People Voted for the Best Cut of Fries, and There’s One Clear Winner
Everyone agrees French fries are essential, but the fight begins when you ask which cut is king. Ask a group of fry lovers, and you’ll hear a dozen strong opinions.
Recently, hundreds of people put their favorites to the test in a poll. Six different cuts went head-to-head, and the result was revealing. It appears that when it comes to fries, there’s a clear people’s choice—and it may surprise you.
The Fry Face-Off
Image via iStockphoto/Riza Azhari
On the fast food subreddit, nearly 300 people recently cast their votes in a “favorite fries” poll. The contenders were straight, crinkled, curly, waffle, wedge, and shoestring. Each cut had its loyal supporters, but some had a tougher battle than others.
Of course, many people love straight fries, but it didn’t lead. Crinkle drew plenty of criticism for being bland, with people saying only a few places like Nathan’s or Sonic manage to make them shine.
Wedges had size going for it but lacked consistency, while shoestrings delivered crunch but not much else. Waffle fries sparked some debate, mostly because fans love them for their sauce-holding powers but admit they can be hit or miss depending on where you order them.
Curly fries, though, pulled in the highest number of votes. Some voters admitted they weren’t shocked because curly fries carry the kind of texture that straight or crinkle just can’t match. The twist, the seasoning, the crunch that gives way to fluffy potato—there’s a reason people love them.
What Makes Curly Fries Different
Image via Canva/Waygraphic
Curly fries’ spiral shape has always set them apart, but the seasoning is the secret behind their popularity.
Most curly fries are lightly battered before frying, which helps them stay crisp and locks in that spiced flavor. According to food industry reports, companies like Lamb Weston have perfected mass production while supplying chains such as Arby’s with curly fries, which many people rank as the gold standard.
When stretched out, a single curly fry can run over a foot long, so they’re just as fun to look at as they are to eat. There’s also a nostalgic factor.
Some people grew up treating curly fries as a special reward, since not every restaurant carried them. That memory of a rare, seasoned spiral on the plate has stuck with people into adulthood.