The Most Popular French Fry in America, Ranked

Choose the fry you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:08
In a nation as diverse and expansive as America, where every region brings its unique flavor to the culinary table, the humble French fry is a beloved staple. From crispy, golden strips to chunky, savory wedges, each type has its loyal fans. Understanding which French fry captures hearts the most provides insight into America's changing tastes and regional preferences. This dynamic ranking invites you to have your say on which French fry stands above the rest. By casting your vote, you contribute to a collective verdict, shaping a national perspective on this favorite food. It’s a fun way to see how your preferences compare to others from around the country and perhaps introduce you to a new favorite.

What Is the Most Popular French Fry in America?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    McDonald's French Fries
    Mac Markers · CC BY-SA 3.0
    These fries are widely recognized as the most popular French fry in America due to McDonald's being the largest fast-food chain in the country. They are known for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
    McDonald's French Fries are a classic fast food staple loved by millions around the world. These crispy and golden fries are made from specially selected potatoes, cut into shoestring-like strips, and then deep-fried to perfection. They are known for their addictive taste and iconic shape.
    • Size: Thin and uniform
    • Texture: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
    • Seasoning: Lightly salted
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Shape: Rectangular with rounded ends
    McDonald's French Fries in other rankings
  2. 2
    30
    votes

    Five Guys' French Fries

    Five Guys Burgers and Fries
    Five Guys is known for their fresh-cut fries that are cooked in peanut oil, giving them a unique flavor. They are also served in large portions, making them a popular choice.
    Five Guys' French Fries are a beloved and widely recognized staple in American cuisine. They are known for their exceptional flavor, crispy exterior, and fluffy interior. The creator of Five Guys' French Fries is the popular American fast-food chain, Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The fries are made from fresh, high-quality Idaho potatoes and cooked in peanut oil. Here are ten important specifications about Five Guys' French Fries:
    • Potato Variety: Idaho potatoes
    • Cooking Oil: Peanut oil
    • Flavor: Rich and savory
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
    • Freshness: Made from fresh potatoes in-store
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    Wendy's fries are made with Russet potatoes and are lightly salted. They are also thicker than traditional French fries, giving them a satisfying crunch.
    Wendy's Natural-Cut Fries are a popular menu item at Wendy's fast food restaurants. Made from whole Russet potatoes, these fries are thick-cut with the skin left on, giving them a natural and rustic appearance. They are cooked to a golden color and lightly seasoned with sea salt for a delicious taste. The fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a satisfying texture. They are served hot and fresh, making them an irresistible side dish.
    • Potato Type: Russet
    • Cut: Thick-cut with skin
    • Cooking Color: Golden
    • Seasoning: Lightly seasoned with sea salt
    • Texture: Crispy outside, soft inside
    Wendy's Natural-Cut Fries in other rankings
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Burger King fries are known for being crispy and salty. They are also served hot and fresh, making them a popular choice.
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Chick-fil-A fries are made with waffle-cut potatoes that are lightly salted. They are also served hot and fresh, making them a popular choice.
    Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries are a popular type of French fry served at Chick-fil-A restaurants. They are made from fresh, whole potatoes that are sliced into a unique waffle shape before being cooked to a crispy golden brown. The waffle shape gives them a distinct texture, with a soft interior and a slightly crunchy exterior. These fries are seasoned with a blend of spices for added flavor.
    • Shape: Waffle
    • Texture: Soft interior, slightly crunchy exterior
    • Potato type: Whole potatoes
    • Cooking method: Fried
    • Seasoning: Spiced blend
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Arby's fries are made with curly-cut potatoes that are seasoned with a blend of spices, giving them a unique flavor. They are also served hot and crispy.
    Arby's Curly Fries in other rankings
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Shake Shack fries are made with crinkle-cut potatoes that are lightly salted. They are also cooked to order, ensuring that they are hot and fresh.
    Shake Shack Crinkle Cut Fries are a popular type of fries served at Shake Shack, a fast-food chain known for its burgers. These fries are made from high-quality potatoes, cut into crinkle shapes, and then deep-fried to perfection. They have a crispy outer texture and a soft, fluffy interior, making them a delicious and satisfying side dish.
    • Fry Type: Crinkle Cut
    • Potato Quality: High-Quality
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
    • Size: Medium-cut
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    Shake Shack Crinkle Cut Fries in other rankings
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

