California's iconic burger chain is making more changes to its menu ingredients, continuing a years-long effort to simplify recipes and remove certain additives.
In-N-Out announced Sept. 8 that it has updated several ingredients used in its restaurants, including removing sesame flour from its buns and replacing iodized salt packets with sea salt. The move follows an earlier change to its ketchup, which now uses real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup.
The updates have sparked discussion among customers and nutrition advocates, particularly as some social media users continue urging the company to cook its fries in beef tallow rather than vegetable oils.
Here's what California diners should know about the latest changes, what they mean nutritionally
and why experts remain divided over their health benefits.
Why is In-N-Out changing its ingredients?
The Irvine-based fast-food chain said the changes are part of its ongoing commitment to providing customers with "the freshest, highest-quality food possible."
"As part of our ongoing commitment to our customers, we've made meaningful changes to our ingredients over the years and continue to do so today," the company said in a Sept. 8 social media post.
The latest updates include:
- Removing sesame flour from burger buns across its 10-state footprint.
- Replacing iodized salt packets with sea salt.
- Continuing to use real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup in ketchup.
While the company has not detailed specific health reasons for each change, many of the ingredient swaps align with growing consumer demand for shorter ingredient lists and more recognizable food components.
Why did In-N-Out remove sesame flour from its buns?
In-N-Out has removed sesame flour from its burger buns, though the company has not publicly explained why. The change aligns with a broader trend among food companies to simplify ingredient lists and respond to consumer demand for fewer additives and allergens. Sesame flour, made from ground sesame seeds, can add protein, fiber, healthy fats and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, but it is typically used in small amounts in commercial breads.
The move may also be tied to allergen considerations. Sesame became a federally recognized major allergen in 2023, prompting some food manufacturers to reformulate products or simplify ingredient sourcing.
Nutrition experts say removing sesame flour does not necessarily make the buns healthier. While sesame flour contains beneficial nutrients, the amount used in a burger bun is generally small, so removing it is unlikely to significantly affect the bun's overall nutritional profile.
High-fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar. Is one healthier?
One of the most discussed ingredient changes involves In-N-Out's ketchup.
The company previously replaced high-fructose corn syrup with real sugar, often derived from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Health experts generally agree that both are added sugars and should be consumed in moderation. While some wellness circles have criticized high-fructose corn syrup, major health organizations say there is limited evidence that it is significantly worse than traditional sugar when consumed in similar amounts.
High-fructose corn syrup and cane sugar contain roughly the same number of calories and can both contribute to weight gain, diabetes risk, and other health problems when consumed in excess.
Supporters of real sugar argue that it is less processed and more familiar to consumers. Critics counter that the nutritional differences are relatively small and that the overall amount of added sugar matters more than the source.
Sea salt vs. iodized salt. What's the difference?
Another change involves the salt packets available to customers.
Iodized salt is table salt fortified with iodine, a nutrient that helps support thyroid function. The United States began iodizing salt decades ago to reduce iodine deficiency, a public health concern that was once widespread.
Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater and typically undergoes less processing. Some consumers prefer it for its texture, taste, or because they see it as a more natural product.
However, sea salt often contains little or no added iodine unless it is specifically labeled as iodized.
For most Americans, iodine comes from several foods, including dairy products, seafood, and fortified products. Still, some nutrition experts note that replacing iodized salt with non-iodized alternatives could reduce a source of iodine for people whose diets already fall short.
From a sodium standpoint, sea salt and iodized table salt are generally similar.
Why some customers want In-N-Out to cook fries in beef tallow
A separate debate continuing online involves how French fries are cooked.
Some customers and social media influencers have urged fast-food chains, including In-N-Out, to switch from vegetable oils to beef tallow, a rendered form of beef fat historically used for frying.
Many fast-food restaurants moved away from beef tallow decades ago because animal fats contain high levels of saturated fat, which can raise LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.
Supporters of beef tallow argue it provides better flavor and may be less processed than some seed oils. Critics say it still contains substantial amounts of saturated fat, which many cardiologists recommend limiting.
In-N-Out has not announced plans to change how it cooks its fries.
Are these ingredient changes actually healthier?
The answer depends on whom you ask.
Many consumers view ingredient simplification as a positive step and appreciate food products with fewer additives or more familiar ingredients.
However, nutrition researchers often caution against assuming that "natural" automatically means healthier.
For example:
- Real sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are both added sugars.
- Sea salt and iodized salt contain similar amounts of sodium.
- Beef tallow may be less processed than some oils but contains significant saturated fat.
Many dietitians emphasize that overall eating patterns matter far more than individual ingredient swaps.
In other words, replacing one type of sweetener or salt with another may have less impact on health than factors such as total calorie intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: In-N-Out updates buns, salt and ketchup ingredients
