The 'Dark Secret' You Didn't Know About IHOP's Eggs

Six days ago, TikTok user Grossi, a one time server at IHOP, took to social media to respond to a prompt about the most messed up thing they saw while working in a restaurant. In the video, they explained that while they enjoyed working at IHOP, they discovered during training that the scrambled eggs and omelettes they serve are only made with fresh cracked eggs if the customer specifically asks for real eggs. Otherwise, they're made from "packaged bag egg substitute." Additionally, IHOP staff can only inform customers of the reality of the eggs' unreality if directly asked.

To that end, In The Know published quotes from comments expressing feelings of betrayal and lament due to the ruination of their favorite restaurant. And according to their piece, other employees backed up this revelation. "I worked at IHOP and he's telling the truth," one person revealed. However, despite the fact that rumors of this practice predate the TikTok video, the piece ultimately says the truth of the claim remains unclear.

Of course, a balanced view must grant that the TikTok is merely redeploying old rumors for a greater engagement. However, the mention of fake eggs without any major variation to the story indicates that there seems to be at least a basis in reality there.

In 2012, a Foursquare tipster suggested that visitors should opt for the fake eggs over the real, as even though you can't differentiate between the two, the fake eggs boast less fat. Additionally, in 2014, a TripAdvisor review raged over the discovery of fake eggs. "If you want REAL eggs you have to specifically ask for them!! And you get charged $2.69 extra for those!" Furthermore, a petition formed seven years ago, demanding that IHOP tell their customers that they don't use real eggs. And so on and so on.

However, to be fair, IHOP probably does use real eggs as the egg substitute is made from egg whites and additives, as Askinglot claims. And freshly cracked eggs are used for poached eggs and the like as they cook better that way. Of course, many may react to that pedantic point by saying that they when say real eggs, they mean freshly cracked eggs, not a substitute liquid made from egg whites. Even so, there are eggs present in the omelettes. They just happen to be processed first.