In-N-Out Burger has announced a series of ingredient updates to some of its most popular menu items, including its buns, salt, and ketchup, leading to a divided customer response.
The California-based burger chain stated on Tuesday that these changes are part of an ongoing effort to provide the "freshest, highest-quality food possible." Over the past year, In-N-Out has implemented adjustments to its ingredients, with this latest announcement detailing specific modifications.
Among the changes, the chain is removing sesame flour from its buns in 10 states. Additionally, In-N-Out is replacing iodized salt with sea salt in its seasoning packets and reformulating its ketchup to use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
"We’re pleased to share our latest updates, and we’ll continue building on that commitment for years to come," the company said in its announcement.
The modifications have elicited strong reactions from customers. Some diners have voiced concerns about the changes to the hamburger buns, with one social media user noting that the buns "were noticeably more crumbly, and not in a good way" during a recent visit. Another customer reported that their bun "fell apart pretty quickly."
Criticism has also been directed at the switch from iodized salt to sea salt. Some customers highlighted the importance of iodine, with one user stating, "Iodized salt is better for you.. and provides an essential anti radiation, free radical scavenging, thyroid protective, nutrient: iodine."
However, the ingredient updates have also been met with enthusiasm from other patrons. Many expressed gratitude for the removal of sesame flour from the buns, particularly those with severe sesame allergies. One customer wrote, "You guys are the best! Thank you, thank you for removing the sesame flour from all your buns in all your restaurants! You don’t know how much this means to us families dealing with severe sesame allergies."
The reformulation of ketchup to exclude high-fructose corn syrup was also praised. "Good deal getting rid of the nasty fructose in ketchup," one commenter said. Another customer shared their positive experience, stating, "My daughter finally has a safe restaurant to eat burgers and fries at and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to eat at In-N-Out Burger again!"
In-N-Out has historically maintained a consistent menu, making such ingredient alterations notable for the brand. The company has not specified further details on the rollout of these changes beyond the initial announcement.