In-N-Out Burger, a fast food institution known primarily for its signature burgers, shakes, and fries, has a menu that seems geared towards meat lovers. However, with the rising demand for plant-based and meatless dining options, In-N-Out Burger has adapted to accommodate its vegan and vegetarian customers. While the options may not be as extensive as those at other fast-food chains, there are ways to customize In-N-Out’s offerings to fit a vegan lifestyle.
The most straightforward vegan option at In-N-Out is the “veggie burger,” minus the spread, which is assembled from a fresh bun, lettuce, tomato, and onions. French fries, another staple of the fast-food industry, serve as a side dish suitable for vegans because they are prepared in sunflower oil, which contains no animal products. For added flavor, vegans may accessorize their meal with pickles and grilled onions upon request, ensuring even the simplest meal remains fresh and satisfying.
Menu Philosophy and Offerings
In-N-Out Burger traditionally attracts diners who prioritize the quality and taste of classic fast food staples. However, they have adapted to the dietary preferences of their customers by accommodating vegan options such as their Veggie Burger (without the spread, cheese, or meat) and by offering staple sides like their fries, which are cooked in dedicated vegan-friendly oil. This inclusion caters to the growing segment of customers seeking plant-based options within the fast food landscape.
Vegan Menu Options at In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger offers a variety of vegan-friendly choices, specifically in their burgers, sides, and beverages. Patrons looking for plant-based options can customize their meals according to the following selections.
Burgers and Sandwiches
The staple for vegans at In-N-Out is the Veggie Burger, which is not listed on the regular menu but can be ordered by asking for a “veggie” without cheese or spread. This sandwich includes:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Onion
Alternatively, patrons can opt for Grilled Cheese Sandwich without the cheese for a vegan option. To enhance the flavor, request ketchup and mustard in place of the standard spread.
Sides and Fries
The only vegan side offered at In-N-Out Burger are the French Fries. They are:
- Cooked in sunflower oil
- Free of animal products
Ask for Grilled Onions as an additional topping for your fries if desired. It’s important to note that although the fries do not contain animal ingredients, cross-contamination in the kitchen is possible.
Beverages
In-N-Out provides a variety of vegan beverage choices, including:
- Coca-Cola products
- 7Up
- Dr. Pepper
- Root Beer
- Minute Maid Pink Lemonade
- Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade
- Iced Tea
- Coffee
These options are free from animal derivatives, ensuring that there’s something for every vegan to enjoy with their meal.
Customizing In-N-Out Orders for Vegans
Vegans can enjoy a meal at In-N-Out by carefully selecting and customizing menu items. This section provides specific tips for modification, explores the vegan possibilities of the secret menu, and discusses how to minimize cross-contamination.
Modification Tips
To customize an In-N-Out order, vegans should start with the “Veggie Burger” — essentially a bun with lettuce and tomato. Vegans must specify no spread, opting instead for ketchup or mustard. Fries are another vegan-friendly option, as they are cooked in sunflower oil. Here’s a simplified guide to modifying a standard order:
- Burger: Order a Veggie Burger, no spread, add ketchup/mustard.
- Bun: Confirm it’s toasted without butter to ensure vegan compliance.
- Onions: Choose between fresh or grilled onions, based on preference.
Secret Menu for Vegans
While the famed animal-style burger is not vegan, In-N-Out’s secret menu still offers possibilities for plant-based eaters. By modifying the Grilled Cheese sandwich, which normally contains cheese and spread, customers can create an off-menu vegan sandwich. Specify no cheese, no spread, and add lettuce, tomato, and onions to keep it vegan.
Avoiding Animal Products and Cross-Contamination
Vigilance is key to avoiding animal products and cross-contamination. Customers should communicate clearly with staff when ordering to avoid any dairy or meat residue on their food. It’s important to note that while fries are cooked in a vegan-friendly oil, the same fryers are used for animal-style fries, which include non-vegan toppings. Those concerned with cross-contamination may want to skip or inquire about the fry cooking process.
In-N-Out Ingredients and Allergen Information
In-N-Out Burger has specific ingredients that are of interest to vegans and individuals with allergies, particularly concerning common allergens found in fast-food items, and the ability to identify vegan-friendly components in their menu offerings.
Common Allergens in Fast Food
Fast food chains typically have a range of common allergens present in their ingredients. At In-N-Out Burger, these can include cheese, mayonnaise, and milk by-products, which are commonly found in menu items. Eggs are another common allergen, present in In-N-Out’s spread. The chain provides allergen information upon request, aiding customers in avoiding ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions.
- Cheese: Used in their burgers and often a source of milk allergens.
- Spread (Mayonnaise-based): Contains eggs; not suitable for vegans or those allergic to eggs.
- Milk: Often present in milkshakes and other dairy items.
- Animal-style Fries: Contain cheese, spread, and grilled onions; not vegan and can be problematic for individuals with dairy or egg allergies.
Identifying Vegan Ingredients
Vegan customers at In-N-Out Burger should carefully select items to ensure their choices are free from animal products. The eatery’s French fries are the primary vegan option, cooked in 100% sunflower oil and not shared with any non-vegan items to avoid cross-contamination.
