Updated In-N-Out Burger Review, Allergen Menu, & Nutrition Info (June 2024)

Updated Ratings: | Allergen Awareness: C | Menu Options: B | Cross-Contamination: B | Staff Knowledge: A

Based on the recent controversy and statement by FARE, it’s essential to address the concerns about sesame allergies in our review of In-N-Out Burger.

Contents

1 Updated In-N-Out Burger Review: Allergy-Friendly Dining Experience and Nutritious Options
2 In-N-Out Burger Allergen Information and Menu Options
3 In-N-Out Burger Allergy Menu: Criteria and Exploration
4 Navigating the In-N-Out Burger Menu: Options and Recommendations
- 4.1 Burgers (CONTAINS SESAME, EGG, WHEAT/GLUTEN):
5
6 Fries:
7 Shakes (CONTAINS DAIRY):
- 7.1 Beverages:
8 Final Thoughts on In-N-Out Burger
9 Related Articles from MyFearlessFoodie:
- - - 9.0.0.1 Pat S

Updated In-N-Out Burger Review: Allergy-Friendly Dining Experience and Nutritious Options

On a recent visit to California during our spring break, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to try In-N-Out Burger. A renowned West Coast favorite, we stopped by the location in Pasadena just before heading to a live America’s Got Talent recording. Despite the bustling atmosphere and long drive-through line, the service was impressively quick and friendly. Within half an hour, we were “in-n-out” with plenty of time to spare!

With over 400 locations spread across eight states, In-N-Out Burger has been a household name with it’s first location opening in 1948. With over 75 years of experience, it’s become famous for its fresh ingredients and speedy service. As experts in allergy-friendly dining, we set out to experience In-N-Out’s reputation firsthand. With allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, and shellfish, we wanted to see how In-N-Out stacks up to our favorite burger joints.

In-N-Out Burger Allergen Information and Menu Options

Based on In-N-Out Burger’s website, assessing their allergen awareness, menu options, cross-contamination measures, and staff knowledge was relatively straightforward. They offer downloadable PDFs of their nutrition and allergen information. This is a commendable practice for transparency and accessibility. Their allergen PDF lists menu items containing common allergens such as milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. These include buns, cheese, spread, milkshakes, creamer, hot cocoa, and marshmallow bits. Their limited options simplifies decisions for diners helping them identify potential allergens and make informed choices.

In-N-Out Burger Allergen Info, My Fearless Foodie

In-N-Out Burger Allergen Info (PDF)

However, recent statements by In-N-Out’s owner, Lynsi SnyderLynsi Snyder, regarding sesame in their buns have raised concerns within the food allergy community. It’s essential to be aware that individual sensitivities to allergens vary, and what may be safe for one person could be life-threatening for another. This controversy highlights the importance of clear communication and proper allergen management practices.

In-N-Out Burger Allergy Menu: Criteria and Exploration

In this review, we’re not only diving into the taste and quality of their offerings but also examining their approach to allergen management. Here’s what we looked at from a food allergy perspective with our overall ratings:

1. Allergen Awareness: [OUR RATING: C] The recent statement regarding sesame in the buns has significantly impacted our view on allergen awareness. While In-N-Out Burger avoids using peanuts or tree nuts directly in their kitchen, the lack of clarity and potential miscommunication about sesame allergies is concerning. Each individual’s reaction to sesame can vary widely, and dismissing these concerns is dangerous.

2. Menu Options: [OUR RATING: B] In-N-Out Burger offers customizable options for those with dietary restrictions. For gluten-free individuals, ordering “protein style” allows them to substitute the bun for lettuce. Additionally, the “flying dutchman” off the not-so-secret secret menu, featuring two slices of cheese melted between meat patties, is a suitable choice.

3. Cross-Contamination Measures: [OUR RATING: B] While In-N-Out Burger has explicit statements about avoiding certain allergens, the recent controversy has brought to light potential cross-contamination risks that may not be fully addressed. It’s crucial to ask about specific ingredients and preparation methods during your visit.

4. Staff Knowledge: [OUR RATING: A] In-N-Out Burger staff are knowledgeable about their menu and can assist customers with food allergy inquiries. However, we’ll always recommend that individuals with food allergies to communicate their needs clearly and confirm the safety of their meal with the staff.

