The good and the bad: Changes behind your favorite French fries and what you need to know!
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Ah, the humble French fry – a golden, crispy delight that has long been the perfect companion to a juicy burger. It's the quintessential American fast food side dish, loved by all ages. Could you even imagine going into your favorite fast food place without getting their fries?
But as we've continued to savor these salty treats, the fast food giants have been busy behind the scenes, tweaking and transforming our beloved fries in ways both subtle and significant. Should you be worried?
Let's take a stroll down memory lane and explore how some of the most iconic fast food French fries have evolved over the years – for better or for worse.
McDonald's: A Taste of Nostalgia Lost
McDonald's fries have been a staple of American fast food since they first sizzled in their fryers. The original recipe, a blend of vegetable oil and beef tallow known as Formula 47, was a sensation.
However, health concerns in the '90s led to a switch to pure vegetable oil, and many aficionados lament that the fries lost their magic. While still staying popular and close to the original version, those who have tasted the McDonald’s fries before July 23, 1990 would know it’s not the same anymore.
Wendy's: From Steak Fries to Natural Cut
Wendy's once served up thick-cut steak fries that were the perfect match for their square burgers. These fries were just the right amount of crispy and fluffy.
But in the pursuit of innovation after 40 years, Wendy's switched to natural cut fries in 2010 and later added a hint of batter-like coating in 2021 to maintain quality for drive-thru and delivery.
These fries aim to stay hot longer and are designed to pair perfectly with a Frosty. While some may miss the old steak fries, the new natural cut fries have found their own fan base as it stays hot, flavorful, and fluffy with the right amount of sea salt.
Hardee's and Carl's Jr.: The Curly Fry Conundrum
Hardee's and Carl's Jr. were known for their delicious curly fries, a unique offering among burger chains. However, in 2006, they introduced a thicker, natural-cut fry to complement their new Angus beef ThickBurgers.
This change aimed to elevate the dining experience–a bigger fry for a bigger burger–but Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. didn’t change anything about their interior or branding to reflect the new target.
The ratings didn’t catch up with the bigger is better idea either. While it isn’t horribly received, these fries have no major fans.
Sonic: Crinkle Cut Comeback
Sonic, long known for its tater tots, made a bold move in 2024 by overhauling its fry menu with crinkle-cut fries, dubbed “Groovy Fries.”
Accompanied by a unique dipping sauce–a sriracha/ranch-style dip–these fries have been a hit. Sonic wisely kept its legendary tots on the menu, ensuring that fans of the classic side could still indulge.
Arby's: The Naked Fry Experiment
Arby's, famous for its curly fries, surprised everyone by introducing a new crinkle-cut fry.
Despite a significant marketing push, these fries have been met with less-than-stellar reviews, described as "mediocre," "undercooked," and "limp".
Fortunately, the iconic curly fries remain the star at Arby's, and the new addition hasn't dented the chain's popularity.
Shake Shack: A Crinkle-Cut Roller Coaster
Shake Shack's fans are passionate about their crinkle-cut fries. An attempt to switch to fresh, hand-cut fries in 2014 was met with such uproar that the crinkle-cuts were quickly reinstated.
In 2023, Shake Shack experimented with cooking fries in sugarcane oil, a healthier and more sustainable option, which received positive feedback. A second collaboration with Zero Acre Farms is planned for 2025, showing that Shake Shack is not afraid to innovate while listening to its customers.
Source: @grubspot / Tiktok.
Jack in the Box: A Fry for Every Taste
Jack in the Box has always been about variety, and its fry game is no exception.
Starting out with a natural cut, skin on fry, the fast food chain evolved to a standardized, generic fry in 2010. Despite going against the common rule that time, they were met with positive feedback from customers.
With options ranging from shoestring to curly fries, and even potato wedges, Jack in the Box caters to all fry preferences. This approach has kept the chain relevant and beloved by those who appreciate a diverse menu with their signature curly fries or Halfsie fries to get both curly and straight-cut fries.
Burger King: The Quest for the Perfect Fry
Burger King has had a tumultuous relationship with its fries. In the late 90s, Burger King tried to add more crisp to its fries with an outer starch coating, but this didn’t work.
Efforts to improve crispness or offer healthier options like Satisfries have fallen flat. Instead, Burger King has found success with non-potato options, such as Chicken Fries and the new “Fiery” menu items. It seems that Burger King has accepted its place in the fry hierarchy and is focusing on its strengths elsewhere.
Have you noticed these changes in your favorite fast food fries? Do you have a preference for the old or the new? Or perhaps you have a fry-related story to tell? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
But as we've continued to savor these salty treats, the fast food giants have been busy behind the scenes, tweaking and transforming our beloved fries in ways both subtle and significant. Should you be worried?
