In N Out Secret Menu: Complete 2025 Guide With Prices & Real Items

You’ve probably heard rumors about hidden menu items at In-N-Out. Some are real, some are complete myths that’ll embarrass you at the counter. This guide reveals every verified item on the in n out secret menu, how much they cost, and the exact words to use when ordering.

The in-n-out secret menu isn’t actually secret anymore. In-N-Out officially calls it the “Not So Secret Menu” on their website. These are custom combinations using the same fresh ingredients they’ve served since 1948. Every location knows these orders. You won’t confuse the staff or slow down the line.

Here’s what makes this different from those fake lists floating around social media: we separate the real items from viral hoaxes. No chicken sandwiches. No Monkey Style (that one’s caused countless awkward moments). Just the verified options that work at all 400+ locations across California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Washington.

❌ Fake Secret Menu Items That Don’t Exist

Monkey Style Is Completely Made Up

The in-n-out secret menu monkey style has fooled thousands since 2013. It doesn’t exist. Lynsi Snyder, the company owner, personally confirmed this myth in multiple interviews and in her book “The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger.” Staff will either politely correct you or laugh when you order it.

Social media posts claimed Monkey Style meant Animal Style fries stuffed inside your burger. Sounds creative, except In-N-Out never created this combination. The rumor spread through prank videos and fake menu articles circulating on TikTok and Instagram. People still try ordering it weekly at drive-thrus across California.

You can make a DIY version by ordering a burger and Animal Fries separately, then assembling it yourself. But don’t call it Monkey Style at the counter—that name means nothing to In-N-Out employees.

In-N-Out Has Never Served Chicken

The in n out secret menu chicken sandwich is another viral lie. TikTok videos from 2021 showed people supposedly ordering chicken sandwiches through clever “hacks.” In-N-Out’s official statement called these videos “inaccurate pranks.” The company has never sold chicken, never will, and built their reputation on 100% pure beef and simple ingredients.

Some guides claim you can “hack” an in n out chicken sandwich secret menu item by bringing your own chicken. That’s not a secret menu item. That’s bringing outside food into a restaurant, which violates health codes.

Other Myths to Skip

Don’t waste your time asking about:

• Doggy Style Fries (doesn’t exist—confused with Protein Style Grilled Cheese)
• Scooby Doo Style (made up)
• Chili cheese anything (In-N-Out doesn’t serve chili)
• Salads or wraps (not on any menu)
• 16×16 or 100×100 burgers (no longer made—4×4 is the maximum)

Now let’s cover what actually works.

The Real Secret Menu Items

In-N-Out keeps the ingredients simple. Their secret menu just rearranges and combines these basics in different ways. You can order Protein Style (lettuce wrap), request mustard-grilled patties, add chopped chilies, pile on grilled onions, or skip components entirely.

The most popular items have specific names. Staff recognize these instantly. Other customizations require quick descriptions. Both work perfectly fine.

What Makes These Items “Secret”

Harry and Esther Snyder founded In-N-Out in Baldwin Park, California in 1948. They built the menu around quality over variety. Customers started requesting custom combinations in the early 1960s.

The first Animal Style burger wendys came from rowdy teenagers who hung out in the parking lots late at night. Staff nicknamed them “the animals” because of their behavior. These teens watched managers making special burgers for themselves with mustard-grilled patties, extra spread, grilled onions, and extra pickles. The teens started requesting the same combination. When they tried ordering it at other locations, managers told them to just ask for it “animal style“—referencing the rowdy group who popularized it.

Guy Snyder, Harry’s son and a professional drag racer, created the Flying Dutchman (his racing nickname). This was his favorite quick snack: just meat and cheese, nothing else. He’d eat several between races for fast protein without the bulk of a bun.

These modifications spread by word of mouth for decades. In-N-Out never advertised them. They finally acknowledged the “Not So Secret Menu” officially on their website in the 2010s after underground popularity made them impossible to ignore.

Complete Secret Menu Burgers

Animal Style Burger: The Most Famous Option

Order any burger Animal Style and you get four modifications at once. The cook spreads mustard on both sides of your beef patty before it hits the grill. This creates a tangy, caramelized crust that most people consider the defining characteristic of In-N-Out flavor. Then they add extra In-N-Out spread (their version of Thousand Island), grilled onions instead of raw, and extra pickles on top of the standard lettuce and tomato.

