In-N-Out Burger has made a significant change to its menu, specifically by altering the ingredients in several of its drinks.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to offering the highest quality ingredients, we’ve eliminated artificial colors from our strawberry shakes and signature pink lemonade,” confirmed Patipena, a spokesperson for the California-based burger chain.
It’s still unclear which exact dyes have been removed from popular fast food items or if there will be any replacements.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply due to health concerns.
These dyes are commonly used in a variety of products, including breakfast cereals, candies, snacks, drinks, vitamins, and more, particularly those targeted at children, according to an article shared by the National Library of Medicine.
The FDA has also recently approved three natural colors for use in food: Gardière extract blue, butterfly pea flower extract, and calcium phosphate.
Pena mentioned that the restaurant chain is also making significant changes to its classic seasonings.
“We are transitioning to upgraded ketchup made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup,” Pena stated.
During the announcement regarding the artificial dye ban, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a strong statement about sugar.
“Sugar is poison,” he remarked. “Americans need to recognize its addictive nature.”
Courtney Swan, a certified dietitian from Realfoodology, suggested that high-fructose corn syrup needs closer scrutiny.
This processed sweetener, derived from corn starch, is considered an “ultraprocessed refined sugar” by some experts.
“It’s no longer considered food since it’s stripped of its original components,” Swan noted.
Fox News Digital reached out to In-N-Out Burger for further comments on these changes.
