In-N-Out Burger prints Bible verses on its packaging. The practice began in the late 1980s, initiated by Rich Snyder, the son of the company’s founders and a born-again Christian, shortly before his death in 1993. He wanted to share his faith through the family business by subtly including references to specific Bible verses on drink cups and food wrappers. The verses are printed in small, discreet text, typically only the book and verse number, not the full text of the passage.
The verses found on their packaging are as follows:
- John 3:16 on soda cups, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- Proverbs 3:5 on milkshake cups, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
- Revelation 3:20 on hamburger and cheeseburger wrappers, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
- Nahum 1:7 on Double-Double burger wrappers, The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
- John 14:6 on water cups only used by employees, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
- Prov 24:16 on Fry boxes – … for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
- Luke 6:35 on coffee cups – But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
- John 13:34 on hot cocoa cups – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
- Isaiah 9:6 on Christmas cups – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The tradition has continued under Lynsi Snyder, the current CEO and granddaughter of the founders, who is an evangelical Christian and has expanded the practice to include additional items such as fry boats, coffee cups, hot cocoa cups, and other packaging. She has stated that the inclusion of these verses is a family tradition and a personal expression of faith, honoring her uncle’s legacy while maintaining the company’s values. The practice remains a quiet, unobtrusive aspect of In-N-Out’s branding, reflecting the family’s religious beliefs without overt proselytizing.
