A Nutrition Diet Analysis: Are the fries at In and Out vegan?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Unlike many fast-food chains that use animal-based ingredients or flavorings, In-N-Out's fries are a straightforward vegan option. For those managing a strict nutrition diet, answering the question 'Are the fries at In and Out vegan?' with a definitive 'yes' offers a reassuring plant-based choice for a quick meal.

Quick Summary

In-N-Out's fresh, hand-cut fries are confirmed to be vegan, cooked exclusively in 100% sunflower oil. Diners can enjoy this plant-based side, but must be mindful of non-vegan toppings and cross-contamination during preparation.

Key Points

Confirmed Vegan: In-N-Out fries are inherently vegan, made from fresh potatoes and cooked in 100% pure sunflower oil.
Dedicated Fryers: The company uses dedicated fryers for its fries, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination with meat products.
Avoid Animal Style: The popular 'Animal Style' fries are not vegan due to toppings like cheese and the special spread.
Vegan Customizations: Beyond fries, a 'veggie burger' can be ordered vegan by omitting the cheese and spread.
Compare Your Options: Unlike In-N-Out, many other fast-food fries (like McDonald's in the US) contain animal-based flavorings.
Fresh Ingredients: In-N-Out prides itself on using fresh, hand-cut potatoes, which appeals to a nutrition diet focused on quality.

The Definitive Answer for Plant-Based Diners

For anyone following a vegan or plant-based nutrition diet, navigating fast-food menus can be a challenge. While some chains use beef tallow or other animal products in their fry preparation, In-N-Out Burger offers a clear and welcome exception. The simple answer to the question, "Are the fries at In and Out vegan?" is yes, they are. The secret lies in their commitment to fresh ingredients and a simple cooking process that has been maintained for decades.

Ingredients and Preparation

In-N-Out's approach to their french fries is famously simple and transparent. The company proudly states that their fries are made from whole, fresh potatoes that are peeled and hand-diced in each restaurant. These freshly cut potatoes are then cooked to order in a single, dedicated frying oil: 100% pure sunflower oil. This practice avoids any animal-based shortening or flavorings, making the basic french fry a safe bet for vegans.

Navigating Potential Cross-Contamination

While the fries themselves are made with purely vegan ingredients, the preparation process in a busy fast-food kitchen always carries a risk of cross-contamination. In-N-Out uses dedicated fryers for their fries, which eliminates the possibility of the oil being shared with meat products. However, for those with severe dietary restrictions or allergies, it is important to remember that all food is prepared in a shared kitchen space. When ordering, politely informing the staff about your dietary needs is the best way to ensure maximum care is taken during preparation. For most vegans, this level of separation is more than sufficient.

The Vegan-Friendly In-N-Out Menu: Fries and Beyond

Beyond the fries, vegans can customize other items on the In-N-Out menu to create a fulfilling meal. The "veggie burger," for instance, is a simple assembly of a bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. To make it vegan, you must request it without cheese and the mayo-based spread, opting for ketchup or mustard instead. Other options include a side of fresh onions or pickles. Unfortunately, the famed "Animal Style" fries are strictly not vegan, as they are topped with cheese, the special spread, and grilled onions cooked in a separate, non-vegan process.

A Closer Look at In-N-Out's Vegan Options

Veggie Sandwich: A simple bun with fresh vegetables. Ask for no spread and no cheese. Add ketchup and mustard for flavor.
Fries: The main vegan attraction. Made with fresh potatoes and 100% sunflower oil. Order with no salt or extra crispy ("well done") for customization.
Beverages: A variety of soft drinks, iced tea, and coffee are available. Just be mindful that they do not offer vegan-friendly milk alternatives for coffee or shakes.

In-N-Out Fries vs. Other Fast-Food Chains

Understanding the differences in fry preparation among popular fast-food chains can help those on a specific nutrition diet make informed decisions. A crucial distinction often lies in the type of oil or flavorings used.


Feature	In-N-Out Fries	McDonald's Fries (USA)	Burger King Fries (UK)
Vegan	Yes, inherently vegan	No, contains natural beef flavor	Yes, typically vegan
Primary Oil	100% Sunflower Oil	Blend of oils including canola, soy, and natural beef flavor	Vegetable oil
Freshness	Fresh, hand-cut potatoes	Frozen fries	Frozen fries
Cross-Contamination	Minimal risk, dedicated fryers	Cooked in shared fryers	Potentially shared fryers
Flourishes	Can be ordered 'well done' or 'light'	No vegan version of 'secret menu' toppings	No standard vegan 'secret menu' toppings

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for Vegan Fast-Food

For those seeking a vegan-friendly side in the fast-food world, In-N-Out's fries stand out as a reliable and tasty option. The company's steadfast commitment to using fresh, whole potatoes and pure sunflower oil in dedicated fryers ensures that the basic fries are entirely plant-based and free from hidden animal ingredients. While vigilance is still necessary for customizations like 'Animal Style,' the standard offering provides a simple pleasure that fits within a vegan nutrition diet. It is a refreshing example of how sticking to simple, fresh ingredients can yield satisfying results for a wide range of dietary needs. For more details on the company's ingredient philosophy, one can consult the official In-N-Out website.

Frequently Asked Questions

In-N-Out fries are cooked exclusively in 100% pure sunflower oil, making them vegan and free of animal fats.

No, the famous Animal Style fries are not vegan. They are topped with melted dairy cheese and a mayo-based spread, in addition to the grilled onions.

In-N-Out uses dedicated fryers for their fries, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination with meat products. However, as all food is prepared in a shared kitchen, those with severe allergies should still be cautious.

Aside from the fries, vegans can order a 'Veggie Burger' (a bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion) without the spread and cheese. You can also get beverages like soft drinks and iced tea.

According to reports, In-N-Out's buns are made using old-fashioned sponge dough and are generally considered vegan-friendly, but it's always best to confirm with staff or check official allergen information if you have concerns.

Yes, you can customize how your fries are cooked. Options range from 'light' to 'well done' (extra crispy).

In the US, McDonald's fries contain 'natural beef flavor' and are not vegan. In contrast, In-N-Out's fries are cooked in 100% sunflower oil with no animal ingredients, making them a vegan-safe option.