If there’s one name that brings sheer delight to burger aficionados and food enthusiasts alike, it’s In-N-Out Burger. This legendary West Coast institution has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions, with its delectable blend of nostalgia, quality, and simplicity.
We answer the most commonly asked questions about In-n-Out Burger in this post.
Is There an In-n-Out Burger Secret Menu?
Yes, indeed! In-N-Out Burger is renowned for its secret menu, adding an extra layer of excitement and discovery to the dining experience. While not officially listed on the menu boards, In-N-Out’s secret menu offers a range of customizations and special preparations that have become beloved by devoted fans.
Here are a few popular items from the In-N-Out secret menu:
- Animal Style: This is perhaps the most famous secret menu option. You can request your burger (or fries) “Animal Style,” which involves adding a savory spread of grilled onions, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce to enhance the flavor and juiciness.
- Protein Style: If you’re looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free option, you can order your burger “Protein Style.” Instead of a regular bun, your burger will be wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf, offering a refreshing and lighter alternative.
- Grilled Cheese: In-N-Out caters to non-meat eaters by offering a Grilled Cheese sandwich. It includes melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and spread on a bun, delivering a delicious vegetarian option.
- 3×3, 4×4, and more: If you’re particularly hungry or craving an indulgent feast, you can order a burger with multiple meat and cheese patties. For example, a 3×3 means three patties with three slices of cheese, while a 4×4 includes four of each.
- Neapolitan Shake: Though not as widely known, In-N-Out offers the option to combine their classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry shakes into a delightful Neapolitan Shake, blending all three flavors into one creamy concoction.
Is In-n-Out Burger Healthy?
While In-N-Out emphasizes using fresh ingredients and offers some customizable options, it primarily falls within the category of fast food, which is generally associated with higher calorie, sodium, and fat content compared to homemade or healthier restaurant meals.
Here are some points to consider when evaluating the healthiness of In-N-Out Burger:
- Fresh Ingredients: In-N-Out Burger emphasizes fresh ingredients, using 100% pure beef, fresh produce, and hand-cut potatoes for their fries. This commitment to quality can be seen as a positive aspect.
- Limited Menu: In-N-Out Burger’s menu focuses on classic items, which can help with portion control and avoid excessive consumption of highly processed options.
- Customization Options: In-N-Out allows customers to customize their orders, such as ordering a burger “Protein Style” (wrapped in lettuce) or opting for lighter condiment choices. These options provide some flexibility to tailor your meal according to your preferences.
However, it’s important to note the potential drawbacks:
- Calorie, Fat, and Sodium Content: Like most fast food chains, In-N-Out Burger meals can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Double-Double burgers and animal-style fries, for example, can be calorie-dense and may not align with a low-calorie or low-fat diet.
- Limited Healthier Options: While In-N-Out Burger offers some vegetarian choices like the Grilled Cheese and Protein Style burgers, the menu may have limited options for those seeking specific dietary preferences or restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free.
- Side Orders: In-N-Out Burger’s popular fries, while made from fresh potatoes, are still deep-fried and can contribute to a higher calorie and fat intake. It’s worth considering portion sizes and moderation when enjoying these sides
Can I Order In-n-Out Burger Online?
As of this writing, In-N-Out operates primarily as an in-person dining experience, with customers placing their orders at the restaurant’s counter or drive-thru. However it has partnered with online delivery serve like Grubhub so you might want to check with this platform if they have a store available in your location.
What are the In-n-Out Burger Bestsellers?
Here are the most popular and iconic items from In-N-Out Burger’s menu:
- Double-Double: The Double-Double is a true classic and a fan favorite. It features two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and In-N-Out’s signature spread, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. It’s a mouthwatering burger that has become synonymous with In-N-Out.
- Animal Style Burger: The Animal Style Burger is a secret menu item that has gained widespread popularity. It involves adding a delicious combination of grilled onions, melted cheese, and extra spread to your burger. The result is a flavor-packed delight that elevates the classic Double-Double to new heights.
