In N Out Animal Style Menu Prices
What Does “Animal Style” Mean at In-N-Out?
When you step into an In-N-Out Burger restaurant, you’re entering a world of secret menu options that loyal fans have cherished for decades. Among these hidden treasures, “Animal Style” stands as perhaps the most iconic modification. This signature preparation method transforms standard menu items with extra flavor components that have earned cult status among burger enthusiasts.
Animal Style consists of:
- Mustard-grilled beef patties
- Extra spread (In-N-Out’s thousand island-style sauce)
- Grilled onions instead of fresh onions
- Extra pickles
The result is a more savory, tangy, and complex flavor profile that elevates the standard In-N-Out experience to something truly special.
Animal Style Prices Across the Menu
Understanding the cost of getting your burger or fries Animal Style helps you make informed decisions when ordering. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Animal Style pricing across the In-N-Out menu:
| Menu Item | Standard Price | Animal Style Price | Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | $3.15 | $3.45 | +$0.30 |
| Cheeseburger | $3.65 | $3.95 | +$0.30 |
| Double-Double | $4.95 | $5.25 | +$0.30 |
| 3×3 (Triple) | $6.25 | $6.55 | +$0.30 |
| 4×4 (Quad) | $7.55 | $7.85 | +$0.30 |
| French Fries | $2.15 | $3.60 | +$1.45 |
As you can see, adding Animal Style to any burger typically costs an additional $0.30, while Animal Style fries command a higher premium at approximately $1.45 extra. This price difference reflects the more substantial modification required for the fries, which includes melted cheese, spread, and grilled onions.
Note: In n out Prices may vary slightly by location and are subject to change. These figures represent average prices as of early 2025.
Regional Price Variations
While In-N-Out strives for consistency across its locations, some regional price variations exist due to local economic factors:
California Locations (Original Market)
California restaurants typically offer the baseline pricing shown in the table above, with minimal variations between Northern and Southern California locations.
Expansion States
- Nevada/Arizona: Prices typically run about $0.10-$0.25 higher than California locations
- Utah/Texas: Expect to pay approximately $0.25-$0.50 more than California prices
- Colorado/Oregon: The newest expansion states often show prices about $0.50-$0.75 higher than California
These regional variations apply to both standard items and Animal Style modifications, though the surcharge for going Animal Style remains fairly consistent across regions.
Animal Style Fries: A Deeper Dive
Animal Style Fries deserve special attention as they represent one of the most significant transformations on the secret menu. While standard fries cost around $2.15, Animal Style Fries jump to approximately $3.60, reflecting the substantial additions:
- Melted American cheese covering the fries
- A generous portion of spread (In-N-Out’s special sauce)
- Grilled onions scattered throughout
The preparation process is more involved than simply adding toppings, as the cheese must be properly melted and the components carefully layered. This labor-intensive process partially explains the higher price premium compared to Animal Style burgers.
Value Analysis: Is Animal Style Worth the Extra Cost?
When considering whether the Animal Style upcharge delivers good value, consider these factors:
For Burgers ($0.30 additional)
- Added ingredients: Extra spread, grilled onions, pickles, and mustard-grilled patty
- Flavor enhancement: Significantly more complex and developed flavor profile
- Additional calories: Approximately 80-100 extra calories
For Fries ($1.45 additional)
- Added ingredients: Cheese, spread, and grilled onions
- Transformation factor: Completely different eating experience
- Portion size impact: Effectively turns a side into a shareable dish or small meal
- Additional calories: Approximately 300-350 extra calories
Most In-N-Out enthusiasts find the Animal Style upcharge for burgers to be one of the best values in fast food, delivering substantial flavor enhancement for a minimal price increase. The fries represent a more significant investment but transform a simple side into a memorable dish.
How Animal Style Pricing Has Changed Over Time
In-N-Out is known for its relatively stable pricing structure compared to other fast food chains. The Animal Style upcharge has remained remarkably consistent:
| Year | Burger Upcharge | Fries Upcharge |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | $0.15 | $0.80 |
| 2010 | $0.20 | $1.00 |
| 2015 | $0.25 | $1.25 |
| 2020 | $0.30 | $1.35 |
| 2025 | $0.30 | $1.45 |
This gradual increase reflects broader inflationary pressures rather than an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the secret menu option. Compared to overall menu price increases, the Animal Style upcharge has maintained a consistent percentage relationship to base item prices.
Nutritional Impact of Going Animal Style
The flavor enhancement of Animal Style comes with nutritional considerations:
Animal Style Burger Additions (approximate)
- Calories: +80-100 calories
- Fat: +7-9g
- Carbohydrates: +3-5g
- Protein: +1-2g
- Sodium: +200-300mg
Animal Style Fries Additions (approximate)
- Calories: +300-350 calories
- Fat: +25-30g
- Carbohydrates: +8-10g
- Protein: +7-9g
- Sodium: +500-700mg
For those tracking nutritional intake, these additions should be factored into dietary decisions. The Animal Style modifications significantly increase the caloric and fat content, particularly for the fries.
