This article, “McDonald’s vs. In-N-Out Burger,” compares the two popular hamburger chains. It was inspired by an article titled “How to Eat Smart at McDonald’s” by our Performance Blogging Systems Founder.
McDonald’s was founded in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, by Richard and Maurice McDonald as a BBQ concept. It switched to primarily serving burgers in 1948. Its franchise rights were purchased by Ray Kroc in 1948. The first franchised restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.
In-N-Out Burger was founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, by Harry and Esther Snyder. It was California’s first drive-thru restaurant with a two-way speaker system. It is still family-owned and run by Lynsi Snyder.
McDonald’s Golden Arches were introduced in 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard McDonald thought that two half-circles on either side of the building would make it stand out. His architect, Stanley Clark, designed two 25-foot yellow metal arches trimmed in neon for that first location. It has since become the company logo and is incorporated into all McDonald’s restaurants.
In-N-Out Burger‘s twin crossed palms are the company’s logo and were started in 1972. They were inspired by the movie, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The crossing of the palms represents an “X” marking the spot of a treasure worth finding.
McDonald’s operates in over 100 countries with more than 36,ooo locations.
In-N-Out Burger operates 391+ locations on the West Coast and the Southwest of the United States.
McDonald’s is menu-driven, meaning it does not deviate from its printed menu. Its two most popular items are the Big Mac, introduced in 1968, and the Egg McMuffin in 1975.
In-N-Out Burger allows menu modifications, such as adding onions, but limits modifications to no more than 4 hamburger patties and 4 slices of cheese. They also offer a secret menu offering the famous Animal Style burger with a mustard-cooked patty, extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles.
McDonald’s has a Happy Meal for children, consisting of a main item such as a hamburger or cheeseburger, or Chicken McNuggets, a side (apple slices or yogurt), and drink (milk, juice, or soda) and a small plastic toy or book.
In-N-Out Burger has no special children’s menu, except they offer children under 12 free hot cocoa on rainy or snowy days.
McDonald’s advertising is the largest in the fast food industry, exceeding $4 billion annually, including local store incentives and digital strategies.
In-N-Out Burger advertising is minimal, relying heavily on word-of-mouth to spread the word.
McDonald’s hamburger is 100% beef, flash-frozen into patties made from trimmings from cuts like chuck, round, and sirloin, seasoned with only salt and pepper after cooking.
In-N-Out Burger’s hamburger is 100% USDA ground chuck from premium cattle. It is never frozen and contains no additives, preservatives, or fillers. It is made into patties at each location.
McDonald’s French Fries are Russet or Shepody and are cut, blanched, partially fried, and flash frozen before being shipped to the restaurant. They are fried again in vegetable oil, with ingredients including dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and salt when ordered.
In-N-Out Burger’s French Fries are made from Russet potatoes, hand-cut in each restaurant and fried in 100% sunflower oil. They can be ordered well-done for extra crispness, or Animal Style for added cheese, grilled onions, and sauce.
If you are going to eat Fast Food, I recommend the following:
Even though In-N-Out Burger is as good as it is, or any other fast food you are inclined to eat, for that matter, I recommend supplementing your fast food diet with several products from our Bio-Hacking section of Health and Fitness. In fact, supplementing any diet that you happen to be on with these supplements will help you maintain your health all year long.
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