A Double-Double Animal Style costs around $5.20 depending on your state. California locations run 10-15% higher than Texas or Arizona due to higher labor costs. The animal style secret menu in n out option works on any burger size: Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double, or even a 3×3.

You can combine Animal Style with Protein Style too. Just say “Double-Double, Animal Style, Protein Style.” You get all those extra toppings wrapped in crisp iceberg lettuce instead of a bun. Perfect for keto dieters watching carbs.

The origin story adds flavor: those rowdy teenagers from the 1960s essentially created one of America’s most beloved fast food modifications by simply asking for what they saw employees making for themselves.

Flying Dutchman: Pure Protein

The flying dutchman in n out secret menu gives you two hand-formed beef patties with two slices of melted American cheese sandwiched between them. No bun. No lettuce. No tomato. No spread. They wrap it in paper and hand it over.

Guy Snyder created this as his personal racing fuel. Between drag races, he needed fast protein without the carbs or bulk that would slow him down. He named it after his racing persona, “The Flying Dutchman,” which came from his Dutch heritage (Harry Snyder, his father, was Dutch).

It costs $2.50 to $3.50 depending on location. At 380 calories and only 2 grams of carbs, it’s the lowest-carb option besides a plain patty. The secret menu flying dutchman in n out became so popular among keto dieters that it’s now one of the most-ordered modifications.

You can order Flying Dutchman Animal Style to add grilled onions, spread, and pickles while keeping it bunless. Some people request the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman—thick slices of whole grilled onion wrapped around the patties like makeshift buns. The in n out secret menu flying dutchman also comes in 3×3 or 4×4 sizes if you want more protein.

Protein Style: Lettuce Wrap Everything

In-N-Out has offered lettuce wraps since the 1970s, decades before “low-carb” became trendy. They call it Protein Style. The kitchen replaces your bun with large leaves of hand-leafed iceberg lettuce. Everything else stays the same: beef, cheese, tomato, onion, spread, pickles.

This doesn’t cost extra. A Protein Style burger runs the same price as the regular version. It drops your calories from around 670 to 330 and cuts carbs from 45g to 11g. People following keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets order this constantly.

You can combine it with any modification. Want an Animal Style Protein Style 3×3? Just say exactly that. The staff won’t blink. The lettuce holds up surprisingly well, though you might need extra napkins for the juices.

Tomato Wrap: The Rare Alternative

The tomato wrap replaces both bun and lettuce with thick slices of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes. Most locations know this order, though it’s less common than Protein Style. You’ll get two large tomato slices acting as “buns” around your patty and cheese.

This creates an incredibly juicy, messy eating experience. The tomato flavor dominates, which works if you love tomatoes but might overpower the beef for some people. At around 320 calories and 8 grams of carbs, it sits between Flying Dutchman and Protein Style for low-carb options.

How to order: “Flying Dutchman, tomato wrapped” or “Double-Double with tomato wrap instead of bun.” Some cashiers might need clarification—describe it as “tomato slices in place of the bun.”

The tomato wrap costs roughly the same as a regular burger. Your receipt might show “Flying Dutchman + Tomato Wrap” depending on how the cashier rings it up.

3×3 and 4×4: Go Bigger

In-N-Out’s standard menu shows three sizes: Hamburger (one patty, no cheese), Cheeseburger (one patty, one cheese), and Double-Double (two patties, two cheese). The in n out secret menu lets you stack higher.

A 3×3 means three beef patties and three cheese slices. It costs $7.50 to $8.50 and packs 860 calories. A 4×4 doubles that: four patties, four cheese, around $9.50, and over 1,000 calories. This is the maximum size In-N-Out will make.

Why the limit? In 2004, someone ordered a 100×100 burger (100 patties, 100 cheese slices). In-N-Out actually made it. The burger weighed over 19 pounds and cost $97.66. After that spectacle, corporate decided to cap future orders at 4×4 to keep things manageable and prevent food waste.

You can still order custom ratios below that limit: 2×4 (two patties, four cheese), 3×1 (three patties, one cheese), or any combination you want. The staff uses the number system: first digit is patties, second is cheese slices.

