions, this kind of change is proof that reform doesn’t have to come from the top down.
Sometimes, it comes from a burger joint doing what’s right for the customer.
The Bottom Line:
In-N-Out is proactively removing red dye No. 3 and high-fructose corn syrup from key menu items, ahead of any federal deadline.
The move reflects a broader cultural shift toward clean ingredients and natural food choices.
With strong public support and momentum behind natural alternatives, other chains will likely follow.
This could be the beginning of a healthier era in American fast food—driven not by mandates, but by customer demand.
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