Are In-N-Out Fries Processed Food?

According to In-N-Out Burger's official website, their french fries are made with fresh potatoes, cut in-store, and cooked in 100% sunflower oil. This approach stands in stark contrast to many fast-food competitors, raising the question of whether In-N-Out fries are processed food or a fresher alternative.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether In-N-Out fries are processed, detailing the preparation process and ingredients used to understand how they differ from typical fast-food fries.

Key Points

• Minimally Processed: In-N-Out fries are made from whole potatoes, peeled, and hand-cut in-store, classifying them as minimally processed compared to competitors.

• Fresh and Never Frozen: The company uses a vertical integration model to ensure fresh, unfrozen potatoes are delivered to each restaurant daily.

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredient list is straightforward: potatoes, sunflower oil, and salt.

• Single-Fry Method: A single frying process in 100% sunflower oil is responsible for their distinct, softer texture.

• Consumer Preference: The debate over their texture often stems from this single-fry method, contrasting with the double-fried crispiness of other fast-food fries.

• Low Sodium Option: The fries naturally contain less sodium than many other menu items, and you can request no added salt.

• Customization for Crispness: Customers can order their fries "well-done" for a crispier, crunchier texture.

Understanding What Processed Food Is

Before determining whether In-N-Out's fries are processed, it's essential to define the term. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't have a specific definition for "processed food," but it's generally understood to be any food that has been altered from its natural state. This can range from minimally processed foods, like pre-cut vegetables, to heavily processed foods, like frozen dinners with added sugars, salts, and preservatives. The key to the term often lies in the degree of alteration and the addition of artificial ingredients. For example, a potato that is simply washed and cut is minimally processed. A frozen french fry that has been blanched, coated with starches, preservatives, and then fried, is highly processed.

The In-N-Out Method: From Potato to Plate

In-N-Out's transparency about its fry-making process is a major part of its brand identity. The company highlights that it doesn't own a freezer or microwave, emphasizing its commitment to fresh ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

• Potato Selection: In-N-Out specifically uses Kennebec potatoes for its fries.
• On-site Preparation: The whole potatoes are delivered fresh to each restaurant. Employees peel, hand-diced, and wash them in the kitchen daily.
• No Freezing: Unlike many chains that use pre-frozen fries, In-N-Out avoids freezing its potatoes, which it credits with the unique texture.
• Single Fry: The fries are cooked in 100% sunflower oil. This is a single-fry method, in contrast to the popular double-frying method used by some restaurants to achieve extra crispiness. This single fry often results in a less crispy, softer interior that some customers find less appealing compared to the standard fast-food fry.
• Minimal Ingredients: The finished fries are seasoned with salt. The ingredients for a basic In-N-Out fry are simply potatoes, sunflower oil, and salt.

The Debate Over the "Fresh-cut" Difference

The unique texture and flavor of In-N-Out's fries often spark debate among customers. Many prefer the consistently crispier texture of fries from other chains, while In-N-Out purists value the "potato-forward" flavor that comes from their minimal processing. This difference is largely a result of the single-fry process and the lack of a pre-soaking step to remove excess starch. Some customers solve this by ordering their fries "well-done," which cooks them longer for a crispier finish.

Comparison: In-N-Out Fries vs. A Hypothetical Highly Processed Fry

Feature	In-N-Out Fries	Highly Processed Fry (e.g., Frozen Retail)
Ingredients	Whole potatoes, 100% sunflower oil, salt.	Potatoes, various vegetable oils, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and other additives.
Preparation	Freshly peeled and hand-diced in-store daily. No freezing.	Machine-processed, par-fried, coated with additives, and flash-frozen before transport.
Cooking Method	Single-fry in sunflower oil.	Re-fried from a frozen state, often in a blend of oils.
Texture	Softer, less crispy interior. Can be ordered "well-done" for crispier results.	Consistent, very crispy exterior and fluffy interior due to double-frying and additives.
Flavor Profile	Potato-forward, natural flavor.	More uniform, savory flavor influenced by added ingredients and oil blend.
Equipment	In-store potato cutters, fryers. No freezers.	Relies on freezers for storage.

Conclusion: So, are In-N-Out fries processed?

By strict definition, yes, In-N-Out fries are processed food. The potatoes are taken from their natural state, peeled, cut, and cooked. However, the level of processing is minimal compared to the heavily altered fries offered by many other fast-food restaurants. The critical takeaway is the difference in degree: In-N-Out's fries are fresh-cut and cooked on-site from whole potatoes with few ingredients, while most competitors use pre-processed, frozen products that contain various additives. For health-conscious consumers, this minimal processing means fewer added ingredients and a more natural-tasting product, even if the result isn't the crispiest fry on the market. The choice between In-N-Out's fresh-cut fries and a more processed, crispy alternative ultimately comes down to personal preference for taste and texture, and understanding the different preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are In-N-Out's fries made from real potatoes?

Yes, In-N-Out fries are made from real, whole potatoes, specifically Kennebec potatoes. They are delivered fresh to each restaurant and prepared in-house.

What kind of oil does In-N-Out use for its fries?

In-N-Out cooks its french fries in 100% pure, cholesterol-free sunflower oil.

Why do In-N-Out fries taste different from other fast-food fries?

In-N-Out fries have a different taste and texture because they are made from fresh, unfrozen potatoes using a single-fry method. This results in a softer interior and less uniform crispness compared to fries that are par-fried, frozen, and re-fried.

Are In-N-Out's fries cooked multiple times?

No, In-N-Out's fries are only fried once. In contrast, many restaurants double-fry their potatoes to achieve a crispier result.

Can I get crispier fries at In-N-Out?

Yes, you can order your fries "well-done" from the secret menu. This means they will be cooked longer, resulting in a crispier texture.

Do In-N-Out fries contain any artificial additives?

According to In-N-Out's food quality statement, the fries are made with just potatoes, oil, and salt, with no preservatives added.

What is the difference between "processed" and "ultra-processed" food?

Processed food is any food altered from its natural state. Ultra-processed food goes further, containing multiple processed ingredients and often including additives like artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives not typically found in a home kitchen.