Grilled Cheese: The Vegetarian Secret

The in n out secret menu grilled cheese removes the beef patty entirely. You get a toasted bun with melted American cheese (usually two slices), plus lettuce, tomato, onion, and spread. It costs around $3.25.

This works as a vegetarian option, though the spread contains dairy and the fries cook in the same oil as meat. You can order Grilled Cheese Animal Style to add grilled onions and extra spread. Add chopped chilies for spice.

Some people call this a “Veggie Burger,” but In-N-Out’s older term was “Wish Burger” for the version without cheese—the name came from customers who “wished” there was meat inside. Now you can just describe what you want: “Grilled cheese with everything” or “Just vegetables, no cheese, no meat.”

Scooby Snack: Plain Patty

The Scooby Snack is a single beef patty with no salt, no bun, no toppings. It’s named after Scooby-Doo’s dog treats—small snacks, not full meals.

People order this mainly for dogs (it’s safe because it’s unsalted). But humans can eat it too as a pure protein snack. It costs around $1.00 or sometimes comes free if you’re ordering for a pet.

How to order: “Can I get a Scooby Snack?” or “One plain patty, no salt, for my dog.” Most locations know this term since it’s been around for years.

The Pup Patty is the same thing. Both names work. This is different from getting a regular patty, which comes salted by default.

Double Meat (No Cheese)

The Double Meat gives you two beef patties with all toppings but no cheese. This highlights In-N-Out’s 100% pure beef flavor without dairy. It costs around $4.00 with roughly 450 calories.

Perfect if you avoid cheese or just prefer a simpler burger. You can add mustard grilled patties or grilled onions to boost flavor without cheese.

Custom Combinations: Any × Any

In-N-Out builds burgers to order. You can request any ratio of patties to cheese slices up to 4×4. Want one patty with four cheese? Order a “1 by 4.” Want four patties with just one cheese? Ask for a “4 by 1.”

Say “Can I get a 2 by 3?” and you’ll get two beef patties with three American cheese slices. The staff understands the format instantly.

You can also modify toppings on any size. “3×3 with extra everything” means three patties, three cheese, plus extra lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and spread. “Double-Double, no tomato, add chilies” works just as easily.

Secret Menu Fries: Every Style Explained

In-N-Out cuts their fries fresh from whole Kennebec Idaho potatoes right in the restaurant. No freezers, no preservatives. They fry them once in sunflower oil. This makes them softer than the double-fried style at McDonald’s or Five Guys.

People either love In-N-Out fries or find them too limp. The in n out fries secret menu fixes this. You can order different cooking times, add toppings, or create loaded versions that taste completely different from basic fries.

Animal Style Fries: The Iconic Order

The secret menu in n out animal fries top the popularity list. The kitchen takes a regular order of fries, covers them with melted American cheese (usually two slices), adds a scoop of grilled onions, and drizzles In-N-Out spread across everything.

This costs $4.60 to $5.00. At roughly 750 calories, it’s a meal by itself. The combination of salty fries, gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy spread creates serious flavor. Most first-timers order this after seeing photos online or hearing recommendations from In-N-Out veterans.

Say “Animal Style Fries” or just “Animal Fries.” Both work. Some locations will ask if you want them well-done for extra crispiness under all those toppings. Smart move—the crispy fries hold up better against the moisture from cheese and onions.

Roadkill Fries: Secret Level Two

The in n out secret menu roadkill fries take Animal Style fries and add a crumbled hamburger patty on top. You get fries, cheese, grilled onions, spread, and ground beef. It’s basically a deconstructed burger in a fries container.

Not all locations recognize the name “Roadkill Fries” because it came from customers, not official training. If the cashier looks confused, try this: “Can I get Animal Style fries with a hamburger patty crumbled on top?” They might ring it up as Animal fries plus a Scooby Snack (single patty).

Expect to pay around $6.00 total. This easily feeds two people as a shared appetizer or fills you up as a full meal. Some people order a Flying Dutchman on the side and crumble it themselves over Cheese Fries for a custom version.

Fry Cooking Levels: Find Your Perfect Crisp

In-N-Out fries cook for exactly 2 minutes and 15 seconds by default. You can request adjustments to hit your preferred texture.

