Introduction

In a recent taste test that sent shockwaves through the fast food community, beloved burger chain In-N-Out has emerged as the surprising underperformer, landing near the bottom of the rankings for their controversial french fries. Critics have described their fries as "stale, room-temperature matchsticks," drawing attention away from their well-known, fresh-cut reputation.

In-N-Out's Fry Woes

While In-N-Out fans rave about the brand's commitment to using Kennebec potatoes, experts from Eat This, Not That! highlight the chain's refusal to double fry or blanch their potatoes before cooking them, a decision that could be affecting their fry quality. This culinary choice has ultimately sealed their fate, relegating them to one of the lowest spots on the coveted fry leaderboard.

Five Guys Faces Criticism

Contrary to what many might expect, the burger dynasty Five Guys—known for its juicy burgers and hefty price tags—also faced a fry fiasco, landing in the ninth spot among thirteen contenders. While their fries are lauded for being fresh-cut and made from 100% peanut oil, the taste testers called them "notoriously greasy," making them some of the "least healthy fast food fries" available.

McDonald's Reigns Supreme

On the flip side, the golden standard for french fries remains McDonald's, which once again claimed the top honor in this fry face-off. Critics praised the Golden Arches for their meticulous approach to fry creation, citing the use of fresh potatoes and seasonal cooking styles that ensure a texture that is "light and starchy on the inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside," along with the ideal amount of salt making them addictively scrumptious.

Fry Rankings Overview

The rankings didn’t stop there. Wendy’s secured a commendable second place, showcasing their underrated fries that mirror the beloved characteristics found in McDonald's offerings. Meanwhile, Arby’s showcased their unique curly fries to claim the third spot, celebrated for their distinctive seasoning blend, which features onion powder, garlic powder, and other spices that enhance the fry experience.

Conclusion

While Chick-Fil-A's waffle fries may reign supreme in the hearts of many, they settled for fifth place, while Shake Shack's iconic crinkle-cut fries made a strong showing at seventh, being touted as some of the best in the fast food arena. The ultimate fry rankings are sure to spark debates among fast food lovers everywhere—who will you be rooting for in this delicious showdown? With a mix of surprising results and beloved classics, the french fry war continues into 2024!