In-N-Out Becomes One Of The First Fast Food Chains To Eliminate Artificial Dyes

In-N-Out is making a bold move to clean up its menu, becoming one of the first major fast-food chains to proactively eliminate artificial food dyes ahead of the FDA’s planned phase-out. The chain is swapping out synthetic colors in its signature pink lemonade, strawberry syrup, and ketchup for natural alternatives sourced from vegetables, minerals, and even animals.

This shift aligns with the FDA’s initiative to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, such as FD&C Red No. 3, by 2027 due to potential health risks, including cancer and behavioral issues.

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

In-N-Out is also replacing high fructose corn syrup in its ketchup with real sugar, introducing products like Simply Heinz. These changes reflect the company’s long-standing commitment to ingredient quality over cost, a philosophy championed by owner Lynsi Snyder.

As the FDA continues to push for the elimination of synthetic dyes, In-N-Out’s proactive approach sets a precedent for other chains to follow. The move not only aligns with evolving consumer preferences for cleaner ingredients but also positions In-N-Out as a leader in the industry’s shift towards more natural food offerings.