I love McDonald’s French fries – who doesn’t? Those perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, golden shoe string fries are insanely addictive. I could eat these fries all day watching Netflix. So today, let’s take a closer look at the French Fries menu of our favorite fast food.
McDonald’s French Fries History
The fries made their debut in 1955 at Ray Kroc’s first McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. By 1962, the world- famous fries were perfected by Lou Martino, head of McDonald’s Research and Development Lab, who invented the “potato computer”- a technology used to precisely control the optimal cooking time and temperature for the fries.
Originally, the fries were served in small paper bags but in 1970, the packaging was updated to the iconic red fry box, which remains in use today, over 50 years later.
In November 2020, McDonald’s updated the arches on the classic red box, making them slightly smaller as part of a new design project, aiming for a “consistent look that gives a nod to all menu items,” according to McDonald’s.
McDonald’s French Fries Menu with Prices
There are currently 4 options you can find in the McDonald’s French fries menu. There’s the Kids Fries, Small Fries, Medium Fries and Large Fries. The French fries menu prices range from $2 to $5 depending on the size of the fries as well as the McDonald’s location. Some outlets may also offer the Basket of Fries with prices ranging from $5 to $6.
- Kids Fries (Also called Mini Fries, usually included in the Happy Meal)
- Small Fries
- Medium Fries
- Large Fries
- Basket of Fries
McDonald’s French Fries Menu Nutrition Facts
- Kids Fries – 110 calories, 2g protein, 14g total carbohydrates, 5g total fat, 90mg sodium.
- Small Fries – 230 calories, 3g protein, 31g total carbohydrates, 11g total fat, 190mg sodium.
- Medium Fries – 320 calories, 5g protein, 43g total carbohydrates, 15g total fat, 260mg sodium.
- Large Fries – 480 calories, 7g protein, 65g total carbohydrates, 23g total fat, 400mg sodium.
- Basket of Fries– 630 calories, 9g protein, 85g total carbohydrates, 30g total fat, 520mg sodium.
How big is the McDonald’s Basket of Fries?
The size of the Basket of Fries if weighed correctly, is equivalent to 2 medium fries.
Are McDonald’s fries 100% potato?
According to McDonald’s, their fries are 100% potato with varieties like Russet Burbank, Russet Ranger, Shepody and Umatilla Russet.
Are McDonald’s fries vegan?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s fries are not vegan. These fries contain hydrolyzed milk in the beef flavoring. It’s not real beef though so if you are ok with dairy then as a vegetarian the fries should be ok for you to consume. According to some Redditors, in the UK the McDonald’s fries are vegan.
“In the U.K. they’re vegan, they get fried in hush sunflower oil and we fry the vegan veggie dippers in the same vats as them because it’s all vegan.”
Are McDonald’s fries gluten-free?
In Europe McDonald’s fries are gluten-free and safe from cross contamination as they use separate fryers. However, in the US the McDonald’s fries are not gluten-free. One of the ingredients used in making the McD fries is “natural beef flavor,” which is made of “wheat and milk derivatives.”
What ingredients are used in McDonald’s Fries?
Here’s the ingredients list straight from McDonald’s website:
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), Quarter Pounder, Salt. *natural Beef Flavor Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat And Hydrolyzed Milk.
What McDonald’s Fans Say About the French Fries
unohu
McDonald’s fries are still better. If this is what real pomme frites (twice-fried french fries) taste like then I’d rather eat a fresh batch of McDonald’s fries. Their selection of sauces is great though, including their traditional Belgian curry ketchup.
155xochitlv
I Always love to go there my food is fresh and the restaurant is clean service amazing my family go there often and my kids love the ice cream overall my favorite place in this town
eugenemt
Best French Fries Still! My wife and I were in need of some back home comfort food and so we made our way to McDonald. It was a taxi adventure, too, as the driver did not know the exact location. He even tried to have us get out about three long blocks from the store, but we refused and he backtracked and let us off in front of the store. The service was excellent and the hamburger very satisfying, but the chicken nuggets were on the small size from what I remember. Otherwise it is a great place to sit and watch fellow travelers.
McDonald’s French Fries – Is It Worth the Price?
The French Fries at McDonald’s menu are really good, I think everyone would agree. But paying $3 to $4 for medium fries can be a bit steep. Your best bet is to order it as part of a combo meal, since it’ll come out cheaper. Better yet, check the McDonald’s app for deals and offers. Currently, they have the Free Fries Friday, which entitles you to free Medium fries with a $1 minimum purchase on the app.