The Shift Away from Artificial Dyes
Consumer interest in food ingredients is increasing, leading to a demand for 'clean label' products without artificial additives. This trend is influencing the fast-food industry, where ingredient transparency is becoming important for customer appeal. In-N-Out's decision to remove artificial coloring from its strawberry shake exemplifies this industry-wide transition.
In-N-Out's Ingredient Update: A Deeper Look
In response to consumer demand and regulatory changes, In-N-Out committed to using higher-quality ingredients. A company spokeswoman confirmed the removal of artificial colors from strawberry shakes and pink lemonade, a change implemented shortly after the FDA indicated a potential phase-out of certain synthetic food dyes.
What Replaced Red 40?
In-N-Out replaced artificial Red 40 with natural sources to color their strawberry shakes. The new coloring comes from beta carotene and vegetable juice. Beta carotene is a natural pigment in fruits and vegetables, and vegetable juice, such as from beets, provides natural red coloring. This ingredient swap reflects a move towards cleaner ingredients. Other changes include replacing high-fructose corn syrup with natural sugar and artificial vanilla with natural vanilla in their shake mix.
Natural vs. Artificial Dyes: A Nutritional Perspective
Switching from artificial to natural food coloring has minimal impact on calories or macronutrients but is significant from a health perspective. Artificial dyes like Red 40, derived from petroleum-based chemicals, have been linked to potential health issues, including allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children. While the FDA considers these dyes safe in approved amounts, concerns about their long-term effects persist. Natural colorants, sourced from plants, are not associated with the same risks and may offer nutritional benefits.
The Move Towards 'Clean Label' Ingredients
For health-conscious consumers, moving away from artificial additives is positive. Clean label products, which avoid synthetic ingredients, are perceived as healthier. This trend is part of a larger movement where fast-food chains are responding to demands for greater ingredient transparency. Although a strawberry shake is still a treat, removing artificial dyes improves its ingredients list.
Comparing the Old and New In-N-Out Strawberry Shakes
The table below highlights the ingredient changes made to In-N-Out's strawberry shake in 2025.
| Ingredient Category | Old Strawberry Shake (Pre-2025) | New Strawberry Shake (Post-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorant | Artificial Red 40 | Natural beta carotene and vegetable juice |
| Sweetener | High-fructose corn syrup | Natural sugar |
| Flavoring | Artificial vanilla flavor | Natural vanilla flavor |
| Sourcing | Standardized industrial ingredients | Enhanced focus on natural, high-quality sources |
Consumer Concerns and Industry Reactions
Why are people concerned about Red 40?
Concerns about artificial food dyes like Red 40 are not new. Studies have explored potential links between certain food dyes and health issues, particularly in children, suggesting a connection between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity. A 2023 study indicated Red 40 might negatively impact gut health and cause inflammation in mice, though human research is ongoing. Consumer advocacy groups remain cautious, driving the demand for cleaner products. In-N-Out's proactive removal of Red 40 addresses these concerns.
The Broader Picture for Fast Food
In-N-Out's action reflects a broader industry shift, with other fast-food brands also moving to improve their ingredients. The FDA's ban on Red Dye 3, effective in 2027 due to potential carcinogenic properties, has already prompted reformulation in numerous food products. This regulatory move further encourages companies to adopt natural alternatives, making cleaner, more transparent ingredients a growing standard in the industry.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
In summary, In-N-Out's strawberry shake no longer contains red dye. In mid-2025, the company replaced artificial Red 40 with natural colorants like beta carotene and vegetable juice. This change aligns with the broader industry trend towards natural ingredients, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressure. While still an indulgence, this update represents a step towards cleaner ingredients, offering consumers a fast-food option with fewer artificial additives.