Let's take a stroll down memory lane and explore how some of the most iconic fast food French fries have evolved over the years – for better or for worse.
McDonald's: A Taste of Nostalgia Lost
McDonald's fries have been a staple of American fast food since they first sizzled in their fryers. The original recipe, a blend of vegetable oil and beef tallow known as Formula 47, was a sensation.
However, health concerns in the '90s led to a switch to pure vegetable oil, and many aficionados lament that the fries lost their magic. While still staying popular and close to the original version, those who have tasted the McDonald’s fries before July 23, 1990 would know it’s not the same anymore.
Many fast food chains have altered their french fries over the years, leading to mixed reactions from customers. Image source: McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
Wendy's: From Steak Fries to Natural Cut
Wendy's once served up thick-cut steak fries that were the perfect match for their square burgers. These fries were just the right amount of crispy and fluffy.
But in the pursuit of innovation after 40 years, Wendy's switched to natural cut fries in 2010 and later added a hint of batter-like coating in 2021 to maintain quality for drive-thru and delivery.
These fries aim to stay hot longer and are designed to pair perfectly with a Frosty. While some may miss the old steak fries, the new natural cut fries have found their own fan base as it stays hot, flavorful, and fluffy with the right amount of sea salt.
Hardee's and Carl's Jr.: The Curly Fry Conundrum
Hardee's and Carl's Jr. were known for their delicious curly fries, a unique offering among burger chains. However, in 2006, they introduced a thicker, natural-cut fry to complement their new Angus beef ThickBurgers.
This change aimed to elevate the dining experience–a bigger fry for a bigger burger–but Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. didn’t change anything about their interior or branding to reflect the new target.
The ratings didn’t catch up with the bigger is better idea either. While it isn’t horribly received, these fries have no major fans.
Sonic: Crinkle Cut Comeback
Sonic, long known for its tater tots, made a bold move in 2024 by overhauling its fry menu with crinkle-cut fries, dubbed “Groovy Fries.”
Fast food restaurants like Sonic, Hardee's, Carl's Jr., Arby's, Shake Shack, Jack in the Box, and Burger King have all experimented with their fries' cuts. Image source: Hardee’s and Arby’s.
Accompanied by a unique dipping sauce–a sriracha/ranch-style dip–these fries have been a hit. Sonic wisely kept its legendary tots on the menu, ensuring that fans of the classic side could still indulge.
Arby's: The Naked Fry Experiment
Arby's, famous for its curly fries, surprised everyone by introducing a new crinkle-cut fry.
Despite a significant marketing push, these fries have been met with less-than-stellar reviews, described as "mediocre," "undercooked," and "limp".
Fortunately, the iconic curly fries remain the star at Arby's, and the new addition hasn't dented the chain's popularity.
Shake Shack: A Crinkle-Cut Roller Coaster
Shake Shack's fans are passionate about their crinkle-cut fries. An attempt to switch to fresh, hand-cut fries in 2014 was met with such uproar that the crinkle-cuts were quickly reinstated.
In 2023, Shake Shack experimented with cooking fries in sugarcane oil, a healthier and more sustainable option, which received positive feedback. A second collaboration with Zero Acre Farms is planned for 2025, showing that Shake Shack is not afraid to innovate while listening to its customers.
Source: @grubspot / Tiktok.
Jack in the Box: A Fry for Every Taste
Jack in the Box has always been about variety, and its fry game is no exception.
Starting out with a natural cut, skin on fry, the fast food chain evolved to a standardized, generic fry in 2010. Despite going against the common rule that time, they were met with positive feedback from customers.
With options ranging from shoestring to curly fries, and even potato wedges, Jack in the Box caters to all fry preferences. This approach has kept the chain relevant and beloved by those who appreciate a diverse menu with their signature curly fries or Halfsie fries to get both curly and straight-cut fries.
Burger King: The Quest for the Perfect Fry
Burger King has had a tumultuous relationship with its fries. In the late 90s, Burger King tried to add more crisp to its fries with an outer starch coating, but this didn’t work.
Efforts to improve crispness or offer healthier options like Satisfries have fallen flat. Instead, Burger King has found success with non-potato options, such as Chicken Fries and the new “Fiery” menu items. It seems that Burger King has accepted its place in the fry hierarchy and is focusing on its strengths elsewhere.
Have you noticed these changes in your favorite fast food fries? Do you have a preference for the old or the new? Or perhaps you have a fry-related story to tell? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
