McDonald’s Fries Guide: Why They Taste So Good

There are few things that feel as good as opening a hot, salted box of McDonald's Fries. Whether you're having them for lunch or splitting them with some friends, fries from McDonald's always come in clutch. But what is it about those golden arch fries that make them so darn special? We're going to get into the history, ingredients, calories, sizes and how to order every type of fry in this guide. Let's get into it.

1. What Are McDonald's Fries?

McDonald's Fries, also known as World Famous Fries, are thin cut French fries that are available at McDonald's all over the globe. They are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and lightly salted. They have been a part of the McDonald's menu since 1949, and they still outsell every other item that is sold by the company.

The Signature Shape and Style McDonald's Fries are cut in a shoestring style. They are about one quarter of an inch wide and four to six inches long  hence, the perfect fry shape. At that size, it also means that every fry bakes to a consistent golden color and fyi, they are crispy on the outside with a fluffy potato interior. Immediately after the frying process, salt is added.

Available Sizes

At McDonald's, fries are available in three different sizes. Here's a look at what you get with each.

Tip: Prices may change by location so check your local McDonald’s app for pricing.

2. The History of McDonald’s Fries

McDonald's Fries: A Classic for almost 70 years. What started out as a modest side dish became the most famous fast-food fry on earth. But they have surely changed in that time. The complete history of McDonald's Fries in 9 critical moments:

The Original Recipe (1949)

When McDonald's Fries first launched in 1949, they were cooked in a mix of 93% beef tallow and 7% cottonseed oil. This is what gave the fries their delicious flavour! In fact, Ray Kroc who built McDonald's into the restaurant we know today was obsessive when it came to making perfect fries. He timed his workers on how fast they would shake the French fry baskets to remove any excess oil after cooking; fries that were too greasy were thrown back for another round of drying. Stored his potatoes directly above floors lined with straw to keep them cool and Starchy.

The Frozen Fry Revolution

In 1962, food scientists discovered how to quick-fry and freeze sliced potatoes and not lose quality. This meant that McDonald’s could serve the same fries at every restaurant across the country. In 1967, McDonald’s started getting frozen fries from the Simplot company, making supply much more reliable.

The 1990 Recipe Change

In the late ‘80s, a man named Phil Sokolof had made it his personal mission to get the beef tallow out of McDonald’s Fries. He said all that saturated fat was hurting people’s hearts. In 1990, McDonald’s finally complied and switched to vegetable oil. Fans of fries will tell you that there’s been a noticeable decline in flavour ever since (legendary chef Julia Child agreed on live TV that they’d become “awful”).

By switching from beef fat to hydrogenated vegetable oil, McDonald’s opened themselves up to an entire new wave of public outrage when it became common knowledge how dangerous trans fats were.

McDonald's Fries Today

Today, McDonald's Fries are cooked in a canola-blend oil and contain zero trans fats. They still use a natural beef flavour to keep that Savory taste fans expect. Despite all the recipe changes, McDonald's Fries are still the world's most popular fast-food side.

3. McDonald's Fries Ingredients

You might think fries are just potatoes and oil. But McDonald's Fries have a few more ingredients that give them their unique flavour and texture. Here is a full breakdown:

The Potato Varieties

McDonald's uses four different kinds of potatoes for their fries. The kinds are Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet and Shepody. They use these four types because they have the correct kind of starch (between 20 and 23 percent). The more starch in a potato makes it fry up crisper.

The Natural Beef Flavor

One of the most discussed ingredients in McDonald’s Fries is the natural beef flavor, which doesn’t contain beef meat. It’s made from hydrolysed wheat and milk that together create a beefy and savory taste. The supplier adds this while partially frying and before freezing the fries.

Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan or Gluten-Free?

That is one of the most frequently asked questions about McDonald's Fries. The following is the straight answer depending on where you are:

Pro Tip: If you have a food allergy or any special dietary requirement, please check McDonald's website in your country for the latest  ingredient and nutrition facts information.