The Complete 7-Level Scale:

1. Very Light: Barely golden, quite soft (rare order)
2. Regular Light: Slightly less cooked than standard
3. Light: Soft, pale, less crispy
4. Regular: Standard In-N-Out fry (default)
5. Light Well-Done: Golden and crispy but not overdone ⭐ (most recommended)
6. Well-Done: Extra crispy, golden brown, less greasy
7. Extra Well-Done: Maximum crispiness, darkest color

Light Fries cook for about 2 minutes—cooked through but softer texture. Some people prefer this.

Well-Done Fries stay in the fryer for 3+ minutes. Extra crispy, golden brown, less greasy. This is the most common modification because it solves the “limp fry” complaint.

Light Well-Done Fries hit the sweet spot between light and well-done. Many employees say this creates the perfect fry—cooked through but not overdone. This is the insider’s choice.

These don’t cost extra. Just specify when ordering: “Large fries, well-done” or “Can I get my fries light well-done?”

You can combine cooking levels with toppings: “Animal Style fries, well-done” works great because the extra crispiness prevents sogginess from cheese and onions.

Cheese Fries: Simple Upgrade

Want melted cheese without the grilled onions and spread? Order “Cheese fries” or “Fries with cheese.” They’ll melt American cheese over your fries. You can request extra cheese (up to six slices) for about $1.50 added to regular fries price.

This gives you pure cheese-and-fry flavor without competing tastes. Dip them in ketchup or request spread on the side for a custom experience.

Lemon Fries: The Citrus Twist

Lemon Fries aren’t listed anywhere, but In-N-Out has fresh lemon slices for drinks. Order regular fries and ask for “lemon slices on the side.” Squeeze the lemon juice over your hot fries for a bright, citrusy kick.

This modification has been around since at least the 1980s. Some older In-N-Out fans swear by it. The acidity cuts through the oil and adds unexpected flavor.

How to order: “Can I get fries with lemon slices?” or at the drive-thru, “Add lemon wedges to my order.” Then squeeze and enjoy.

Other Fry Modifications

Fries with Spread: Ask for In-N-Out spread on the side. Great for dipping without committing to full Animal Style.

No Salt Fries: Perfect if you’re watching sodium. The cooks salt fries immediately after frying, but they’ll skip it if you ask. Say “Fries, no salt” when ordering.

Extra Salt: Want more seasoning? Request “Extra salt” and they’ll add more.

Lemon Pepper Fries (DIY hack): Order regular fries, request lemon wedges and pepper packets, then add yourself for a homemade seasoned fry experience.

Secret Menu Shakes & Drinks

In-N-Out makes shakes with real ice cream in three standard flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The secret menu in n out shakes combine these flavors or turn drinks into floats.

Neapolitan Shake: Three Flavors in One

The Neapolitan shake mixes all three ice cream flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It tastes like the classic three-stripe ice cream from your childhood. Order it by name—every location knows this one. It costs the same as a regular shake, around $4.20 on average.

You can also request half-and-half combinations: chocolate-vanilla (Black & White), strawberry-vanilla, or chocolate-strawberry. Just tell them which two you want mixed.

Side-by-Side Shake: Two Flavors Swirled

Different from the Black & White mixed shake, a Side-by-Side gives you two flavors swirled together but not fully blended. You get distinct pockets of each flavor as you drink.

Say “Side-by-Side, chocolate and vanilla” or “Can you swirl strawberry and vanilla together?” The result looks marbled and creates flavor variety in each sip.

Root Beer Float & Customization

In-N-Out serves Barq’s root beer. Add a scoop of their real vanilla ice cream and you’ve got a root beer float for about $4.00. You can technically make floats with any fountain drink: Coke, Dr. Pepper, lemonade. Just ask for vanilla ice cream in whatever drink you want.

The Lemon Up combines fresh lemonade with 7-Up and fresh lemon slices. Some locations call this a “Lemon 7-Up.” It’s refreshing and not too sweet—popular during hot California summers.

An Arnold Palmer mixes iced tea with lemonade, named after the famous golfer who popularized this combination. In-N-Out doesn’t have an official name for it, but the staff knows what you mean. Just say “Arnold Palmer” or “Half iced tea, half lemonade.”