    In-N-Out Burger
    In-N-Out is known for their secret menu, and their Animal Style fries are a popular choice. They are topped with melted cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and grilled onions.
    In-N-Out Animal Style Fries are a popular menu item at In-N-Out Burger, a fast-food chain known for their delicious hamburgers and fries. The fries are topped with melted cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and grilled onions, giving them a unique and flavorful twist. They are often served alongside a burger or as a standalone snack.
    • Topping: Melted cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and grilled onions
    • Usage: Served alongside a burger or as a standalone snack
    • Popularity: Very popular among In-N-Out customers
    • Flavor: Savory and rich
    • Texture: Crispy fries topped with gooey cheese and tender grilled onions
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Carl's Jr. fries are made with natural-cut potatoes that are lightly salted. They are also served hot and crispy, making them a popular choice.
    Carl's Jr. Natural-Cut Fries are a popular French fry option in America. They are made from whole Russet Burbank potatoes, cut into a natural shape, and cooked to a golden brown perfection. These fries have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making them a favorite among fast food enthusiasts.
    • Potato Type: Russet Burbank
    • Cut: Natural shape
    • Cooking Style: Golden brown
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
    • Salt Level: Moderate
  10. 10
    10
    votes

    KFC Potato Wedges

    Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
    KFC's potato wedges are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, giving them a unique flavor. They are also served hot and crispy.
    KFC Potato Wedges are a popular menu item at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurants. These wedges are thick-cut potato pieces seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They offer a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional French fries.
    • Size: Thick-cut pieces
    • Seasoning: Blend of herbs and spices
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried
    • Texture: Crispy outside, tender inside
    • Shape: Wedge-shaped
    KFC Potato Wedges in other rankings

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Ranking factors for popular fry

  1. Taste
    The flavor and seasoning of the French fries are crucial factors when determining their popularity. Consumers prefer fries with a great, distinctive taste that is not too salty or savory.
  2. Texture
    A good French fry should have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The texture affects the overall satisfaction factor of the fries.
  3. Consistency
    The fries should have a uniform size and shape, ensuring that they cook evenly and that each piece is enjoyable and not over- or under-cooked.
  4. Brand Reputation
    The reputation of the restaurant or fast-food chain serving the fries plays a significant role. A well-known and loved brand will likely have a large following for its French fries as well.
  5. Presentation
    The appearance and presentation of the French fries can also impact their popularity. An appetizing presentation, such as clean and unbroken fries, is more appealing to customers.
  6. Dipping Sauce Options
    The availability of various dipping sauces and condiments can enhance the French fry-eating experience and contribute to their ranking.
  7. Accessibility
    The availability and ease of access to the French fries can impact their popularity. Fries that can be easily found in many locations across the country have a broader reach and higher ranking potential.
  8. Innovation
    Unique and innovative twists on the traditional French fry, such as sweet potato fries or waffle-cut fries, could help a particular type of fry stand out in the market.
  9. Consumer Reviews and Ratings
    Customer feedback, reviews, and ratings from various sources, such as online platforms and word of mouth, can also play a significant role in determining the popularity of French fries in America.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular French fry in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fry is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2432 views
  • 191 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fry once every 24 hours. The rank of each fry is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular french fry in america

When it comes to fast food, French fries are a staple side dish that many Americans cannot live without. From McDonald's to Burger King, almost every fast-food chain offers their version of French fries. However, not all French fries are created equal. Some are thin and crispy, while others are thick and fluffy, and everyone has their own preferred type. The debate over which fast-food chain has the best French fries has been ongoing for years, with passionate fans of each brand advocating for their favorite. Some argue that McDonald's has the best fries due to their unique recipe, while others swear by the seasoned curly fries from Arby's. To settle this debate, StrawPoll has conducted a survey to determine which French fry is the most popular in America. The results are in, and the winner may surprise you. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to find out which French fry reigns supreme in the United States.

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