Vegan Ingredient Checklist:
- French Fries: 100% sunflower oil
- Burger Buns: Check for dairy and eggs
- Vegan Customization:
- Veggie Burger: Order without spread, cheese, or animal-style cooking.
- Ask for ketchup and/or mustard instead of the spread.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: Not available at In-N-Out.
Beverage Choices for Vegans
When visiting In-N-Out Burger, vegans have a variety of beverage options to choose from. The drink menu offers refreshment that complements any meal, sans any animal products.
Soft Drinks: Vegans can confidently order from the range of classic sodas. Options like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and 7UP are staple offerings. They also carry Dr. Pepper and Root Beer, providing a full spectrum of fizzy delights.
Iced Teas: For a less sweetened beverage, both sweetened and unsweetened iced teas are available. The unsweetened version is particularly appealing for those looking to enjoy a calorie-conscious, refreshing drink without added sugars.
Lemonades: A delightful option for vegan customers is the selection of lemonades. In-N-Out offers regular lemonade as well as a tangy Pink Lemonade. For those monitoring their sugar intake, Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade serves as a great alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Coffee: Morning visitors or those in need of a warm drink have the option of plain coffee. Without any added dairy or non-dairy creamers provided at the establishment, vegan patrons might choose to enjoy their coffee black or bring their own vegan creamer.
It’s important to note that shakes, including the vanilla shake, are not a vegan-friendly choice, since they contain ice cream and no dairy-free milk substitutes are currently available.
Here is a succinct list of vegan beverage options at In-N-Out Burger:
- Sodas: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, 7UP, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer
- Iced Teas: Sweetened, Unsweetened
- Lemonades: Regular, Pink, Minute Maid Zero Sugar
- Hot Beverages: Coffee (Black)
In-N-Out’s beverage menu remains straightforward for vegan diners, assuring them a satisfying drink to pair with their meal.
Evaluating In-N-Out’s Vegan Friendliness
In assessing In-N-Out’s offerings, this section focuses on how the chain compares to competitors in vegan-friendly options and considers both PETA’s involvement and the vegan community’s reactions.
Comparison With Other Fast-Food Chains
When reviewing vegan options at In-N-Out Burger, it’s relevant to compare its menu with other fast-food giants. While In-N-Out provides a Veggie Sandwich—essentially a burger without the patty and spread, and allows for the omission of cheese and substitution of ketchup or mustard—its direct adjustments for a vegan diet are meager. In comparison, chains like Burger King have embraced plant-based alternatives more robustly, introducing items like the Impossible Whopper, incorporating the popular Impossible Burger patty.
In-N-Out vs. Other Chains Summary:
- Vegan Burger Options: In-N-Out does not offer a dedicated vegan patty, whereas Burger King has the Impossible Burger.
- Burger Buns: In-N-Out’s buns are suitable for vegans.
- Dairy Alternatives: In-N-Out lacks dairy-free cheese or mayo options, staples for a vegan burger experience.
Community Feedback and PETA Involvement
The vegan community and organizations such as PETA have urged fast-food chains to expand their vegan-friendly menus. Activists have historically petitioned In-N-Out to include vegan burger options. While PETA has been known to encourage and even campaign for the addition of plant-based patties at fast-food restaurants, In-N-Out’s progress has been limited in comparison to contemporaries like Burger King, which readily embraced the Beyond Burger and the Impossible Burger.
In-N-Out’s customer feedback reveals a demand for more vegan options. The acknowledgment of this demand can be seen in petitions signed by thousands, showcasing significant consumer interest in vegan-friendly innovations in the In-N-Out menu.
Vegan Community’s Perspective:
- Expectations: There’s a clear expectation for In-N-Out to cater to the vegan market.
- PETA’s Role: PETA promotes vegan options and has been active in calling for In-N-Out to expand its menu.
- Consumer Demand: Demonstrated through petitions, the demand for vegan-friendly choices continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does In-N-Out have vegan burger options?
In-N-Out does not have a specific vegan burger, but customers can request a “Veggie Burger” which consists of bun and vegetables with no cheese or spread. To ensure it’s vegan, replace the spread with ketchup or mustard.
What vegan side dishes does In-N-Out offer?
Their French fries are the main vegan side dish and are cooked in 100% sunflower oil.
Can vegans drink anything at In-N-Out?
Yes, In-N-Out offers several vegan drink options including:
- 7Up
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Dr. Pepper
- Minute Maid Pink Lemonade
- Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade
- Iced Tea
- Coffee
How does In-N-Out handle allergens and cross-contamination?
While they don’t fry anything but the fries in their oil, cross-contamination can’t be fully ruled out due to shared kitchen space.
Table of Common Inquiries for Vegan Diners at In-N-Out Burger:
| Inquiry | Response |
|---|---|
| Vegan burgers available? | “Veggie Burger” with modifications (no cheese/spread) |
| Vegan side options? | French fries |
| Vegan exclusive cooking oil? | Yes, 100% sunflower oil |
| Drink options for vegans? | Multiple soft drinks and lemonades available |
| Risk of allergen cross-contact? | Possible, though fries are cooked alone in the oil |
In-N-Out customers with dietary preferences such as veganism can modify certain menu items to align with their dietary needs, particularly by avoiding animal products and allergens where possible.
