Brian Nagele
Burger enthusiasts are likely aware of the ongoing argument between Five Guys and In-N-Out. Both fast food franchises are well-known and have been in business for many years. While In-N-Out is well-known for its fresh ingredients and secret menu, Five Guys is renowned for its customizable burgers and unlimited toppings.
In terms of cost, Five Guys often charges more than In-N-Out. However, some contend that the superior ingredients in Five Guys’ burgers make the higher price point worthwhile.
In contrast, In-N-Out is a well-liked option for people on a budget because of its less complicated menu and more affordable costs.
In the end, everything boils down to taste and what you look for in a burger.
Despite the opinions of chefs and culinary experts, the solution remains arbitrary.
Some contend that the superior quality of the ingredients and the customizable options make Five Guys’ burgers the best.
Others consider In-N-Out to be the winner because of its simplicity and use of fresh ingredients.
The choice of which fast food restaurant brand serves the tastiest burger is ultimately up to you.
History
Five Guys
Jerry and Janie Murrell established Five Guys in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986.
The parents decided to create a burger restaurant in order to give their four sons a chance to work together as a family.
With just burgers, fries, and hot dogs on the menu when they first opened, The Murrells immediately won over a devoted clientele.
Five Guys is renowned for its hand-cut fries, unlimited toppings, and fresh, never-frozen beef patties.
Five Guys has over 1,500 stores worldwide and has been recognized as the American fast food business with the fastest rate of expansion.
The Murrell family still owns and runs the company, demonstrating how the corporation has maintained faithful to its origins.
In N Out
Harry and Esther Snyder established In N Out in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948.
The couple’s simple guiding principle was to offer delicious food at affordable prices. The only items on the menu at In N Out are burgers, fries, and beverages.
However, individuals who are aware of the company’s secret menu can choose from a number of inventive burger selections.
In N Out has remained true to its basic ideals and continues to employ hand-cut fries, fresh, never-frozen beef, and genuine ice cream.
The business continues to value its workers by providing benefits and wages that are above average.
Over 350 In N Out establishments can be found in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah as of right now.
The organization enjoys a cult-like following and is well-known for its recognizable logo and vivid red and yellow color scheme.
Menu Comparison
Both Five Guys and In-N-Out offer burgers, fries, and shakes on their menus, but there are some key distinctions to be aware of.
Burgers
A bacon cheeseburger, a double bacon cheeseburger, and a veggie burger are among the more extensive menu items at Five Guys.
Contrarily, In-N-Out exclusively sells the double-double (two beef patties and two slices of cheese), cheeseburger, and hamburger.
Both franchises use fresh, never-frozen meat, but Five Guys offers a wider selection of burger toppings, such as grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapenos, and A1 sauce.
The “secret menu” of In-N-Out, however, features items like “Animal Style” (grilled onions, pickles, and special sauce) and “Protein Style” (lettuce in place of a bun).
Fries
Fries are prepared substantially differently at Five Guys and In-N-Out. While In-N-Out’s fries are thin-cut and soft, Five Guys’ fries are thick-cut and crispy.
While In-N-Out only has one size of fries, Five Guys offers a greater size option.
The “Animal Style” fries at In-N-Out, on the other hand, are topped with cheese, grilled onions, and a unique sauce.
You can top your fries at Five Guys with a number of ingredients, including cheddar, bacon, and Cajun flavor.
Shakes
Milkshakes are available at Five Guys and In-N-Out in a range of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Additionally, Five Guys offers a greater selection of smoothie mix-ins, such as Oreo cookie chunks, peanut butter, and bacon.
Overall, Five Guys has a larger selection of menu items and more customization possibilities, while In-N-Out has a more condensed menu but does offer some distinctive options like “Animal Style” and “Protein Style.”
Quality of Ingredients
Both Five Guys and In-N-Out employ fresh, never frozen beef for their burgers when it comes to ingredient quality.
There are some variations in the kinds of beef utilized, though. Eighty percent lean meat and twenty percent fat make up the 80/20 beef that Five Guys employs.
The beef used by In-N-Out, on the other hand, is a little leaner, with a 70/30 ratio of lean to fat.
Both establishments provide a range of topping choices, including lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and cheese.
While In-N-Out has its renowned “secret menu” with choices like animal style and protein type burgers, Five Guys also offers bacon and grilled mushrooms.
Five Guys uses fresh potatoes that are hand-cut in-house each day for its fries, which are cooked in peanut oil.
