Chick-fil-A’s iconic Waffle Potato Fries are sparking backlash after the fast-food chain quietly adjusted the recipe in November 2024 — a change many loyal customers say they noticed immediately. Others might have noticed a subtle change without being able to pinpoint it – until now.
Chick-fil-A confirms a “slight adjustment”
Chick-fil-A acknowledged on its website that it made what it called “a slight adjustment” to the waffle fry recipe. According to the company, the change was designed to improve quality.
“We recently made a slight adjustment to our Waffle Potato Fries recipe, which offers the same great taste while also making our Waffle Potato Fries stay crispier, longer,” Chick-fil-A said in a statement.
The update includes the addition of pea starch to the fry coating. While Chick-fil-A emphasized that the fries still do not contain any of the nine major allergens, the new ingredient has raised concerns among some customers.
Fans say the fries don’t taste the same
Despite the company’s assurances, many diners say the fries’ taste and texture have noticeably changed. Some describe them as drier, grainier, or less flavorful than before.
Lifestyle influencer Daryl-Ann Denner told Southern Living she immediately noticed a difference. “No matter how I order them, they’re dry, grainy, and have no flavor anymore,” she said. “My kids won’t even eat them.”
Complaints have flooded social media, with fans urging the chain to reverse course. One commenter wrote, “Your new fries are terrible. They were my favorite thing — please go back to the old recipe.”
Possible food allergy concerns
While a pea allergy isn’t as common as the top nine food allergens, it can affect some people. Also, some people with a peanut allergy may also be allergic to peas, though that’s not always the case. For those sensitive to pea protein, Chick-fil-A’s new waffle fry formulation might mean no more waffle fries for them.
Not everyone is upset
Still, not all feedback has been negative. Some customers say the fries now stay crispier longer, especially when ordering takeout or delivery.
For now, Chick-fil-A appears committed to the change — even as the debate over its beloved fries continues to simmer. How about you – have you noticed the change since the addition of pea starch? Share your experience in the comments!
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