A Shift Towards Natural Ingredients
For years, In-N-Out's Signature Pink Lemonade, and its strawberry shakes, were known to contain artificial dyes, most notably Red 40. However, in a significant move reported in May 2025, the company officially removed this synthetic dye from its Signature Pink Lemonade. This decision reflects a growing industry trend and consumer demand for more transparent ingredient lists and natural food products. The change was publicly confirmed in a statement from the company, highlighting its ongoing commitment to providing high-quality ingredients. This shift aligns with broader industry-wide changes spurred by increasing pressure from both regulatory bodies and informed consumers.
The New Ingredients: What Colors In-N-Out's Lemonade Now?
The artificial Red 40 dye has been replaced by natural alternatives. According to In-N-Out, the Signature Pink Lemonade now gets its color from a blend of beta carotene and vegetable juice. Beta carotene is a naturally occurring pigment found in plants, giving carrots and other vegetables their vibrant orange color. The Lite Pink Lemonade, a zero-sugar option introduced in 2023, was already being colored with natural ingredients from its inception. It is also sweetened naturally with stevia and monk fruit, catering to health-conscious consumers. This ingredient change is just one part of In-N-Out's broader initiative to use higher-quality, more natural ingredients across its menu, including changes to its ketchup recipe.
Comparing the Lemonades: Signature vs. Lite
With two options on the menu, it's helpful to understand the key differences. The Lite Pink Lemonade was designed from the beginning with natural ingredients in mind, while the Signature version was recently reformulated to meet this standard.
| Feature | Signature Pink Lemonade | Lite Pink Lemonade |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Dye | Previously contained Red 40, now uses natural colorants. | Never contained artificial dyes, always used natural colorants. |
| Coloring Agent | Beta carotene and vegetable juice. | Beta carotene and vegetable juice. |
| Sweetener | Switched from high-fructose corn syrup to natural sugar. | Sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, offering a zero-sugar option. |
| Calorie Count (Medium) | Approximately 210 calories (with ice). | Approximately 8 calories (for the Minute Maid version). |
| Availability | A long-standing menu staple. | Added to the menu in 2023. |
The Regulatory and Consumer Landscape
In-N-Out's decision to remove artificial dyes from its lemonade was not made in a vacuum. It was prompted in part by regulatory shifts initiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In early 2025, the FDA announced plans to phase out petroleum-based artificial dyes in the food supply, with Red Dye 3 being banned and Red 40 under increased scrutiny. This regulatory environment pushed many food manufacturers and restaurant chains, including In-N-Out, to accelerate their transition to natural alternatives. The shift also reflects powerful consumer trends, where diners are increasingly demanding clean-label products and shying away from artificial additives. This strategic move not only ensures compliance but also appeals to a broader, more health-conscious customer base, reinforcing the brand's reputation for quality.
The Origins of Pink Lemonade at In-N-Out
Interestingly, pink lemonade was not always on the menu. According to company history, the chain originally served standard yellow lemonade before switching to pink lemonade in the mid-1970s. The change was suggested by a friend of founder Harry Snyder, who believed the pink version would sell better, which proved to be correct. For decades, the distinctive pink hue was achieved using artificial coloring. However, the recent reformulation marks a modern update to this classic menu item, ensuring it retains its iconic look while aligning with current health and wellness standards.
Natural Coloring in Context
The move to natural colorants like beta carotene and vegetable juice is a common practice across the food industry. These plant-based pigments are considered safe and offer a way to achieve appealing colors without resorting to synthetic chemicals. Other fast-food chains are also navigating similar changes, making In-N-Out's decision part of a larger industry-wide transformation. This trend is beneficial for consumers who prefer to avoid artificial additives and prioritize more natural ingredients in their diet. It signals a new era for quick-service restaurants, where transparency and ingredient quality are becoming as important as taste and convenience.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "Is there dye in In-N-Out lemonade?" is now definitively no, at least in the artificial sense. The company has successfully transitioned both its Signature Pink Lemonade and Lite Pink Lemonade to use natural coloring agents. This change is a direct result of both evolving consumer preferences and new regulatory actions by the FDA, solidifying In-N-Out's commitment to ingredient quality. Diners can now enjoy both pink lemonade options knowing their vibrant color comes from natural sources. To learn more about FDA regulations on food dyes, you can visit the FDA's official website.
Note: While In-N-Out's Signature Pink Lemonade was previously artificially colored, the Lite version was created with natural ingredients from the start.
Important: The company's transparency reflects a broader industry movement toward cleaner labels and more natural ingredients, benefiting consumers.
Bottom Line: Both In-N-Out lemonade options are now colored using natural alternatives like beta carotene and vegetable juice.
Insight: The change was part of a larger ingredient overhaul at In-N-Out, including replacing artificial vanilla and high-fructose corn syrup.
Historical Context: In-N-Out introduced pink lemonade in the mid-1970s, but it was not originally part of the menu.
