‘What Year Is It at In-N-Out Burger?’: Utah Woman’s Milkshake Discovery Stuns the Internet
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A Utah woman’s casual milkshake run turned into a viral discovery after she realized that In-N-Out Burger has secret milkshake sizes — and the biggest one only costs $5.
The revelation came from tattoo artist Brookelyn Kelly (@brookelynwithab), who shared her surprise on TikTok earlier this month after noticing something unusual about the California-based chain’s menu.
“So In-N-Out Burger — if you go there, it says on the menu ‘shakes’ and they’re like $3. There’s no sizes,” Kelly said in her video. “But they actually do have other sizes — large and extra-large — and the extra-large is just $5! What year is it at In-N-Out Burger?”
Her reaction struck a nostalgic chord online, reminding fans of a simpler time when fast-food prices didn’t require double takes.
The Viral Discovery
Kelly said she stumbled upon the secret sizes purely by accident.
“I was at the drive-thru with my friend and said I wished they had bigger milkshakes,” she told BroBible. “The guy at the window said they did — and I was like, what?! I had no idea!”
Since posting her TikTok, the video has amassed nearly 238,000 views and hundreds of comments from fans amazed that the decades-old chain still sells an extra-large shake for less than the cost of a latte.
“A lot of places would charge $8–$12 for a shake that big,” Kelly added. “It’s ridiculous — in the best way.”
A Chain Frozen in Time
Founded in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California, In-N-Out Burger has grown from a single drive-thru to hundreds of locations across the western U.S. — including new restaurants in Utah and the Pacific Northwest.
Despite its cult status, the chain has stayed remarkably old-fashioned: it hasn’t adopted digital kiosks or third-party delivery apps, and prices remain notably lower than competitors like Shake Shack or Five Guys.
“They’re proof you can be profitable and affordable while paying a full staff good wages,” one commenter wrote.
In-N-Out’s family ownership and steady leadership under Lynsi Snyder, the founders’ granddaughter, have helped preserve its identity — and prices — through decades of industry changes.
“How badass is it that a woman is running that beautiful show?” Kelly said. “I have a lot of respect for how she does things.”
@brookelynwithab All the wasted years. #innout
Fans React: ‘It’s Always 1994 at In-N-Out’
Viewers couldn’t get enough of Kelly’s “1994 moment.” One fan compared the discovery to the iconic milkshake scene in Pulp Fiction, where Uma Thurman’s character orders a $5 shake that shocks John Travolta’s character for being “so expensive.”
“Now it’s like the roles have reversed,” another TikTok user commented. “A $5 shake today feels like a steal.”
Many thanked Kelly for uncovering what some jokingly called “the best-kept secret on the West Coast.”
“I did not know you can get a larger shake?!!!” one commenter wrote. “This changes everything.”
Why Fans Love the Brand
Beyond the milkshake revelation, the viral post reignited praise for In-N-Out’s reputation for quality and simplicity.
Customers often cite fresh ingredients, clean stores, and happy employees as reasons for their loyalty.
While some have criticized the company’s inclusion of Bible verses on packaging, Kelly said that’s not a dealbreaker.
“If subtle Bible verses are the biggest complaint I’ve heard, but their customers and employees are happy — they’re doing pretty dang good,” she said.
Tips from a Superfan
Kelly, who proudly calls herself an In-N-Out “superfan,” even offered some insider ordering hacks:
- “Fry light” – Fries cooked for less time for a softer texture.
- Add chili peppers – For a spicy twist on the classic burger.
- Go extra-large on the shake – Because now you know you can.
“Especially if you’re a slow eater, regular fries there are not kind to you,” she joked. “And that extra-large shake? Absolute game-changer.”
A Milkshake That Broke the Internet
In a time when fast-food prices keep climbing, In-N-Out’s $5 milkshake has given fans a dose of nostalgia — and a reminder that some traditions never change.
“It’s always 1994 at In-N-Out,” one commenter wrote. “And I’m not mad about it.”
Would you order an extra-large In-N-Out shake for just $5 — or stick to the classic size? Share your thoughts and join the conversation now at NapervilleLocal.com.
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