Gone are the days when McDonald’s had the clear #1 french fry.
New competitors have popped up and the champ’s fries aren’t what they used to be (recipe changes, not always crispy, sometimes over- or under-salted).
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And tons of competitors have stepped up their game, including some new entrants who have made their move!
Here are the seven french fries that have a legitimate shot at the title…
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Arby’s curly fries are LOVED by its fans and often mentioned if you ask “best fries?”
They have the meats, but it’s the fries that may be Arby’s best menu item.
You COULD argue that curly fries are a whole other genre of fry, so let’s move on to a more traditional french fry…
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Five Guys cares enough about high-quality ingredients that they have a sign in stores that tell you where today’s potatoes are from (e.g. “Rexburg, ID / Floyd Wilcox & Sons Inc.”).
Their fries are from freshly-cut, skin-on potatoes served in an overflowing cup that greases up your brown paper bag.
These are my personal favorite fries on this list (the plain “Five Guys Style” not the “Cajun Style” that others prefer) …which pairs well because I also think they have the best burgers.
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This entrant comes with a huge caveat.
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are AMAZING when they’re hot and fresh out of the fryer. But as soon as they cool down, they’re like Solomon with his hair cut.
Our rec, of course, is to eat it in person at the store.
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Popeyes fries are another “novelty fry” because they’re cajun fries.
If you love that spice (and Popeyes food in general), you may be one of the fervent Popeyes proponents.
For others, this will be a controversial inclusion in the six.
As you’ll see, a LOT of great fry contenders didn’t make the cut.
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No list of competitors for McDonald’s Fry Crown would be complete without Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries.
Beyond taste, they have that shape and mouth texture.
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You probably aren’t a fan of Cane’s because of their fries – it’s the chicken tenders everybody REALLY loves – but the crinkle-cut fries are fantastic, especially with the Texas toast.
Smother them in Cane’s sauce, and you’re all set.
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There – I said it.
Wendy’s has better fries than McDonald’s.
They’re a little thicker but keep all of that delicious crispiness with a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
And if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous – try their Baconator fries. (Or just cheese fries – they have those too!)
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Sorry to Burger King, Portillo’s, KFC, Culver’s, Zaxby’s, In-N-Out, and the rest.
You just didn’t make the cut as a true contender.
Because let’s face it – McDonald’s fries are STILL pretty good…
And that brings me to an important question:
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Think my fry list is off?
Is McDonald’s still the #1 fry?
Or has one of these competitors clearly dethroned the king?
Let us know in the comments section!
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