Everyone has a soft spot for fast food fries. Whether you’re sneaking them on your lunch break, indulging during a late-night drive-thru run or saving them for your cheat day splurge, fries are the ultimate guilty pleasure. But not all fries are created equal, and some might leave you wondering why you wasted those precious calories. We’ve taken on the deliciously tough job of taste-testing and ranking fast food fries so you don’t have to. Here’s are (subjective) ranking.
10. Popeye’s
Popeyes Cajun Fries come with their own twist, sprinkled with the chain’s unique Cajun seasoning. However, this special touch might not be for everyone. While the fries themselves are usually crispy and seem fresh, the seasoning can be a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting a kick. Instead of a spicy blast, it leans more towards a dry, herby taste, reminding you of sage or oregano. If you’re not a fan of those flavors, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for ketchup to cover it up.
9. Burger King
Burger King promises fries that are “piping hot and perfectly salted,” but the reality can be a bit off. They do come out warm and with a decent amount of salt, but they’re often too thick and not fully cooked, leaving you feeling like you’re biting into a hot, almost raw potato. They’re meant to be thicker than your typical shoestring fries, but they definitely need more time in the fryer to cook all the way through. Stick with a flame-broiled burger, they do that pretty well.
8. KFC
KFC adds a twist to their fries by tossing them in the Colonel’s famous mix of herbs and spices, stepping away from the typical salted fare. Though this seasoning brings a unique flavor, the fries themselves don’t quite hit the mark of being memorable. They’re usually served crispy and seem to be made fresh, yet they still leave you feeling something’s missing without a dip in some ketchup. Come for the fried chicken, skip the fries.
7. Sonic
At Sonic, you’ve got loads of options to choose from, but let’s be real: their fries don’t really stand out. They’re just basic fries that, for some reason, never seem to be fresh. It’s a good idea to skip them and go for something else on the menu, like the onion rings or tater tots, which are way better.
6. Shake Shack
Shake Shack takes a beloved classic, the crinkle-cut fry, and adds its own twist by beefing up the thickness. These fries usually hit the spot, especially when teamed up with a Shack Burger. Yet, they occasionally fall into the trap of being under-seasoned or a tad too crunchy for comfort. Nobody’s looking for a fry that’s a challenge to bite into. Despite these minor missteps, Shake Shack redeems itself by serving up the option to drench your fries in cheese, and that’s never a bad decision.
5. Arby’s Curly Fries
Curly fries are a rare find on most menus, possibly because they just can’t compete with Arby’s signature offering. Arby’s curly fries are in a league of their own – perfectly seasoned, delightfully crispy, and strangely enough, still delicious on the rare occasion they’re a bit limp. The thrill of discovering an ideally coiled fry in your order is unmatched. It’s this consistent satisfaction that easily places Arby’s curly fries among the top contenders in any fry ranking.
4. Five Guys
Five Guys fries stand out in the fast-food world, not just for their taste but also for their generous servings. Cooked in peanut oil, these hand-cut fries have a unique, irresistible flavor and a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. They’re served in overflowing cups that ensure you have more than enough to satisfy your craving, often with extra fries spilling into the bag. Add some malt vinegar to them and it’s a true boardwalk experience.
3. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A rolls with waffle fries, a rare find in fast food. These fries are good: they’re crispy outside, soft inside, and the waffle shape means you get a nice crunch every time. The downside? They’re a bit big and awkward for dipping, but that’s hardly a deal-breaker. Just make sure to have some CFA sauce nearby.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s fries easily make it near the top of any fast food list. Known for their thin, crispy texture, these fries are a crowd-pleaser, especially when they’re fresh out of the fryer. They’re a classic side that pairs perfectly with anything on the menu, especially a Big Mac. Against such a well-known main dish, McDonald’s fries still manage to stand out, proving why they’re so iconic.
1. Wendy’s
Putting Wendy’s fries at the top might raise some eyebrows, especially over McDonald’s, but it’s not just about who’s more popular. Wendy’s nails it with their natural-cut fries that are always served fresh and with the right amount of salt. They’ve mastered the balance between crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re just right in thickness, making them pretty much the ideal fry. Sure, they’re great with ketchup, but the real secret is dipping them in a chocolate Frosty.
These 10 Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches Are Worth Waking Up For
In the hustle and bustle of morning routines, grabbing a breakfast sandwich on the go has become a staple for the workday rush. Yet, navigating through the myriad of options reveals that not every sandwich hits the mark. Whether your preference leans towards crispy bacon, specific cheese types, or you have dietary restrictions, the quest for the perfect breakfast sandwich is real. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best offerings out there that redefine the morning meal game for on-the-go eaters.
See Them Here: These 10 Fast Food Breakfast Sandwiches Are Worth Waking Up For
11 Fast Food Chains That Should Just Go Away For Good
Let’s face it, fast food joints are a staple in America’s dining landscape, offering that too-tempting blend of convenience and comfort. Yet, for every moment of indulgence, there’s a chance you’ll end up with a meal that leaves you more disappointed than satisfied.
Read it Here: 11 Fast Food Chains That Should Just Go Away For Good
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
