In-N-Out Burger has removed sesame flour from its buns and replaced iodised salt packets with sea salt, prompting a lively reaction from customers across the chain’s ten US states.
The California-based company said the changes were part of its continuing effort to serve what it described as the “freshest, highest-quality food possible”. It did not provide a specific explanation for either alteration.
In-N-Out said the latest updates followed its decision in 2025 to replace high-fructose corn syrup in its ketchup with real sugar.
“Over the years, we’ve made meaningful changes to our ingredients, and this past year was no exception,” the company said. “We’re pleased to share our latest updates, and we’ll continue building on that commitment for years to come.”
In-N-Out bun change welcomed by allergy sufferers
The removal of sesame flour was welcomed by some customers with sesame allergies, who said it could make the fast-food chain an option once again.
Sesame became the ninth major food allergen recognised under US federal law on January 1, 2023, under the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act, known as the FASTER Act.
In-N-Out had previously said that some of its suppliers began adding small amounts of sesame flour to buns because shared bakery facilities made it difficult to guarantee that products were free from cross-contamination.
The company’s current ingredient information lists wheat as the allergen in its bun and warns that the product may be made in a facility where sesame and other allergens are present, potentially on the same equipment.
Customers who have raised concerns online said the latest change was particularly significant for families dealing with sesame allergies. In-N-Out has not said whether the decision was made specifically to accommodate allergy sufferers.
The second change, replacing iodised salt with sea salt, received a less favourable response from some regular customers. Several complained that the new salt had a different texture and did not adhere to fries as well as the previous seasoning.
Iodised salt has been widely used in the United States since the 1920s to help prevent iodine deficiency and conditions including goitre. Sea salt generally undergoes less processing and does not usually contain the same added iodine.
In-N-Out has not said why it ended the use of iodised salt or whether the change affects only the individual salt packets supplied with meals or other seasoning used in its restaurants.