4. McDonald's Fries Nutrition and Calories

Knowing how many calories are in our favourite fast-food meals might be an easy way to decide what to order, but when the cravings strike even the most health-conscious of us can find it hard to stick to a salad. Still. if it's information, you're after then this is all you need - for all three sizes of McDonald's Fries:

Key Nutrition Points

• High in calories and fat but low in sodium and cholesterol.
• Medium fries have zero cholesterol and zero trans fat
• Sodium levels are moderate at  around 400mg for medium and large
• Most of the calories in McDonald's Fries are from carbohydrates and fat
• There is not a significant amount of protein in McDonald's Fries.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy McDonald's Fries

You don't have to give up McDonald's Fries to eat healthier. There are a couple of simple choices you can make that will help:

• Order a small size instead of large to save around 270 calories
• Ask for no salt so you get a freshly made batch with less sodium
• Have water with your fries rather than a sugar-sweetened beverage
• Share a large order with a friend so you can still enjoy the taste but not overeat

5. How McDonald's Fries Are Made

Ever wondered how a measly potato turns into those golden sticks? Well, there are two stages.

Stage 1: At the Supplier Factory

• Potatoes are washed, peeled and cut in to thin shoestring-like structure
• They are blanched in hot water to take the raw edge off
• Then they are dried to remove surface moisture
• Dextrose is added to boost browning
• Sodium acid pyrophosphate is used to stop the cut potatoes from going Gray
• The fries are partially cooked at a factory before getting shipped to restaurants
• Then, at the fast-food joint, they’re thrown into an oil fryer for a few more minutes until they’re crispy and golden.

Stage 2: In the McDonald's Kitchen

• Frozen fries are dropped into the fryer and fried with canola-blend oil
• They are fried at high heat until crispy and golden.
• Salt is added right after frying to enhance the taste.
• Fries are placed in the band and served after a couple of minutes.

Pro Tip : Two-stage fried fries make McD’s Fries crispy outside and fluffy inside.

6. Best Dipping Sauces for McDonald’s Fries

McDonald's fries are so wonderful on their own. But you can always improve them with the correct sauce for dipping. Simple and classic? Brave and unexpected? McDonald's World-Famous Fries, a sauce for every fry. Here’s the lowdown on each:

7. Pro tips for getting the best McDonald's fries every time

Not all McDonald's fries are created equal. Here are some simple tricks to make sure you always get the freshest crispiest order.

Order Fresh Fries

• Ask for your fries with no salt. They will make a new batch of fries just for you!
• You can add salt yourself from packets at the condiment station
• Visit when it is a busy mealtime and they are cooking fries more frequently

Eat Them Right Away

• McDonald's Fries are best within the first two to three minutes of cooking
• Don’t cap them or put them in a bag for too long, as the steam makes them soft.
• If you’re driving, put them on the front seat so you can get to them quickly.

How to Reheat McDonald's Fries

• Use an air fryer at 375 degrees for three to four minutes for best results
• A dry skillet on medium heat also works well
• Avoid the microwave as it will make them soft and chewy

McDonald's Fries Hacks

• Put a couple fries in your burger for some added crunch.
• Shake your fries in the bag with a little extra seasoning for a flavour boost
• Order fries late at night and ask staff to make them fresh before close

FAQs

1. Why Are McDonald's Fries So Addictive?

The salt, fat and the natural beef flavor in combination conjurer this very positive response in your brain but on top of that the two stage frying process makes for a texture that you just really can't resist. It's crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. So once you start eating it it's very hard to stop.

2. Is McDonald’s Fries Dairy Free?

In the U.S., No, McDonald’s Fries are not dairy-free. Their natural beef flavor contains milk derivatives. In the U.K., this ingredient is not in the recipe.

3. How Many Fries Are in a Large Order?

There are usually anywhere from 50-70 fries in a large order of McDonald's Fries. This can vary slightly, because it just depends on the size and shape of potato being used that day.

4. Can You Order McDonald's Fries Without Salt?

Yes, but you have to order them that way. Ask for no salt in your fries and they’ll make a batch without salt. Just note that there may still be residue from the previous salted batch of fries, so truly salt-free fries aren’t guaranteed.

5. What type of potatoes does McDonald’s use for their Fries?

McDonald's uses potatoes, such as Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet and Shepody. The reason these specific varieties of potato are used is because they are a high-starch potato. That signature outer crispness and the mealy interior is due to the high starch content.