In-N-Out Burger’s Animal Style fries are a fan-favorite menu item, featuring the chain’s signature crispy fries topped with melted cheese, spread, and grilled onions. These loaded fries pack a serious flavor punch, which is why they have achieved cult status among In-N-Out devotees.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries, including the price, taste, nutrition info, history, and why they are so popular. Whether you’re a seasoned In-N-Out veteran or you’ve never tried these famous fries, read on to learn all about this iconic menu item!
Animal Style Fries Overview
- Price: $4.45 for a small order, $5.95 for a large
- Calories: 740 calories in a large order
- Taste: Crispy fries topped with melty cheese, tangy spread, grilled onions
- History: Created by In-N-Out customers and added to the “secret menu”
- Where to Order: Available at all In-N-Out locations, but not on the menu board
Animal Style fries take the chain’s regular French fries and level them up with those extra toppings for an indulgent treat. They have developed a cult following over the years due to their sheer tastiness!
Price of Animal Style Fries at In-N-Out
While not cheap, Animal Style fries are very reasonably priced considering the large portion size and all those extra toppings.
Here’s the pricing:
- Small Animal Style Fries: $4.45
- Large Animal Style Fries: $5.95
For comparison, a regular order of small fries is $2.60 at In-N-Out. So you’ll pay about $1.85 more to get the Animal Style loaded version.
Considering a large order of animal-style fries weighs in at over half a pound of food, that’s a pretty good deal!
The Animal Style fries are more expensive than a plain hamburger but cheaper than most of the burgers. They make for a satisfying meal when paired with a burger or shake.
Taste of In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries
So what exactly do animal-style fries taste like? Their flavor profile is:
- Crispy, salty fries – In-N-Out’s fries have the perfect crisp outside and fluffy interior.
- Gooey, melty cheese – The melted American cheese blankets the fries.
- Tangy spread – In-N-Out’s signature sauce gives a zesty, thousand-island-like flavor.
- Caramelized grilled onions – The onions are grilled until sweet and tender.
Together, the components combine for a symphony of flavors and textures in each bite. The cheese acts as a creamy binder to hold everything together.
The overall taste is savory, rich, and super satisfying. There’s a reason these loaded fries have been a popular “secret” menu item for decades!
Nutrition Information on In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries
Given the indulgent toppings, Animal Style fries are higher in calories and fat than regular fries. Here are the nutrition facts for a large order:
- Calories: 740
- Fat: 43g
- Carbs: 57g
- Protein: 29g
As you can see, one large order supplies nearly half your daily value of fat and calories. But that’s not uncommon for a large serving of loaded fries.
If watching your fat and calorie intake, you can ask for a small order of Animal Style fries instead. A small provides 380 calories and 22g of fat.
Overall, it’s a high-calorie, high-fat treat. But that’s to be expected given the cheesy, saucy toppings! Enjoy Animal Style fries in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
History of In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries
Animal Style fries weren’t actually created by In-N-Out Burger. They originated as a “secret menu” item that customers would customize.
The story goes that in the 1960s, customers began asking for extra spread and grilled onions on their fries. This evolved into the Animal Style fries we know today, topped with the full array of cheese, spread, and grilled onions.
In-N-Out didn’t officially add it to their “secret menu” until the 2000s. But for decades before that, customers in the know would customize their fries Animal Style.
The exact origin of the name is unclear, but it may be related to the Animal Style burgers that could also be ordered off-menu. This option tops a burger with extra spread, grilled onions, and mustard-grilled patties.
After becoming a popular secret item for so long, In-N-Out finally embraced the Animal Style fries by adding them to their not-so-secret secret menu. Now customers can freely order Animal Style fries at any location without having to know any “hacks.”
Why Are Animal Style Fries So Popular?
There are several reasons why In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries have achieved such cult status and popularity:
Unique flavor combination – Those toppings come together to create a one-of-a-kind flavor profile not found elsewhere. The creamy cheese, zingy spread, and sweet grilled onions perfectly complement the hot fries.
Nostalgia factor – For those who’ve been visiting In-N-Out for decades, Animal Style fries are a nostalgic treat that bring back happy memories. They’ve been a “secret” favorite for generations.
Secret menu origins – The aura of the secret menu and customizing your own order adds to the appeal. There’s something intriguing about a menu item not advertised to the masses.
Satisfying indulgence – Let’s face it, loaded fries smothered in cheese and toppings are extremely satisfying. Animal Style fries are an indulgent treat.
In-N-Out fandom – Devoted In-N-Out fans will order anything off the secret menu just to try it. Animal Style fries are a badge of honor for diehard In-N-Out lovers.
Overall, the unique yet straightforward flavor profile, secret menu origins, and nostalgia factor have cemented Animal Style fries as an In-N-Out icon.
How to Order Animal Style Fries at In-N-Out
Ordering Animal Style fries is easy, though they aren’t pictured on In-N-Out’s menu boards. Here are a few tips for ordering:
- Know the name – Make sure to specifically say you want “Animal Style fries.” Don’t assume they’ll know what you mean if you just ask for loaded fries.
- Specify size – You can order Animal Style fries in both small and large sizes, so specify which you want. The large is a very generous portion.
- Check your order – Before driving away, check your fries to make sure they are actually Animal Style with all the toppings. A regular employee might mistakenly give you plain fries.
- Mobile app – Ordering ahead on the In-N-Out app? You can select Animal Style fries there too.
Stick to those tips, and your Animal Style fries will be sitting hot and ready in no time!
Top Tips for Eating Animal Style Fries
Animal Style fries are best enjoyed immediately after getting your order. Here are some tips to get the optimal Animal Style fries experience:
- Eat in your car – Don’t let the fries sit and steam in a bag. Enjoy them within minutes of ordering for maximum crispness.
