Tag: Fast food transparency

According to Smoothie King's own transparency initiatives, the brand confirms it does use a blend of fresh and individually quick-frozen (IQF) fruit in its products. The question, however, is more complex than a simple 'yes,' as a closer look reveals that some blends also contain fruit juices and other ingredients.

Since its founding in 1969, Wendy's has based its brand reputation on the promise of serving fresh, never frozen beef. This article explores the company's long-standing claims and answers the important question: is Wendy's hamburgers 100% beef?

Since its founding in 1969, Wendy's has famously built its brand around the claim of using "fresh, never frozen" beef. This commitment to quality means the core ingredient in their hamburgers is simply 100% ground beef, seasoned with salt to enhance its natural flavor.

According to reports from the Vegetarian Resource Group, as of 2011, Subway made changes to its bread formulas to remove L-Cysteine from certain products. The question, "Does Subway bread have L-Cysteine?" is a complex one, with the answer having changed over time, particularly following public scrutiny over the ingredient's sources. Today, most Subway bread options are made without this controversial additive, though global menus may vary.

Following recent federal guidance aimed at phasing out artificial food additives, In-N-Out Burger confirmed in May 2025 that it has removed artificial ingredients from several menu items. These changes affect key products like their strawberry shakes, pink lemonade, and spread, marking a significant shift for the decades-old, quality-focused chain.

In recent years, major fast-food chains have made significant strides toward eliminating artificial ingredients, including Burger King, which announced in 2020 that it had removed artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from its signature Whopper. This pivot has left many asking: 'Does Burger King have dye?' and what does that mean for a healthy nutrition diet?