How to Order Animal Style: Insider Tips
Ordering Animal Style items efficiently enhances the experience while keeping the line moving:
- Be direct: Simply say “Double-Double Animal Style” or “Animal Style Fries” when ordering
- Specify modifications: If you want additional customizations, be clear: “Double-Double Animal Style with no tomato”
- Know alternatives: If you only want parts of the Animal Style experience, you can request specific elements:
- “Mustard-grilled patty only”
- “Extra spread and grilled onions, but no mustard”
- “Add spread and cheese to fries, but no grilled onions”
Each of these partial modifications will be priced differently, typically at a reduced cost compared to the full Animal Style upcharge.
Combination Deals and Animal Style
In-N-Out’s simplified menu doesn’t offer traditional “combo meals” with bundled pricing. Instead, customers create their own combinations by ordering individual items. This à la carte approach applies to Animal Style items as well:
| Typical Meal Combination | Standard Price | With Animal Style Burger | With Animal Style Fries | All Animal Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-Double + Fries + Drink | $9.85 | $10.15 | $11.30 | $11.60 |
| Cheeseburger + Fries + Drink | $8.55 | $8.85 | $10.00 | $10.30 |
| 3×3 + Fries + Drink | $11.15 | $11.45 | $12.60 | $12.90 |
While no discount is applied for ordering multiple items, understanding the total price impact helps in budgeting your In-N-Out experience.
Special Events and Animal Style Pricing
In-N-Out rarely offers discounts or promotions, maintaining a consistent pricing structure throughout the year. However, some customers report occasional surprise “comp” items from managers during special circumstances or as customer service recovery. The chain’s focus on everyday value rather than limited-time offers or discounts has been a cornerstone of its business philosophy since 1948.
The Economics Behind Animal Style Pricing
In-N-Out’s pricing strategy for Animal Style items reflects several business considerations:
- Ingredient costs: The added spread, grilled onions, and cheese represent real food costs
- Labor impact: Preparing Animal Style items, especially fries, requires additional preparation steps
- Value perception: The modest upcharge for burgers encourages exploration of the secret menu
- Operational complexity: Managing additional ingredients and preparation methods adds kitchen complexity
The relatively modest upcharge for Animal Style burgers likely represents a strategic decision to enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty rather than maximize profit on each item.
Comparing Animal Style Value to Competitors
When evaluating the value of Animal Style options, it’s helpful to compare with similar premium modifications at competitor chains:
| Chain | Base Burger | Premium Version | Upcharge | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out | $4.95 (Double-Double) | $5.25 (Animal Style) | $0.30 | 6.1% |
| Five Guys | $9.49 (Cheeseburger) | $10.99 (Bacon Cheese) | $1.50 | 15.8% |
| Shake Shack | $7.69 (ShackBurger) | $8.99 (SmokeShack) | $1.30 | 16.9% |
| Culver’s | $5.29 (ButterBurger) | $6.59 (Deluxe w/Cheese) | $1.30 | 24.6% |
This comparison highlights In-N-Out’s relatively modest upcharge percentage for premium modifications compared to competitors.
Practical Examples: Real-World Animal Style Orders and Costs
To provide concrete examples of Animal Style pricing in real-world ordering scenarios:
Example 1: Family of Four
- 2 Double-Doubles Animal Style: $10.50
- 2 Cheeseburgers (regular): $7.30
- 2 Animal Style Fries: $7.20
- 2 Regular Fries: $4.30
- 4 Medium Drinks: $10.60
- Total: $39.90
Example 2: Solo Meal
- Double-Double Animal Style: $5.25
- Animal Style Fries: $3.60
- Medium Drink: $2.65
- Total: $11.50
Example 3: Couple’s Meal
- 2 3×3 Animal Style: $13.10
- 1 Animal Style Fries (to share): $3.60
- 2 Medium Drinks: $5.30
- Total: $22.00
These examples illustrate how Animal Style modifications fit into various ordering scenarios and budgets.
Conclusion: The True Value of Animal Style
The modest price premium for Animal Style modifications represents more than just additional ingredients—it’s an entry point to In-N-Out’s unique culture and a more complex flavor experience. At approximately $0.30 for burgers and $1.45 for fries, these modifications deliver substantial value by transforming familiar items into signature experiences.
For first-time visitors, the Animal Style upcharge offers an affordable way to experience In-N-Out at its most distinctive. For regulars, it provides a consistent way to enhance their favorite meal for a predictable price. In either case, the value proposition extends beyond simple economics to include the cultural and culinary significance of participating in one of fast food’s most enduring secret traditions.
Whether you’re a budget-conscious diner or a flavor enthusiast, understanding Animal Style pricing helps you make informed decisions that maximize both satisfaction and value on your next In-N-Out visit.