Secret Add-Ons & Modifications

Beyond named items, you can customize any order with these additions:

Cooking & Preparation Modifications

Mustard Grilled: The cook spreads mustard on the beef patty before grilling. This is automatically included in Animal Style, but you can add it to any burger. Creates a tangy, caramelized crust. Say “Mustard grilled patty” or “Can you grill the patty with mustard?”

Well-Done Burger: Cook your patty longer for a crispier exterior. Takes about 6 minutes instead of the standard 4 minutes 30 seconds. Say “Burger well-done” when ordering.

Medium-Rare: In-N-Out will NOT serve medium-rare or rare burgers. California law prohibits fast food restaurants from serving undercooked meat. This policy applies at all locations, even in states where it would be legal.

Extra Toasted Buns: Request your sponge dough buns toasted longer for extra crunch. Say “Extra toasted buns” or “Toast the buns extra crispy.” No extra charge.

Not Toasted Buns: Want soft buns? Ask for “Buns not toasted.” The grill cook will skip the toasting step entirely.

Cold Cheese: This unusual request means they don’t melt your cheese. They’ll place a cold slice of American cheese on your burger. Say “Cold cheese, not melted.” Most people don’t prefer this, but it’s available.

Vegetable & Topping Modifications

Chopped Chilies: Free yellow cascabella peppers. They add mild heat without overwhelming spice, sitting just below jalapeño level. These pickled peppers have a slightly sweet, fruity flavor. Order them on burgers or fries. Say “Add chopped chilies” or “Extra chilies.”

Whole Grilled Onion: Instead of diced grilled onions, get a thick slice of grilled onion. This gives you bigger pieces with more texture. Some people use this to wrap around a Flying Dutchman. Say “Whole grilled onion” or “Can I get a grilled onion slice?”

Raw Onions: Default on burgers, but you can request extra or have them removed entirely.

Grilled Onions: Caramelized, sweet onions (included in Animal Style). You can add these to any burger. Say “Add grilled onions.”

Extra Spread: Get more In-N-Out spread at no charge. Say “Extra spread” or “Can I get extra sauce?”

Extra Pickles: More pickles, free. Included in Animal Style but available on any burger.

Extra Everything: This means extra lettuce, tomato, onion, spread, and pickles. Say “Burger with extra everything.”

No [Ingredient]: Remove any standard topping. “No tomato,” “No lettuce,” “No onions,” “No pickles.” Staff accommodates all requests.

Structural Modifications

Cut in Half: They’ll slice your burger down the middle. Perfect for kids or sharing. Say “Can you cut this in half?”

Cut in Quarters: Four equal pieces. Great for young children or sampling multiple items. Say “Cut in quarters, please.”

For Pets

Pup Patty / Scooby Snack: A plain, unsalted beef patty for dogs. Usually free or under $1.00. Safe for pets because it contains no salt or seasonings. Say “Pup patty for my dog” or “One Scooby Snack.”

All these modifications work on any order. Mix and match however you want. In-N-Out’s flexibility is what makes the secret menu so extensive—you’re combining simple ingredients in thousands of possible ways.

In-N-Out Secret Menu Prices (February 2025)

Prices vary by state and city. California locations cost 10-15% more than other states due to higher labor costs and cost of living. Texas and Arizona run the cheapest. Here are current averages for the in n out secret menu prices:

Burgers:

• Animal Style Double-Double: $5.20 (range: $4.90-$5.50)
• Flying Dutchman: $3.00 (range: $2.50-$3.50)
• 3×3: $8.00 (range: $7.50-$8.50)
• 4×4: $9.50 (range: $9.00-$10.00)
• Grilled Cheese: $3.25 (range: $3.00-$3.50)
• Double Meat: $4.00 (range: $3.80-$4.20)
• Protein Style: Same as regular burger price (no charge for lettuce wrap)
• Tomato Wrap: Same as regular burger price
• Scooby Snack: $1.00 (range: free-$1.50)

Fries:

• Animal Style Fries: $4.80 (range: $4.60-$5.00)
• Roadkill Fries: $6.00 (range: $5.50-$6.50)
• Cheese Fries: $3.50 (regular fries + $1.50)
• Well-Done / Light Fries: No extra charge
• Regular Fries: $2.85 (range: $2.65-$3.05)

