The 7 Ultimate Secrets Of In-N-Out’s Animal Style Burger: A Must-Read Guide For 2025

The Animal Style Burger at In-N-Out is more than just a menu item; it is a cultural phenomenon, a rite of passage for West Coast visitors, and the most famous "secret" in the fast-food world. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the allure of this customized creation remains strong, driven by its unique combination of flavors that elevate a standard cheeseburger into a messy, savory masterpiece.

For decades, In-N-Out has maintained a famously simple menu, which is precisely why the *Animal Style* option—a term that originated with enthusiastic, often rowdy, customers—has become the ultimate insider hack. This modification transforms the classic burger with four key additions, offering a flavor profile that is richer, tangier, and far more complex than the original, securing its place as the true king of the In-N-Out "Not So Secret Menu."

The Complete Anatomy of an Animal Style Burger

Understanding the *Animal Style* modification is the first step to truly appreciating its brilliance. It’s not just one change, but a combination of precise cooking and ingredient additions that work in harmony. The standard In-N-Out Cheeseburger or Double-Double is the base, but the Animal Style treatment adds four crucial elements:

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• Mustard-Grilled Patty: This is arguably the most essential component. Instead of simply grilling the 100% American beef patty, the cook squirts yellow mustard onto the raw meat before flipping it on the grill. The mustard sears into the patty as it cooks, creating a subtle, tangy crust that locks in moisture and adds a depth of flavor that is absent in a regular burger.
• Extra Spread: The signature Thousand Island-style sauce, referred to simply as "Spread" by In-N-Out, is applied generously. While a regular burger gets a standard amount, the *Animal Style* version is slathered with a heaping helping, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful.
• Grilled Onions: Instead of the raw, crisp, and pungent white onions found on a regular burger, the *Animal Style* uses onions that have been slow-cooked until they are soft, caramelized, and sweet. These sweet, savory grilled onions are chopped finely and piled high.
• Pickles: A non-standard addition! Unlike the regular menu items, the *Animal Style* burger is topped with pickles. These crinkle-cut pickles provide a bright, acidic crunch that cuts through the richness of the beef, cheese, and extra spread.

When you combine the tangy mustard-seared beef, the savory grilled onions, the creamy spread, and the tart pickles, the result is a textural and flavor explosion that has captivated diners since its inception.

The Surprising History and Origin of the "Animal Style" Name

The term *Animal Style* has a colorful and unique history that dates back to the early 1960s, a time when In-N-Out was still a small, regional chain. The modification itself—the mustard-grilling and extra toppings—was first created in 1961. According to the company, it was developed in response to customer requests, indicating that the desire for a "loaded" burger has always been part of the In-N-Out experience.

However, the name *Animal Style* is the most intriguing part. It’s not a corporate creation. The legend suggests the name was coined by a group of particularly rowdy, enthusiastic teenagers or young adults who frequented the restaurants. These customers, often described as "wild" or "animals" by employees due to their boisterous nature and unique ordering habits, popularized the specific modification. The term stuck, and employees began using "Animal Style" as shorthand for the mustard-cooked patty with all the extra fixings. Today, In-N-Out officially lists it on its "Not So Secret Menu," acknowledging its grassroots origin and immense popularity.

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Mastering the In-N-Out Secret Menu: How to Order Like a Pro

Ordering an *Animal Style* burger is incredibly simple, but knowing the lingo can save you time and ensure you get exactly what you want. The key is to specify the base burger first, then add the modification.

The Essential Animal Style Orders

• "Cheeseburger Animal Style": This gets you a single patty cheeseburger with all the *Animal Style* modifications.
• "Double-Double Animal Style": The most popular and classic choice, featuring two beef patties and two slices of American cheese, all prepared *Animal Style*.
• "3x3 Animal Style" or "4x4 Animal Style": For the truly hungry, this applies the modifications to a three-patty or four-patty burger.

The Animal Style Fries Phenomenon

The *Animal Style* treatment isn't limited to the burger. Its application to the fresh-cut fries is equally famous and often considered mandatory by enthusiasts. When you order "Animal Style Fries," you receive a basket of hot, crispy fries topped with:

• Melted American Cheese (often two slices).
• A generous drizzle of In-N-Out Spread.
• A heaping pile of the signature caramelized grilled onions.

The combination of melted cheese, creamy spread, and sweet onions turns a simple side into a decadent, gooey meal in itself, often requiring a fork to eat. This side dish is almost as iconic as the burger and is a perfect complement to the tangy, savory flavors of the Animal Style burger.

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Beyond Animal Style: Exploring Other In-N-Out Customizations

While *Animal Style* is the most famous, your journey into the In-N-Out secret menu shouldn't stop there. The company offers several other popular modifications that cater to different tastes and dietary needs, demonstrating the flexibility of their simple, high-quality ingredients.

Protein Style

For those looking to reduce their carb intake, the *Protein Style* option is the perfect alternative. Instead of a toasted bun, the burger is wrapped in large, crisp hand-leafed lettuce. This substitution allows you to enjoy the fresh beef, cheese, and toppings without the bread, making it a popular choice for health-conscious diners or those following a ketogenic diet.

The "Flying Dutchman"

This is the ultimate minimalist order. The *Flying Dutchman* is simply two slices of cheese melted between two beef patties, with no bun, no vegetables, and no spread. It’s a pure, unadulterated meat and cheese experience. You can even combine this with the *Animal Style* modification, though it’s less common.

Fries Well-Done

If you prefer your fries extra crispy, a simple "Fries Well-Done" request will ensure they are left in the fryer a bit longer, giving them a satisfying crunch that many customers prefer over the standard, softer texture.

The enduring popularity of the *Animal Style* burger is a testament to the power of customization and high-quality ingredients. It’s a recipe that has remained unchanged since 1961, a consistent and reliable treat that embodies the spirit of California fast-food culture. Whether you're ordering a classic Double-Double or venturing into the world of a 4x4, adding the *Animal Style* touch guarantees a memorable, flavor-packed meal that lives up to its legendary reputation every single time.