This week In-N-Out Burger became the center of the discussion of synthetic additives in foods when news broke that the Southern California fast food chain had stopped using artificial colorings in its Signature Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Shakes and is in the process of replacing its current ketchup made with high fructose corn syrup to one made with sugar.
Several news stories drew a connection between In-N-Out’s actions and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s recent moves to take synthetic dyes out of the food chain.
RELATED: In-N-Out Burger announces ketchup upgrade and removes artificial dye from lemonade
But according to Lynsi Snyder, owner and president of In-N-Out, the company already had a long-term commitment to high-quality ingredients.
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On Thursday, she issued a statement about the situation that included further announcements about food additives. It reads as follows:
“Over the past decade, In-N-Out Burger has made meaningful changes to our ingredients, always keeping our customers in mind.
“Part of our Mission/Purpose Statement says, ‘Providing the freshest, highest-quality foods and services…’ That’s why we strive to have the best and be the best in all areas. It’s been my family’s priority since 1948, and it remains my priority to this very day. Here at In-N-Out, our Customer is number one, and we hope they feel that way.
“We are proud to say we’ve made the following changes:
• Replaced Yellow 5 with Turmeric in our pickles, chilies, and spread
• Replaced Red 40 with beta carotene and vegetable juice in our Strawberry Shakes and Signature Pink Lemonade
• Replaced artificial vanilla with natural vanilla in our shake mix
• Replaced artificial flavors with natural flavors in our chocolate syrup and hot cocoa
• Replaced high fructose corn syrup with natural sugar in our shake mix, strawberry syrup, spread, and Signature Pink Lemonade
• Replaced calcium propionate with natural enzymes in our buns and removed cottonseed oil
“We’ve additionally introduced a healthier beverage sweetener option by replacing sucralose and saccharin sweetener packets with Stevia Leaf Extract, and added a non-dairy alternative, oat milk creamer.
“We’re also in the process of transitioning to ketchup made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup and researching an even better-quality oil for our fries.
“While we take pride in these improvements, our focus remains the same: staying true to our founders’ promise over 75 years ago.”