In-N-Out Spread Recipe, Ingredients & Calories 2026
This copycat In-N-Out spread recipe tastes remarkably close to the famous burger sauce served at In-N-Out Burger. Below you’ll find the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, nutrition facts, calories, storage tips, and answers to common questions about the restaurant’s signature spread.
Quick Answer
Copycat In-N-Out Spread Recipe
The real spread is made commercially with a precise emulsion process you can’t replicate exactly at home. But this recipe reflects the actual official ingredient profile — oil base, cucumbers, tomatoes, eggs, mustard seeds, turmeric, vinegar, and garlic — giving you a closer result than most copycat versions that just use mayo and pickle relish.
Makes: ~¾ cup (6 servings) | Time: 10 minutes + 30 min chill
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It’s Here |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise (Best Foods/Hellmann’s) | ½ cup | Oil + egg emulsion base |
| Ketchup | 2 tbsp | Tomato, sugar, vinegar |
| Finely minced dill pickle or cucumber | 1 tbsp | Cucumber from official list |
| Distilled white vinegar | 1 tsp | Matches official vinegar |
| Ground mustard powder | ¼ tsp | Mustard seeds approximation |
| Turmeric | ⅛ tsp | Color + mild warmth |
| Garlic powder | ⅛ tsp | Direct from official list |
| Onion powder | ⅛ tsp | Direct from official list |
| Paprika | ⅛ tsp | Color + depth |
| Sugar | ½ tsp | Balances the vinegar |
| Salt | Pinch | To taste |
| Lemon juice | ¼ tsp | Lemon juice concentrate approximation |
Instructions:
- Step 1: Dissolve sugar, ground mustard, and salt into the vinegar first. Stir until fully dissolved — this prevents clumping.
- Step 2: Add mayonnaise, ketchup, minced cucumber/pickle, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. The flavors need time to meld — the difference between 5 minutes and 30 minutes is noticeable.
- Step 4: Stir before serving. Use on burgers, as a dip for fries, or as a sandwich spread.
Why this is closer than other copycat recipes: Most versions use sweet pickle relish (not in the official list), skip turmeric and paprika, and use yellow mustard instead of ground mustard seeds. This version works from the actual ingredient list rather than guessing.
What Is In-N-Out Spread?
In-N-Out spread is the proprietary sauce used on every burger by default — Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double, and Grilled Cheese all come with it unless you say otherwise.
The taste is tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy. The base is oil and eggs — making it closer to an aioli-style emulsion than a standard ketchup-mayo mix. It’s often compared to Thousand Island dressing, but the official ingredient list is meaningfully different — no pickle relish, no cream, and the addition of mustard seeds, turmeric, and paprika gives it a slightly sharper, more complex flavor.
It’s also used in Animal Style builds — extra spread gets added on top of the grilled onions and mustard-fried patty. See the secret menu page for Animal Style details.
Official In-N-Out Spread Ingredients
These are the exact ingredients listed on In-N-Out’s official nutrition and allergen page (January 2026):
| Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil | Cucumbers | Tomatoes |
| Distilled White Vinegar | Whole Eggs | Vinegar |
| Water | Sugar | Mustard Seeds |
| Salt | Corn Syrup | Spices |
| Turmeric | Onion Powder | Garlic Powder |
| Xanthan Gum | Sodium Benzoate (Preservative) | Paprika |
| Calcium Chloride | Lemon Juice Concentrate | Natural Flavors |
| Polysorbate 80 |
Allergen declared: Egg
A few things worth noting from this list:
- No pickle relish — most copycat recipes use sweet pickle relish, but the official ingredient doesn’t list it. The cucumber and vinegar combination produces a similar tangy effect.
- Mustard seeds, not mustard sauce — whole mustard seeds give a slightly different bite than prepared yellow mustard.
- Turmeric and paprika — these add color and mild warmth that standard Thousand Island doesn’t have.
- No dairy — confirmed dairy-free from the official allergen document.
In-N-Out Spread Calories & Nutrition Facts
Official nutrition per packet (28g serving) — sourced from In-N-Out’s nutrition page (January 2026):
| Nutrient | Per Packet (28g) | Per Tablespoon (~14g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | ~70–80 |
| Total Fat | 10g | ~5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | ~0.75g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | ~5mg |
| Sodium | 135mg | ~68mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2g | ~1g |
| Sugars | 1g | ~0.5g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
Key points:
- Most calories come from fat (soybean/canola oil base)
- Carbs are very low — 2g per full packet
- Sodium at 135mg per packet is reasonable
- Removing spread from your order saves ~100 calories
Spread packet vs extra spread: One standard packet is 28g. If you order Animal Style or extra spread, you’re getting roughly 1.5–2x that amount — adding 150–200 calories from the sauce alone.
