French fries, a staple of the American fast-food experience, have long been a topic of debate, with passionate opinions about which chain delivers the best.
Every year, new fry innovations arrive on the scene while classic favorites continue to dominate menus across the country.
In 2024, we’ve seen everything from exciting updates to time-honored recipes, all competing for the title of America’s favorite fry. Here’s an in-depth look at how the most popular fast-food fries stack up this year.
Top Fast-Food Fries of 2024
Arby’s Crinkle Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 250 (per small order)
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 3g
Arby’s is known for its famous curly fries, but in recent years, it introduced Crinkle Fries as an alternative. These fries are accordion-shaped, giving them a crispy texture.
While bold in their introduction, Arby’s Crinkle Fries haven’t surpassed the curly fries in popularity.
While they offer a fun twist on the traditional fry, they lack the distinct flavor and crunch that Arby’s customers expect, making them a secondary choice on the menu.
In-N-Out Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbs: 49g
- Protein: 6g
In-N-Out’s fries are highly polarizing. Cut fresh in-house, these Kennebec potato fries are known for their simplicity, but that’s also where they falter for some customers.
While freshly made, the fries are cooked once, not twice like most competitors, which can lead to a lack of crispness.
For those seeking a fresher, natural fry, In-N-Out delivers, but for those craving more texture and flavor, it often disappoints unless ordered “Animal-Style”, which adds toppings like cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce.
WingStop Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 495
- Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbs: 69g
- Protein: 8g
Known more for its wings, WingStop also impresses with its hand-tossed fries. These fries are cut fresh, cooked to order, and seasoned with a signature sweet and savory mix that includes paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar.
The seasoning sets these fries apart from the competition, making them a favorite among fans of seasoned fries. However, due to their sweetness, not everyone is a fan, making them more divisive than other classic options.
Sonic Groovy Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Carbs: 33g
- Protein: 3g
Sonic introduced their Groovy Fries this year, making waves as they updated their fry offering for the first time in a decade.
These crinkle-cut fries boast deep grooves designed to hold onto sauces and seasonings. While the fries have been met with mixed reviews, they’re considered an upgrade over Sonic’s previous fries by some customers. Still, the reception has been largely neutral, with many preferring the original recipe.
Five Guys Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 411
- Fat: 41g
- Sodium: 962mg
- Carbs: 131g
- Protein: 15g
Five Guys is as famous for its fries as it is for its burgers. Cooked in peanut oil and made fresh from Russet potatoes, these “boardwalk-style” fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside.
Unlike most fast-food fries, Five Guys offers a hefty serving size and a unique frying method that sets them apart. While undeniably delicious, the high calorie and fat content make these fries an indulgent choice.
Culver’s Crinkle Cut Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 3g
Culver’s Crinkle Cut Fries offer a satisfying combination of freshness and texture. Made from high-quality Pacific Northwest potatoes, these fries are known for their fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors.
They are consistently fresh and hot, making them a go-to choice for many fast-food fans. While not as innovative as other fries on this list, their reliability and flavor continue to win over customers.
Shake Shack Crinkle Cut Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 470
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Carbs: 63g
- Protein: 6g
While Shake Shack is often lauded for its burgers, its crinkle cut fries are equally beloved. These fries are known for their perfectly crispy exteriors and light, fluffy insides.
They’re also not too salty, which sets them apart from other chains. These fries consistently receive high praise for their balance of texture and seasoning, making them a strong contender in the fry world.
Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 36g
- Sodium: 770mg
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 4g
Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries have become a fan-favorite for their innovative take on the classic french fry. Coated in a spicy seasoning and served with nacho cheese dipping sauce, these fries offer a unique twist on traditional fast-food fries.
While they’re not always on the menu, when they do appear, they’re met with excitement and curiosity. Their bold flavor and customizable nature make them one of the most interesting fries of 2024.
Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Potato Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 5g
Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries are a unique offering that has earned a cult following. Cooked in canola oil and seasoned with sea salt, these fries have been a menu staple since 1985.
Their distinct shape and crispy texture make them a fan favorite, particularly because they pair perfectly with Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces.
Despite concerns earlier this year about their potential removal from the menu, they remain a beloved classic.
Burger King Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbs: 43g
- Protein: 4g
Burger King fries are slightly thicker than traditional shoestring fries, which gives them a fluffy interior while maintaining a crispy exterior.
These fries consistently deliver on texture and flavor, making them a staple of the fast-food giant’s menu. While not as iconic as some of their competitors, Burger King fries hold their own, especially when paired with the chain’s signature Whoppers.
Arby’s Curly Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Carbs: 49g
- Protein: 5g
Arby’s Curly Fries are legendary in the fast-food world. These spiraled potatoes are seasoned with a unique blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and spices, making them a standout side item.
Their shape and flavor profile set them apart from traditional fries, and they remain a favorite among Arby’s fans. While the Crinkle Fries are a recent addition, it’s the Curly Fries that continue to reign supreme.
Wendy’s Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 4g
Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries have gained a loyal following in recent years. With skin-on potatoes and a generous sprinkle of sea salt, these fries are praised for their crispiness and freshness.
Wendy’s has managed to rival even the likes of McDonald’s in the fry world, with some fans claiming that Wendy’s fries are even superior. Paired with their famous Frosty, Wendy’s fries offer the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
McDonald’s World-Famous Fries
Nutrition:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 3g
It’s no surprise that McDonald’s World-Famous Fries top the list. These fries are the gold standard for fast-food french fries, known for their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and perfect balance of salt.
McDonald’s fries are made using Russet Burbank and Shepody potatoes, which are selected for their high starch content, ensuring that iconic texture that customers love.
They are lightly fried in a blend of vegetable oils and finished with a light sprinkling of salt to provide that signature flavor that pairs perfectly with their burgers and other menu items.
The popularity of McDonald’s fries isn’t by accident. They have mastered the process of consistently delivering fries that are crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.
Even chefs praise McDonald’s fries for their perfect balance of flavor and texture. The company has perfected the science of frying their potatoes twice, ensuring they’re cooked just right.
Despite occasional competition, McDonald’s has held the title of the best fast-food french fries for years. The global admiration and fan base that these fries have accrued over the decades are a testament to their unmatched appeal.
Whether enjoyed on their own, alongside a Big Mac, or dunked in a McFlurry for a salty-sweet combination, these fries stand out as the number one fast-food fry in America and perhaps the world.
The Final Word
French fries have become a beloved side item, almost synonymous with fast food in America. From crinkle cuts to waffle fries, each chain offers a unique take on this classic favorite, and each has its legion of dedicated fans.
Whether you prefer the seasoned goodness of WingStop fries or the time-honored crispiness of McDonald’s, one thing is certain: fast-food french fries aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
This year’s roundup has shown us that while some fry recipes have changed or evolved, classics like McDonald’s World-Famous Fries and Arby’s Curly Fries continue to dominate the fry landscape.
Even in a world of innovation, the timeless favorites still reign supreme, proving that when it comes to french fries, simplicity and execution will always win over complexity.