Navigating the In-N-Out Burger Menu: Options and Recommendations

In-N-Out Burger’s menu is straightforward, focusing primarily on burgers, fries, shakes, and beverages. They don’t have many vegetable, salad, or meatless options. If you’re looking for a traditional burger and fries experience, we think it’s sure to satisfy. We’ve pulled out some recommendations, along with helpful information on allergens and calorie intake. These are based on what we found online in the nutritional information and ingredients list. Customized options from the not-so-secret menu lack detailed nutritional data, which we’ve noted.

In-N-Out Burgers My Fearless Foodie Nut-Free Dining

Burgers (CONTAINS SESAME, EGG, WHEAT/GLUTEN):

Healthier – Protein-Style With Onion (CONTAINS SESAME, EGG, 240 cal): Offering lower calories, fat, carbs, and sodium, this option substitutes the bun for lettuce. By going “bun-less”, which they call “Protein-Style”, you are choosing a healthier option.
Indulgence – Not-So-Secret 4×4 Burger (CONTAINS SESAME, EGG, SOY): This burger, also called the Quad Quad, has “four 100% American beef patties, hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, spread, four slices of American Cheese, with or without onions, stacked high on a freshly baked bun”. With its large calorie and fat content (we estimate ~1220 calories from research online), this burger may be best reserved for special occasions.
Allergen Note: All burgers contain egg and egg products in the meat. If you have a dairy allergy, the good news is that In-N-Out Burgers don’t have dairy in their hamburger buns. Upon request, they can prepare your burger in a separate area to avoid cross contamination. To avoid eggs, choose Ketchup and Mustard instead of the Spread. To avoid soy, opt for Protein-Style since the buns contain soy. For those with a wheat/gluten allergy, opt for a ‘protein-style’ burger. Be sure to ask about ensuring the grill space is clean if the location you’re visiting adds cheese to burgers while grilling.

Fries:

Healthier – Small French Fries (370 calories): Providing a classic side option, these fries offer a moderate calorie and fat content suitable for sharing or pairing with a meal.
Indulgence – Roadkill Fries (calories not listed): A popular secret menu choice is to order items “animal-style”. This option combines fries with extra spread, a slice of melted cheese, and chopped grilled caramel iced onions, resulting in a calorie and sodium-rich choice.
Allergen Notes: French fries are prepared fresh in 100% sunflower oil using only fresh potatoes. Only French fries go into the fryer, and they’re made from potatoes cut on-site without any coatings or batter.

Shakes (CONTAINS DAIRY):

Healthier: A regular 15-ounce Vanilla Shake has the least amount of calories than the others. However, for just a little more, you can get the Chocolate (610 cal) Shake, our choice while there, or the Strawberry Shake (610 cal). Please note that if you have an allergy to soy, the Chocolate Shake contains Soy.
Indulgence: A large Strawberry or Chocolate Shake which goes up in calories as you go up in size.
Allergen Notes: All Shakes contains dairy and are made from real ice cream. The Chocolate Shake also contains Soy.

Beverages:

Healthier: Ice Tea (0 Cal). No matter which size, Unsweetened Ice Tea has 0 calories. Make sure you specify Unsweetened Tea if you want to avoid the Sweet Iced Tea (90 cal for 6 oz).
Indulgence: Large Barq’s Root Beer (300 cal) If you order a large Barq’s Caffeine Free Root Beer (22 oz), you indulge in nostalgia and added calories and sugars.
Allergen Notes: Beverages with allergens include Hot Cocoa (Milk, Soy, Wheat), Milk (Milk), and Creamer (Milk).

Final Thoughts on In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger proves to be a top choice for families like ours who may have peanut, tree nut, shellfish, and fish allergies. However, the recent controversy regarding sesame in their buns has highlighted the need for clearer communication and better allergen management. While renowned chefs, including the late Anthony Bourdain, have praised In-N-Out for its quality, it is essential for consumers with allergies to remain vigilant and communicate their needs effectively.

We thought it was a fantastic burger experience overall, with fresh ingredients and friendly service. However, given the recent concerns, we recommend that individuals with sesame allergies exercise caution and thoroughly discuss their needs with the staff. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in California, but ensure you take the necessary precautions if you have food allergies.