Is In-N-Out Spread Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free?
Dairy-free: Yes. The official ingredient list contains no milk, cream, or dairy derivatives. Confirmed from In-N-Out’s allergen chart — dairy is not declared as an allergen for the spread.
Gluten-free: Yes. No wheat or gluten-containing ingredients in the spread. For complete gluten-free ordering guidance, see the allergen menu page.
Egg: Yes — allergen declared. Whole eggs are listed as an ingredient. If you have an egg allergy, ask for no spread and substitute ketchup or mustard.
Soy: Yes. Soybean oil is the primary oil base. If you have a soy allergy, the spread is not safe.
How Long Does In-N-Out Spread Last?
Restaurant version: The spread at In-N-Out is made commercially and has preservatives (Sodium Benzoate) — shelf life at the restaurant is handled by their supply chain. You can’t take packets home for later storage.
Homemade version:
- Refrigerator: Up to 7–10 days in an airtight container. Stir before each use.
- Freezer: Not recommended — mayo-based sauces split when frozen. The texture won’t recover after thawing.
- Best practice: Make small batches. A half-cup batch lasts a week and stays fresh throughout.
How to Use In-N-Out Spread
On burgers: It’s on every In-N-Out burger by default. If you want extra, say “extra spread.” If you want it on the side for dipping, say “spread on the side.”
On Animal Style fries: The spread is one of three toppings on Animal Style fries (along with cheese and grilled onions). It’s what ties the whole thing together.
As a dip for fries: Works well as a standalone dipping sauce. The tangy, slightly sweet profile cuts through the saltiness of fries cleanly.
As a sandwich spread: The homemade version works on any sandwich or wrap. It’s particularly good on turkey burgers and grilled chicken.
Can you buy In-N-Out spread separately? No. The spread is not sold in bottles, packets, or online. It’s only available as a topping at In-N-Out restaurants.
In-N-Out Spread FAQ
What is In-N-Out spread made of?
The official ingredients from In-N-Out’s nutrition page are: soybean and/or canola oil, cucumbers, tomatoes, distilled white vinegar, whole eggs, water, sugar, mustard seeds, salt, corn syrup, turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice concentrate, and natural flavors. The only declared allergen is egg.
How many calories are in In-N-Out spread?
One spread packet (28g) contains 100 calories, according to In-N-Out’s official nutrition page updated January 2026. Per tablespoon, the count is approximately 70–80 calories. Most calories come from the oil base — fat is 10g per packet with very low carbs (2g) and zero protein.
Is In-N-Out spread the same as Thousand Island dressing?
Similar but not the same. Both use an oil-and-egg base with tomato and vinegar. The key differences are that In-N-Out spread uses mustard seeds, turmeric, paprika, and cucumber — not the pickle relish, cream, or celery seeds found in traditional Thousand Island. The result is slightly tangier and less sweet.
Is In-N-Out spread dairy-free?
Yes. In-N-Out spread contains no dairy ingredients. It is egg-based (soybean/canola oil emulsified with whole eggs), but no milk, cream, or cheese is present. This is confirmed on In-N-Out’s official allergen chart where dairy is not declared for the spread.
Is In-N-Out spread gluten-free?
Yes. The spread contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. It is safe for gluten-sensitive customers by ingredients, though cross-contact in the kitchen is always possible. See the allergen menu page for full guidance.
Can I get In-N-Out spread on the side?
Yes. Just ask for “spread on the side” when ordering. The associate will put it in a small container. You can also request extra spread at no charge.
How do I make In-N-Out spread at home?
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, a small amount of finely minced cucumber or dill pickle, white vinegar, ground mustard, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, salt, and a touch of lemon juice. Dissolve the dry ingredients into the vinegar first, then mix everything together. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before using. See the full recipe section above for exact amounts.
How long does homemade In-N-Out spread last?
Homemade spread keeps for 7–10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it — mayo-based sauces split when frozen and the texture won’t recover. Stir before each use as the ingredients can separate slightly over time.
Does In-N-Out sell their spread in bottles?
No. In-N-Out spread is not sold in any retail format — no bottles, jars, or packets for purchase. It’s only available as a burger topping at In-N-Out locations.
What can I substitute for In-N-Out spread?
If you want no spread on your burger, the most common substitutes are ketchup, mustard, or both. For the Animal Style experience without the spread, grilled onions and pickles alone still add significant flavor. Any Thousand Island-style dressing works as a rough substitute if you’re making burgers at home.