Drinks & Shakes:

• Neapolitan Shake: $4.20 (range: $3.95-$4.50)
• Root Beer Float: $4.00 (range: $3.75-$4.25)
• Other Shakes: $3.95-$4.50
• Lemon Up / Arnold Palmer: $2.50 (same as regular drink)

State-by-State Price Differences:

• California: Highest prices (10-15% above average)
• Nevada, Oregon, Washington: Moderate (5-10% above average)
• Texas, Arizona: Lowest prices (at or below average)
• Utah, Idaho, Colorado: Average pricing

The in-n-out secret menu prices don’t appear on the menu board. Cashiers ring up modifications as add-ons to base items. Protein Style, Tomato Wrap, and cooking variations (well-done, light, mustard grilled) cost nothing extra.

Nutrition Facts & Calorie Information

Here’s the in n out secret menu nutrition breakdown for popular items:

Keto-Friendly Options: The Flying Dutchman (2g carbs), Protein Style burgers (11g carbs), and Tomato Wrap (8g carbs) work for low-carb diets. Skip the fries or order them to share.

Vegetarian Options: Grilled Cheese and Wish Burger contain no meat. The In-N-Out spread and cheese contain dairy, so true vegans should order vegetables only with ketchup and mustard. You can request your food be grilled on the onion side of the grill (separate from meat).

Low-Sodium Options: Order No Salt Fries and a Scooby Snack (unsalted patty). Request “No spread” and “No pickles” to reduce sodium further.

In-N-Out posts full nutrition information on their official website at www.in-n-out.com. These in n out secret menu calories are estimates based on standard portions. Actual numbers vary based on modifications.

How to Order Secret Menu Items

Ordering from the in n out burger secret menu is straightforward. Staff members receive training on popular items. Most locations serve hundreds of Animal Style orders daily.

Step-by-Step Ordering Process

1. Use the specific name: Say “Animal Style Double-Double” instead of “that secret burger with the stuff.”

2. Be specific about size: “Hamburger Animal Style” or “Double-Double Animal Style”—don’t just say “Animal Style.”

3. Combine modifications clearly: “3×3, Protein Style, add chopped chilies”

4. Ask questions if unsure: “Can you make my fries well-done?” Staff appreciate direct questions.

5. Be patient with rare items: Roadkill Fries or Tomato Wrap might require explanation at some locations.

Sample Order Scripts

Drive-Thru Example: “Hi, I’ll take a Double-Double Animal Style, Animal Style fries well-done, and a Neapolitan shake.”

Counter Example: “Can I get a Flying Dutchman with grilled onions and a side of fries light well-done?”

Complex Order: “I’d like a 3×3 Protein Style with chopped chilies, no tomato, and cheese fries on the side.”

Rare Item Order: “Can I get a Flying Dutchman tomato wrapped?” (If confused: “That’s meat and cheese wrapped in tomato slices instead of a bun.”)

If Staff Don’t Know the Name

Most employees recognize standard secret menu items instantly. Newer locations or new employees might need help with terms that came from customers rather than official training.

Instead of “Roadkill Fries”: Say “Animal Style fries with a hamburger patty crumbled on top.”

Instead of “Tomato Wrap”: Say “Can you wrap my burger in tomato slices instead of a bun?”

Instead of “Lemon Fries”: Say “Can I get lemon wedges with my fries?”

For custom items: Describe modifications: “Can you wrap my burger in lettuce instead of a bun?” or “Can you grill the patty with mustard?”

The staff wants to help. They’re trained to accommodate requests as long as In-N-Out has the ingredients. Don’t feel embarrassed asking—they handle secret menu orders all day.

Mobile App & Online Ordering

The In-N-Out mobile app (available on iOS and Android) includes some secret menu options. Animal Style and Protein Style appear as selectable modifications when customizing your order.

Complex orders or rare items work better in person where you can explain exactly what you want. The app doesn’t have buttons for Roadkill Fries, Tomato Wrap, or Scooby Snacks.

Regional Availability

Every in-n-out burger secret menu item works at all 400+ locations. In-N-Out maintains consistent training across states. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, or Boise, the secret menu functions the same way.

