In-N-Out Burger is known for its fresh ingredients and simple menu, but a common point of discussion revolves around its seemingly plain fries. What many people don't realize is that this simplicity is the very reason for their surprisingly low sodium content. While most fast-food chains heavily salt their fries before serving, In-N-Out allows the customer to control the seasoning, making it one of the most customizable and lower-sodium fast-food options available.
The Official Nutrition Breakdown
According to In-N-Out's official nutrition information, a standard serving of French Fries contains a modest 150mg of sodium. This is a key differentiator from many competitors and a major factor for those monitoring their salt intake. The official numbers for a single order of regular fries (125g serving) are as follows:
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
The Surprising Reason for Low Sodium
The secret to the low sodium content lies in In-N-Out's preparation process. The fries are made from fresh, whole potatoes that are sliced and cooked in-store. They are not pre-salted. This practice ensures that customers with a low-sodium diet, or simply those who prefer less salt, can enjoy the fries as they are. This commitment to fresh ingredients and customer control is a hallmark of the In-N-Out brand, and a key reason why their fries are a less sodium-dense option than many fast-food alternatives.
How Animal Style and Other Variations Impact Sodium
While a standard order of fries is low in sodium, secret menu variations can significantly alter the nutritional profile. The popular Animal Style fries, for example, come topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and In-N-Out's signature spread. These additions drastically increase the sodium content. A single serving of Animal Style fries contains an estimated 245mg of sodium, and some versions with additional patties (like Roadkill Fries) can exceed 1,400mg. The inclusion of cheese and spread introduces a substantial amount of salt, which is important to consider if you're watching your intake.
Comparison Table: In-N-Out vs. The Competition
To put In-N-Out's fries into perspective, here is a comparison of the sodium content with a few other popular fast-food fries. This table uses a standard small serving size where available.
| Restaurant | Item | Sodium Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out | French Fries (125g) | 150mg | Served unsalted; customer adds salt. |
| In-N-Out | Animal Style Fries | ~245mg | Sodium from spread and cheese. |
| McDonald's | Small French Fries (~75g) | 150-200mg | Pre-salted; varies by region. |
| Five Guys | Small Fries | ~410mg | Pre-salted; higher due to seasoning and portion [CalorieKing]. |
| Arby's | Curly Fries (Small) | ~490mg | Pre-seasoned and salted [Arby's nutrition]. |
Customizing Your Fries and Your Sodium Intake
For those who are mindful of their sodium intake, In-N-Out offers several customizable options. If you want to enjoy the flavor of the fries with minimal salt, you can ask for them without any added salt. Other options include ordering them 'lightly salted' or asking for extra salt packets to control the exact amount. For those looking for a lower-sodium meal overall, the fries without salt are a far better choice than any of the burgers, which contain a minimum of 660mg of sodium and can go as high as 1660mg for a Double-Double.
Best practices for managing your sodium at In-N-Out:
- Ask for no salt: Request your fries unsalted to enjoy them with zero added sodium.
- Request light salt: For a touch of seasoning without overdoing it, ask for a small amount of salt.
- Skip Animal Style: While delicious, the added toppings significantly increase the sodium.
- Share your fries: Portion control can help reduce overall sodium intake.
- Rely on salt packets: Control the exact amount of salt you add to your fries by adding it yourself.
In conclusion, the low sodium content of In-N-Out's standard fries is a deliberate part of their menu, allowing for customization that other fast-food chains don't offer. This makes their fries a surprisingly moderate choice for those watching their salt. For more tips on making healthy choices at In-N-Out and other restaurants, consider visiting Verywell Fit for authoritative nutritional advice.
Conclusion
In-N-Out's commitment to freshness extends to its preparation of French fries, resulting in a surprisingly low 150mg of sodium for a standard, unsalted order. By controlling the salting process, customers have the power to keep their sodium intake in check. While secret menu items like Animal Style fries dramatically increase the sodium, a regular order is a more health-conscious choice, especially when compared to the high sodium levels found in their burgers and many other fast-food alternatives. Knowing how much sodium do In-N-Out fries have empowers you to make smarter dietary decisions when enjoying this fast-food classic.