- Get extra napkins – All that cheese and sauce will gunk up your fingers. Come prepared with extra napkins.
- Try dipping sauces – For an extra flavor boost, get ketchup, mustard, or In-N-Out’s signature sauce on the side for dipping.
- Shake the box – Before opening your fry box, shake it gently to redistribute the toppings so every fry gets some cheese and onion.
- Split with a friend – A full order is extremely generous. Splitting Animal Style fries is a smart (and less gluttonous) way to enjoy them.
Follow those pro tips, and you’ll be an Animal Style fries expert in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions About In-N-Out’s Animal Style Fries
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about In-N-Out’s famous Animal Style fries:
What is the white cheese on Animal Style fries?
The white melted cheese is standard American cheese – the same type of cheese slice used on In-N-Out’s burgers. For the Animal Style fries, it’s just melted down into liquid form.
Do Animal Style fries cost extra?
Yes, Animal Style fries cost about $1.85 more than a regular order of fries at In-N-Out. The upcharge is well worth it for all those extra toppings!
Can you get Animal Style fries at every In-N-Out location?
Yes! Animal Style fries are available to order at every single In-N-Out Burger restaurant.
Are Animal Style fries vegetarian?
No, the standard Animal Style fries are not vegetarian because they contain American cheese and spread made with dairy. However, you can ask for them made vegetarian style with no cheese or spread. They would only come with grilled onions.
Do Animal Style fries have gluten?
No, the fries themselves are gluten-free. However, there is a small chance of cross-contamination since they are fried in shared oil. Ask for gluten-free fries if you have an allergy.
Can you get Animal Style fries with extra toppings?
Yes, you can request extra cheese, spread, or grilled onions on your Animal Style fries for an additional charge. More is better, right?!
The Best Way to Eat Animal Style Fries
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to the perfect way to eat Animal Style fries. Here is one recommended technique for maximum enjoyment:
- Get a large fresh order of Animal Style fries. The bigger, the better!
- Add a couple extra packets of In-N-Out’s signature spread sauce for dipping.
- Split the fries with 1-2 friends. Animal Style fries are best when shared.
- Shake up the fry box to spread around the cheese and onions evenly.
- Dig in immediately while the fries are hot and crispy.
- Alternate between bites of just fries, fries dipped in sauce, and fries with burger.
- Go back and forth between friends so you can try fresh fries.
- Continue until you’ve polished off every last fry!
Eating Animal Style fries is an experience. Follow those tips, and you’ll be enjoying them like a pro.
Topping Combinations for Animal Style Fries
While the classic Animal Style fries with cheese, spread, and grilled onions are hard to beat, some customers like to get creative with additional toppings. Here are some popular ways to customize your Animal Style fries:
- Add pickled jalapeños for spice
- Extra cheese for max gooey factor
- Chopped lettuce for fresh crunch
- Sliced tomatoes for acidity
- Bacon crumbles for smokiness
- Caramelized onions instead of grilled
- Thousand island dressing instead of spread
- Mustard for tangy flavor
Feel free to mix and match extra toppings to invent your own signature Animal Style fries creation. The possibilities are endless!
Animal Style Fries vs. Regular Fries
To recap the differences, here’s a side-by-side comparison of In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries versus regular fries:
| Animal Style Fries | Regular Fries | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.45 – $5.95 | $2.60 – $4.20 |
| Calories | 740 in large | 390 in large |
| Taste | Loaded fries with cheese, spread, grilled onions | Simple French fries |
| Texture | The crisp exterior, fluffy interior | Crisp, fluffy |
| Satiety | Very filling | Less filling |
| Customization | Start with classic toppings | Harder to customize |
The two types of fries both start with In-N-Out’s signature crispy fries. But the Animal Style version gets kicked up a notch with all those extra toppings.
If you want simple and classic, go for the regular fries. For an indulgent loaded fry experience, the Animal Style is the way to go.
Ranking Animal Style Fries Among Other Loaded Fries
In-N-Out’s loaded Animal Style fries are a cult favorite, but how do they compare to loaded fries from other popular fast food chains? Here is a ranking of Animal Style fries versus some other top loaded fry contenders:
7. Burger King Cheesy Bacon Fries
Burger King’s attempt at loaded fries features limp, soggy fries topped with lackluster cheese sauce and bacon pieces. The toppings slide right off the fries, making for a mess rather than a tasty loaded fry experience.
6. Arby’s Loaded Curly Fries
Arby’s loaded curly fries are topped with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon pieces, and ranch dressing. While the curly fry shape is unique, the toppings are unevenly distributed and the cheese sauce is nothing special.
5. McDonald’s Bacon McDouble Fries
McDonald’s entry into the loaded fry game includes their fries topped with cheese sauce, bacon pieces, and McDouble sauce. Though the concept is tasty, the execution falls a bit flat.
4. Wendy’s Baconator Fries
Wendy’s loads their natural cut fries with cheese sauce, applewood smoked bacon, and creamy ranch. The toppings complement each other nicely, though the fries themselves could be crisper.
3. Shake Shack Cheese Fries
Shake Shack’s crinkle cut fries get even better loaded down with their rich, creamy cheese sauce. Simple yet decadent, these are a loaded fry done right.
2. Jack in the Box Sauced & Loaded Fries
Jack in the Box lets you build your own loaded fry creation with options like bacon, cheese sauce, ranch, and more. The fries manage to stay crispy even when smothered in toppings.
1. In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
With its crispy fries, melty American cheese, tangy spread, and sweet grilled onions, In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries take the top spot. The flavors and textures combine into loaded fry perfection.
While there are many loaded fry options out there, In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries stand out from the pack with their signature toppings and consistent execution. The balance of flavors and the ability to customize your fry loadout makes Animal Style the loaded fry gold standard.