Fresh potatoes are also used by In-N-Out, however they are precut and cooked in sunflower oil.
Ketchup, mayo, and mustard are just a few of the dipping sauces that are available from both establishments.
Overall, the burgers and fries at Five Guys and In-N-Out are made with premium ingredients.
Both companies place a high priority on the freshness and quality of their ingredients, despite slight variations in the types of beef utilized and the methods used to prepare the fries.
Price Comparison
When it comes to fast food, cost is frequently a major deciding factor in where consumers decide to dine.
In order to determine which restaurant delivers the best value for your money, we’ll compare the prices of Five Guys and In-N-Out in this section.
Burger Prices
Both Five Guys and In-N-Out offer a variety of burgers, from the classic cheeseburger to more elaborate options with multiple patties and toppings.
However, when it comes to price, there is a clear winner.
At Five Guys, a basic cheeseburger costs around $7.99, while at In-N-Out, a similar burger costs around $3.85.
That’s a significant difference, and it means that you can get two In-N-Out burgers for the price of one Five Guys burger.
Fries and Drink Prices
Both Five Guys and In-N-Out sell drinks and fries in addition to burgers. Here is how their costs contrast:
- A small order of fries at Five Guys costs around $4.29, while at In-N-Out, a similar order costs around $1.60.
- A medium drink at Five Guys costs around $2.99, while at In-N-Out, a similar drink costs around $1.45.
In-N-Out wins out in terms of price once more. At In-N-Out, a burger, fries, and drink will run you about $8, while the same meal at Five Guys will run you about $15.
Overall Value
Although Five Guys may have a broader selection of toppings and alternatives, In-N-Out is the undisputed champion in terms of price.
In-N-Out is the place to go if you want a quick, inexpensive dinner.
However, Five Guys might be a better alternative for you if you’re ready to spend a little more money in exchange for a greater selection of options.
Although these rates are current as of the writing, keep in mind that they may change based on your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Five Guys or In-N-Out?
In general, In-N-Out is cheaper than Five Guys. While prices vary by location, the average cost of a burger and fries combo at In-N-Out is around $8, while at Five Guys, it’s closer to $12. However, Five Guys does offer larger portion sizes, so you may be getting more for your money.
Which has better burgers, Five Guys or In-N-Out?
This is a matter of personal preference, but both chains are known for their high-quality burgers. Five Guys uses fresh, never frozen beef, while In-N-Out uses fresh, never frozen beef that is free of additives and preservatives. Five Guys offers a wider variety of toppings, while In-N-Out’s menu is more streamlined. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for.
Which has better fries, Five Guys or In-N-Out?
Again, this is a matter of personal preference. Five Guys fries are thick-cut and crispy, while In-N-Out’s fries are thin and crispy. Five Guys fries are cooked in peanut oil, while In-N-Out’s fries are cooked in a blend of sunflower and palm oil. Some people prefer the heartiness of Five Guys fries, while others prefer the simplicity of In-N-Out’s fries.
Which has more locations, Five Guys or In-N-Out?
Five Guys has more locations than In-N-Out. Five Guys has over 1,500 locations in the United States and around the world, while In-N-Out has around 350 locations, mostly in California and the southwestern United States.
Which is healthier, Five Guys or In-N-Out?
Neither Five Guys nor In-N-Out is particularly healthy, as both chains offer high-calorie, high-fat burgers and fries. However, if you’re looking to make a slightly healthier choice, In-N-Out’s burgers are lower in calories and fat than Five Guys’ burgers. In-N-Out also offers a “protein style” option, which replaces the bun with lettuce, making for a lower-carb, lower-calorie meal.
Conclusion
There is no obvious winner in the famous argument between Five Guys and In-N-Out. Both burger franchises have distinctive advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, it comes down to preference.
Five Guys is the place to go if you want a burger that is large, delicious, and loaded with toppings.
They make their burgers to order and provide a wide range of toppings, such as bacon and grilled mushrooms. They also have some of the best fries around, with a crispy outside and a fluffy within.
On the other hand, In-N-Out is the superior option if you prefer a simpler, more traditional burger.
Their burgers are topped with lettuce, tomato, and their special sauce and are produced with fresh, never frozen meat.
They also have a more reasonably priced menu than Five Guys, which makes them a perfect choice for a quick and filling dinner.
Finally, for burger fans, Five Guys and In-N-Out are both excellent choices.
You can’t go wrong with any choice, whether you like a more upscale dining experience or a traditional fast food burger. So why not give them both a try and choose your favorite for yourself?