- Cheeseburger: In-N-Out’s Cheeseburger is a simple yet delicious option. It features a single beef patty with a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread. Its simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, delivering a satisfying burger experience.
- Animal Style Fries: In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries are a must-try indulgence. The freshly cut fries are topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and spread. The combination of flavors and textures creates a mouthwatering side dish that perfectly complements your burger.
What’s in the In-N-Out Burger Special Sauce?
While In-N-Out keeps the ingredients of its spread closely guarded, there have been dedicated burger sleuths and food experts who claim to have cracked the code. One such individual is J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, a renowned chef and food scientist, who embarked on a quest to decipher the enigmatic recipe (via Serious Eats).
According to his findings, the In-N-Out secret sauce is akin to Thousand Island dressing, composed of ketchup, mayonnaise, and sweet pickle relish. After meticulously breaking down the sauce, calculating its proportions, and even straining out and weighing the relish pieces, he concluded that the magical concoction consists of 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and 2 teaspoons of pickle relish.
To balance the flavors, a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar are added, resulting in a sauce that captures the essence of In-N-Out’s distinctive taste.
While this homemade recipe closely approximates the flavor of the famed spread, only In-N-Out truly knows the exact formula. Without the release of an official ingredient list or recipe, it remains a mystery. However, for enthusiasts looking to recreate the experience at home, this approximation brings them as close as possible to the real deal.
What is In-N-Out Burger’s Animal Style?
The Animal Style concept was introduced by In-N-Out as a way to enhance the taste and add extra indulgence to their menu items. Here’s what you can expect when you order something Animal Style:
- Animal Style Burger: When you order a burger Animal Style, it comes with mustard grilled into the patty, extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions. The mustard grilling adds a tangy kick and a caramelized exterior to the patty, while the grilled onions bring a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The extra spread intensifies the richness, making it a truly satisfying and flavorful experience.
- Animal Style Fries: Animal Style can also be applied to In-N-Out’s fries, taking them to a whole new level. Animal Style fries are topped with a generous serving of melted cheese, grilled onions, and their signature spread. The combination of the savory cheese, sweet onions, and creamy spread creates a delightful mess of flavors and textures that elevates the humble fries into a gourmet treat.
These Animal Style options have become synonymous with In-N-Out and are adored by loyal customers. The secret menu concept adds an element of excitement and discovery for those in the know. While not explicitly listed on the menu boards, In-N-Out staff are generally familiar with the Animal Style customization and can prepare your order accordingly.
How is In-n-Out Burger Different from Other Burger Chains?
In-N-Out Burger faces competition from several other burger chains in the fast-food industry. Here are some of its top competitors:
McDonald’s is one of the largest and most well-known fast-food chains globally. Known for its extensive menu and widespread presence, McDonald’s offers a range of burgers, fries, chicken items, and breakfast options. While McDonald’s focuses on affordability and convenience, In-N-Out Burger distinguishes itself through its emphasis on fresh ingredients and made-to-order burgers.
Five Guys is a rapidly expanding burger chain that has gained popularity for its customizable burgers and extensive toppings. Similar to In-N-Out, Five Guys emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and offers a simple menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Five Guys offers a wider variety of toppings and allows customers to personalize their orders to a greater extent.
Shake Shack has gained a dedicated following for its premium burgers, made with high-quality Angus beef. Shake Shack focuses on offering a menu of gourmet burgers, including their signature ShackBurger, as well as chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and frozen custard. Shake Shack places an emphasis on both quality ingredients and a modern, upscale dining experience.
Wendy’s is known for its square-shaped patties and its diverse menu that includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more. Wendy’s has positioned itself as offering higher-quality ingredients compared to some other fast-food chains, with their “fresh, never frozen” beef and a variety of customizable toppings.
Culver’s is a regional chain primarily located in the Midwest, known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. Culver’s distinguishes itself through its focus on fresh ingredients, cooked-to-order burgers, and Wisconsin-style cheese curds. The chain has developed a loyal following for its comfort food offerings and homestyle hospitality.