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Fast food chains are constantly releasing new menu items, from upgraded burgers to remixed drinks. However, no matter what new entrée or dessert you’re trying, one fast food item almost always remains constant: French fries.
Practically every mainstream chain started by offering a burger (or, in Chick-fil-A’s case, a chicken sandwich) and French fries. So, when you hit the drive-thru, whether you’re opting for the latest Whopper or sticking to your tried and true Big Mac, you’re counting on the chain’s fries to be top tier.
After trying 12 orders of French fries from 10 fast food chains (Five Guys and Arby’s sell two versions of their fries), I can tell you with certainty that not all French fries are created equal—and I’m not just talking about the cut. Some chains opt for different seasonings, some have specific frying methods, and, of course, some offer unique cuts beyond the classic shoestring.
So, just as important as Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A claiming the top three spots are the bottom-tier fries that I wouldn’t order again.
The Fast Food French Fries You Should Skip
Thankfully, at the drive-thru today, most chains offer a variety of side dishes beyond fries. And, after trying fries from 10 chains, I will be ordering a different side next time I visit Popeyes.
Popeyes’ Cajun Fries placed last in our taste test when judged on freshness, crispiness, saltiness, and the ability to eat them alone.
While they were quite fresh when eaten straight from the drive-thru, the crispiness was just ok and the seasoning really worked against the flavor.
Instead of plain salt, Popeyes coats its fries in the classic Cajun seasoning found on its chicken. The flavorful blend packs a delicious punch in the chicken sandwich, but on the fries, the dry rub coated my tongue in herby flavors, like sage and oregano. The classic potato and salt flavor was overpowered, and I found myself reaching for ketchup to mask the Cajun seasoning altogether.
Because Popeyes offers so many side dishes, the fries are hardly customers’ first choice. Many fans say the Red Beans & Rice, Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy, or Homestyle Mac & Cheese are their Popeyes go-tos.
Personally, now that they’re back on menus, I would pick the Fried Pickles as my side dish from the Louisiana chain every time.
Popeyes’ French fries are joined in the bottom three by Burger King and Dairy Queen. BK took 11th due to its thick-cut fries being too thick and practically raw in the middle. While DQ fell to 10th because the fries were completely unsalted and flavorless.
So, next time you visit these chains, maybe think twice before reflexively ordering a side of fries for your burger or chicken strips.
Read the original article on Allrecipes
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