Is In-N-Out Patty 100% Beef? A Nutritional Deep Dive

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to In-N-Out's official quality statement, their hamburger patties are made from 100% fresh, USDA ground chuck, free of additives, fillers, and preservatives. This bold commitment often raises the question: is In-N-Out patty 100% beef? and what does that mean for nutrition?

Quick Summary

In-N-Out confirms its burger patties are made from 100% fresh USDA ground chuck without fillers or preservatives. The chain controls its meat processing and does not freeze patties, ensuring peak freshness for a high-quality product delivered directly to stores.

Key Points

100% Beef: In-N-Out burger patties are made exclusively from 100% fresh USDA ground chuck, with no additives, fillers, or preservatives.
Freshness Guaranteed: The patties are never frozen, as the company operates its own meat processing facilities and delivers fresh to all its restaurant locations daily.
In-House Processing: In-N-Out maintains complete control over its meat quality by grinding and forming its own patties from fresh, whole chucks of beef.
Nutritional Breakdown: A single patty is a good source of protein but has a higher fat content due to the ground chuck cut, which enhances flavor and texture.
Dietary Customization: The 'Protein Style' (lettuce wrap) and 'Flying Dutchman' (no bun) offer low-carb alternatives for health-conscious diners.
Antibiotic Policy: Since 2016, In-N-Out has been transitioning its beef supply to include cattle not routinely treated with antibiotics, though it is not explicitly grass-fed.
Informed Choices: While the beef is high-quality and fresh, nutritional impacts can vary based on toppings and portion size, so customization is key for managing diet.

The Truth About In-N-Out’s Beef: A Commitment to Purity

For many fast-food consumers, the quality of the meat is a top priority. In-N-Out has built its reputation in part on its transparency regarding its beef. The company's official stance is that it has always made its own patties using fresh, 100% USDA ground chuck. This means the patties contain only beef, with no additional ingredients, fillers, or preservatives. This is a significant differentiator in the fast-food industry, where many competitors rely on frozen patties and large-scale, third-party suppliers.

The In-House Production Process

In-N-Out takes its commitment to quality a step further by owning and operating its own meat-processing facilities. Locations in Baldwin Park, California; Lathrop, California; and Dallas, Texas, handle the grinding and patty-forming process. This vertical integration gives the company complete control over its meat's quality and freshness. Associates bone and grind the meat from whole chucks, then shape them into patties. These patties are never frozen, ensuring a juicy, tender burger cooked fresh to order. This controlled, fresh process is why In-N-Out's physical locations are strategically limited to areas within a specific radius of their processing facilities.

Sourcing and Antibiotic Policy

While In-N-Out has been secretive about its specific beef suppliers in the past, it has responded to consumer advocacy for better practices. In March 2016, the company committed to transitioning to a beef supply from cows that have not been treated with routine antibiotics. This was in part a response to consumer pressure regarding the overuse of antibiotics in factory farming and the associated public health risks. While a positive step, it's important to note that In-N-Out does not claim to use grass-fed beef.

Nutritional Analysis of the 100% Beef Patty

Understanding the composition of the patty is crucial for anyone monitoring their nutrition. The key cut of meat used is ground chuck, known for its higher fat content, which contributes significantly to the flavor and juicy texture of the burger. The nutritional breakdown for a single In-N-Out hamburger patty is approximately 100 calories, composed of about 43% protein and 57% fat. This provides a good source of protein while also containing a considerable amount of fat, which should be factored into a daily diet plan. The overall nutritional impact of an In-N-Out burger, of course, depends on the number of patties, cheese, and toppings added.

Making Informed Choices: Beyond the Patty

For those watching their caloric intake, In-N-Out offers several customizable options to fit various dietary needs. The famous “Protein Style” burger, which replaces the bun with large, crisp lettuce leaves, is an excellent low-carb option. Another option is the “Flying Dutchman,” which is simply two patties and two slices of cheese without a bun or vegetables, making it a high-protein, low-carb choice. These variations show how a customer can enjoy the quality beef while adhering to specific dietary requirements.

Comparison of In-N-Out Beef with Other Fast-Food Chains


Feature	In-N-Out Burger	McDonald's Quarter Pounder	Wendy's Dave's Single
Beef Composition	100% fresh USDA ground chuck	100% fresh USDA beef	100% fresh, never frozen beef
Additives/Fillers	None used	None used	None used
Processing	In-house, company-owned facilities	Contracted suppliers	Contracted suppliers
Freshness	Fresh, never frozen	Fresh, never frozen	Fresh, never frozen
Antibiotic Policy	Committed to reduced use since 2016	No public commitment on eliminating routine use	Some commitment to sourcing responsibly
Grass-Fed	Not grass-fed	Not grass-fed	Not grass-fed

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on In-N-Out Beef

The question, is In-N-Out patty 100% beef?, can be answered with a definitive 'yes,' but the full story is more nuanced. The company's dedication to using 100% fresh USDA ground chuck, processed in its own facilities without additives, sets it apart from many competitors. While the beef is not grass-fed and its suppliers have been subject to scrutiny in the past, In-N-Out's proactive commitment to reducing antibiotic use demonstrates a willingness to adapt to consumer demands for more responsible sourcing. For consumers on a nutritional diet, the key takeaways are the high-quality, fresh nature of the meat and the ability to customize your order with low-carb options like Protein Style. For those with specific dietary concerns, understanding the nuances of In-N-Out's sourcing and nutritional content is essential for making an informed choice. Learn more about the company's commitment to food quality at their official page: In-N-Out Food Quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, In-N-Out does not claim to use grass-fed beef. While the company has committed to reducing antibiotic use, its beef is not explicitly from grass-fed cattle.

No, In-N-Out's official policy confirms that their patties are made from 100% pure ground chuck and contain no fillers, additives, or preservatives.

No, a key aspect of In-N-Out's quality control is that their burger patties are never frozen. They are delivered fresh to stores daily from the company's own facilities.

A single In-N-Out patty contains approximately 100 calories, with a macro breakdown of about 57% fat and 43% protein. It is a good source of protein and fat.

In-N-Out sources its fresh, whole chucks of beef from select suppliers. The company then processes this meat in its own patty-making facilities located in California and Texas.

The primary difference is In-N-Out's in-house processing and commitment to using fresh, never-frozen beef without fillers or preservatives. This contrasts with many chains that rely on frozen patties from external suppliers.

'Protein Style' is a secret menu option where the traditional bun is replaced with large, hand-leafed lettuce, offering a low-carb alternative for your burger.

USDA ground chuck refers to the cut of beef used, which comes from the shoulder area of the cow. This cut has a slightly higher fat content, making the resulting patties juicy and flavorful.