McDonald's fries ingredients vary by country but typically include potatoes, vegetable oils (like canola, corn, soybean), dextrose (for consistent color), sodium acid pyrophosphate (to maintain color), and salt, with US fries historically adding natural beef flavor (containing wheat and milk derivatives) and TBHQ/citric acid, though formulations change. Other regions like the UK use simpler recipes with rapeseed oil and no beef flavor, while Canada uses ingredients like silicoaluminate.
Do you use real potatoes for your Fries? Yep. The most common potatoes we use for McDonald's Fries include the Russet Burbank, Russet Ranger, Umatilla Russet and the Shepody—varieties known for producing a flavorful fry that's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [wheat And Milk Derivatives]*), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (maintain Color), Salt. *natural Beef Flavor Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat And Hydrolyzed Milk As Starting Ingredients.
The cooked Fries will therefore end up being approximately 86% potato - the remaining 14% being vegetable oil.
Now that the sting of miracle french fries has passed, you may be wondering, “But what about the fries?” As we mentioned before dimethylpolysiloxane (or PDMS) is the silicone compound McDonald's uses in its french fries to prevent the oil from foaming.
Five Guys has by far the least healthy fries in our study, while KFC is the fifth least healthy, with significantly fewer calories and lower saturated fat than Five Guys fries. French Fries have high salt and fat levels, which can tip an already unhealthy fast-food main into the danger zone.
They include: Potatoes, canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, safflower oil, natural flavour (vegetable source), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain colour), citric acid (preservative), dimethylpolysiloxane (antifoaming agent) and cooked in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated ...
Fat: Chips have over twice the fat, making them a heavier option for snacking. Protein: While chips contain a bit more protein, the overall nutrient profile makes French fries a lighter choice. 🍽️ Pro Tip: Moderation is key! Both options can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally.
There's a reason they look just like the commercials
After the fries are cut, they get covered in sugar so they are all the same color. Then, they're coated in sodium acid pyrophosphate to keep them from turning gray when frozen.
Lawsuits were brought against the McDonald's Corporation in the early 1990s for including beef in its US French fries despite claims that the fries were vegetarian. In fact, beef flavoring is added to the fries during the production phase.
After this sustained campaign, including by the National Heart Savers Association against saturated fats and the beef tallow they were using, in 1990, they switched to vegetable oil with beef flavouring.
Made from real potatoes, an unrivaled BK experience! 🍟 #BurgerKing #BKLebanon #YouRule #YourWay #bkfries.
HealthDay News — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have uncovered dozens of violations at a McDonald's supplier tied to last year's deadly E. coli outbreak, which sickened over 100 people and led to a massive recall of onions used in the fast-food giant's signature Quarter Pounder burgers.
Eating those tasty McDonald's fries even releases dopamine in your brain, the neurotransmitter that triggers feelings of pleasure. So how does McDonald's do it? In addition to frying and seasoning the fries, McDonald's coats them in dextrose, a form a sugar.
(Both restaurants acknowledge that their fries are cooked in the same oil as other meat or fish products.) McDonald's fries, however, are made with a flavoring that includes hydrolyzed milk — a non-vegan ingredient.
Wendy's takes the title of the unhealthiest fast food restaurant. A Triple Baconator meal with large fries and medium Frosty hits about 2,160 calories, 54 grams of saturated fat and 3,400 mg. of sodium, exceeding most daily limits in one sitting.
#1 Healthiest Fast Food Fries: Wendy's
And finally, in our number one slot is Wendy's with the healthiest fries in the U.S. today. Their overall stats were impressive with just 239 calories, 31 grams of carbs, . 8 grams of saturated fat, and 155 mg of sodium.
CDC also confirmed there were no new illnesses associated with consumers eating at McDonald's following our swift and decisive action on October 22, 2024. This reinforces the importance of our values, particularly in moving quickly to do the right thing and to always put people first.
Silly Putty Silicone (Dimethylpolysiloxane)
It is the secret ingredient that keeps fryer oil from foaming. McDonald's Filet-O-Fish and French fries have it, as do Wendy's Natural-Cut Fries With Sea Salt. In fact, most fast-food items that bathe in a deep-fat fryer are imbued with a hint of dimethylpolysiloxane.