Current In-N-Out States (2025):

• California (most locations)
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Utah
• Texas
• Oregon (newest expansion)
• Idaho
• Colorado
• Washington (opened August 2025)

The company expands slowly to maintain quality control. Each location uses the same suppliers, same recipes, same 100% pure beef, same hand-leafed lettuce, same Kennebec potatoes cut fresh daily.

Some terms like “Roadkill Fries” or “Scooby Snack” spread through customer word-of-mouth rather than official training. Newer locations in recent expansion states might not recognize every nickname, but they’ll make any item if you describe it.

Staff at the original Baldwin Park, California location (opened 1948, still operating) know every modification and historical detail. This location sees the most secret menu enthusiasts.

The History Behind Secret Menu Items

The Founding & Early Years

Harry and Esther Snyder opened the first In-N-Out in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. They focused on fresh ingredients and simple operations: burgers, fries, and drinks. No freezers. No microwaves. No heat lamps.

Harry Snyder came from Dutch heritage (hence the Flying Dutchman name origin). He innovated the first two-way speaker system for drive-thru ordering in California. Quality over speed, fresh over convenient—these principles still guide In-N-Out today.

The Birth of Animal Style (1961)

The secret menu started with customer requests in the early 1960s. Rowdy teenagers hung out in In-N-Out parking lots late at night. Staff nicknamed them “the animals” because of their loud behavior and messy eating habits.

These teens watched managers making special burgers for themselves after closing: mustard-grilled patties, extra spread, grilled onions, and extra pickles. The teens started requesting the same combination. When they tried ordering it at different locations, managers told them to ask for it “animal style“—referencing the group who popularized it.

The name stuck. By the 1970s, Animal Style had spread across California through word-of-mouth. In-N-Out never advertised it, but employees knew what it meant.

Guy Snyder’s Flying Dutchman

Guy Snyder, Harry’s son and eventual company president, was a professional drag racer. His racing nickname was “The Flying Dutchman”—a reference to his Dutch heritage and the legendary ghost ship that could never make port.

Between drag races, Guy needed quick protein without the bulk of a bun or vegetables that would slow him down. He’d order just meat and cheese: two patties, two slices, nothing else. Staff started calling it the Flying Dutchman after his racing persona.

Guy died tragically in a plane crash in 1999. The Flying Dutchman remains one of the most popular secret menu items—a memorial to his legacy.

Lynsi Snyder’s Book & Official Recognition

Lynsi Snyder, Harry’s granddaughter and current owner (sole heir, net worth over $4 billion), wrote “The Ins-N-Outs of In-N-Out Burger” in 2023. The book officially confirmed many secret menu details and debunked myths like Monkey Style.

In-N-Out added the “Not So Secret Menu” page to their official website (www.in-n-out.com/menu/not-so-secret-menu) in the 2010s after decades of underground popularity made it impossible to ignore. They list Animal Style, Protein Style, Grilled Cheese, 3×3, and 4×4 officially.

Items like Flying Dutchman, Roadkill Fries, and Tomato Wrap remain truly “secret”—not on the website but widely known among fans.

Quality Standards & Cooking Process

In-N-Out maintains strict standards that make the secret menu possible:

The Four Essentials of In-N-Out Burgers:

1. Buns placed on Teflon sheet at least one minute before burger is grilled
2. Cook salts the burger evenly as soon as it hits the grill
3. Burger is flipped at 1 minute 15 seconds
4. Burger is pulled from grill at 4 minutes 30 seconds (standard), 6+ minutes (well-done)

Every ingredient meets exacting standards:

• 100% pure beef with no additives or fillers
• Hand-leafed lettuce (never pre-shredded)
• Vine-ripened tomatoes sliced daily
• Sponge dough buns from In-N-Out’s own bakery, delivered fresh each morning
• Kennebec Idaho potatoes cut fresh throughout the day
• No freezers, no microwaves, no heat lamps in any location

This commitment to quality makes any combination taste good. Since every ingredient meets high standards, the secret menu offers thousands of delicious possibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t order fake items: Monkey Style, the chicken sandwich, Doggy Style Fries, and 100×100 burgers don’t exist. You’ll look foolish and waste everyone’s time.

Don’t be vague: “I want it Animal Style” doesn’t tell staff which item. Say “Cheeseburger Animal Style” or “Double-Double Animal Style.”

Don’t expect menu prices: The in n out secret menu prices won’t appear on the board. Cashiers calculate based on modifications.

Don’t assume all names work everywhere: Terms like “Roadkill Fries” came from customers, not In-N-Out. Be ready to describe items if staff don’t recognize nicknames.

Don’t complain about basic fries: In-N-Out fries taste different than McDonald’s or Five Guys. They’re cut fresh and fried once. Order them well-done or light well-done if you want more crispness.

Don’t order rare burgers: California law prohibits fast food restaurants from serving undercooked meat. In-N-Out won’t make medium-rare burgers anywhere, even in states where it would be legal.

Don’t forget napkins: Animal Style items, Roadkill Fries, and Tomato Wraps get messy. Grab extra napkins before you start eating.

Don’t rush the staff: Complex orders take longer to prepare. Be patient, especially during lunch or dinner rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does In-N-Out have a secret menu? Yes, the in-n-out secret menu is real and available at all locations. In-N-Out officially calls it the “Not So Secret Menu” on their website. Staff receive training on popular items like Animal Style, Protein Style, and Flying Dutchman.

What are the best secret menu items at In-N-Out? The best in n out secret menu items are Animal Style burgers (most popular), Flying Dutchman for low-carb diets, Animal Style fries (most iconic), and Neapolitan shakes cookout. First-timers should start with an Animal Style Double-Double and well-done fries.

Is Monkey Style real? No, in-n-out secret menu monkey style is completely fake. It’s a viral myth from 2013 confirmed false by owner Lynsi Snyder in her 2023 book. Ordering it will embarrass you, as staff know it doesn’t exist.

How much does a Flying Dutchman cost? The flying dutchman in n out secret menu costs between $2.50 and $3.50 depending on location. It includes two beef patties and two cheese slices with no bun or vegetables.

Can you order secret menu items through the app? The In-N-Out app includes Animal Style and Protein Style options under customizations. Complex modifications like Roadkill Fries, Tomato Wrap, or Scooby Snacks work better when ordering in person.

What is Roadkill Fries? In n out secret menu roadkill fries are Animal Style fries topped with a crumbled hamburger patty. Not all locations recognize this name—you may need to order Animal Fries and a Scooby Snack separately and combine them yourself.

Do Animal Style fries cost extra? Yes, Animal Style fries cost $4.60 to $5.00 compared to regular fries ($2.85) because they include melted cheese, grilled onions, and spread. It’s essentially loaded fries.

Are there vegetarian secret menu options? Yes, the in n out secret menu grilled cheese removes the beef patty entirely. You can also order a Wish Burger (vegetables only, no cheese). Both contain dairy in the spread. True vegans should order vegetables only with ketchup and mustard, requesting food be grilled on the onion side of the grill.

Conclusion

The in n out secret menu gives you dozens of ways to customize meals using fresh, quality ingredients. Animal Style adds tangy, savory flavors through mustard-grilled patties, extra spread, grilled onions, and extra pickles. Protein Style cuts carbs without sacrificing taste by wrapping everything in crisp lettuce. The Flying Dutchman delivers pure protein for keto dieters. Well-done fries solve the crispiness issue that some people have with In-N-Out’s fresh-cut style.

Every option uses the same 100% pure beef, hand-leafed lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, and Kennebec potatoes that made In-N-Out famous since 1948. No freezers, no microwaves, no shortcuts—just fresh ingredients combined in creative ways.

Skip the fake items that’ll embarrass you at the counter. Monkey Style doesn’t exist. Neither does the chicken sandwich. Ignore social media posts about 100×100 burgers—In-N-Out capped orders at 4×4 after that 2004 stunt. Stick to verified options that actually work.

Use specific names when ordering: “Double-Double Animal Style with well-done fries” tells staff exactly what you want. Ask for help if you’re unsure—they’re trained to handle secret menu requests all day long. The most complex orders might take an extra minute, but the result tastes worth the wait.Now you know exactly what to order, how much it costs, the words to use at the counter, and which items are real versus fake. Try an Animal Style Double-Double with light well-done fries on your next visit. You’ll understand why people obsess over this secret menu that’s been evolving through customer creativity for over 60 years.