Fry Hard: The Sizzling Saga of Fast Food's Favorite Sidekick

In a world where burgers reign supreme, the humble french fry has long been the unsung hero of the fast food landscape. But a recent test has shaken the very foundations of this crispy, golden kingdom, with beloved chain In-N-Out facing a surprising setback. As the battle for french fry supremacy rages on, we delve into the sizzling details that have the industry abuzz.

Fries Under Fire: The Surprising Stumble of an Icon

The Divisive Dilemma of In-N-Out's Fries

The beloved In-N-Out burger chain, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and freshness, has found itself in an unexpected predicament. According to a recent review by the culinary experts at Eat This, Not That!, the chain's signature french fries have been deemed "stale, room-temp matchsticks," a far cry from the high standards the brand has set for itself.The issue, it seems, lies in In-N-Out's steadfast refusal to adopt the industry-standard practice of double-frying or blanching their potatoes before the final cook. While this approach may preserve the fresh, natural flavor of the Kennebec potatoes used, it has resulted in a texture that has left some critics less than impressed."Yes, they're famously and proudly cut fresh, using Kennebec potatoes," the Eat This, Not That! team explained, "but the restaurant's 'infamous' aversion to frying their high-quality product twice, or even blanching them before they hit the fryer, seals their fate."This divisive decision has earned In-N-Out a less-than-stellar ranking, with the fries landing second-to-last on the list of thirteen fast food chains evaluated.

The Teflon Titans: Five Guys' Fry Fallout

But In-N-Out is not the only chain facing scrutiny from the french fry connoisseurs. The seemingly untouchable Five Guys, known for its well-done burgers and sky-high prices, has also found itself on the receiving end of some less-than-favorable reviews.Ranking a disappointing ninth on the list, the Five Guys fries have been criticized for their "notoriously greasier side," with the experts at Eat This, Not That! highlighting their status as some of the "least-healthy fast food fries" in existence.While acknowledging the belovedness of the boardwalk-style treat, the fresh-cut, twice-cooked product has earned something of a cold shoulder from the taste testers, who have deemed it a less-than-ideal option for those seeking a healthier fast food experience.

The Golden Arches Reign Supreme

In a surprising twist, the fast food giant that has long been the subject of criticism and scrutiny has emerged as the champion of the french fry world. McDonald's, the grease jockeys of the Golden Arches, have earned the highest marks in the recent fry test, with the experts at Eat This, Not That! declaring that "the fries often steal the spotlight from everything else on the menu, burgers included."The secret to McDonald's fry success, it seems, lies in their commitment to using fresh potatoes and rotating through seasonal varieties to "guarantee seasonal freshness." The end result, according to the professional eaters, is a fry that is "light and starchy on the inside, and perfectly crispy outside (with the exact right amount of salt for finger-licking supremacy).""McDonald's fries are undeniable and irresistible," the experts claimed, solidifying the chain's position as the reigning champion of the french fry kingdom.

The Underdog Uprising: Wendy's and Arby's Shine

While the titans of the fast food industry have been making headlines, a few unexpected contenders have emerged as dark horses in the french fry race. Wendy's, often overshadowed by its more prominent peers, has managed to claim the second-place spot, with its relatively unsung menu board items earning high praise from the taste testers.Not to be outdone, Arby's has also made a strong showing, securing the bronze medal with its signature curly fries. The experts have lauded the "tasty blend of onion powder, cornmeal, garlic power, baking soda, and other spices" that gives the cravable spirals their distinctive flavor, helping them outshine even the trendier offerings from chains like Chick-Fil-A.These unexpected triumphs serve as a reminder that the fast food landscape is constantly evolving, and that even the most established players must be willing to adapt and innovate to maintain their dominance.

Hometown Heroes and Cult Favorites

The french fry rankings have also shone a spotlight on some of the industry's hometown heroes and cult favorites. Shake Shack, the beloved burger joint with a devoted following, has earned a nod for its crinkle-cut fries, which the testers have referred to as "some of the best" in the fast food realm.Meanwhile, Taco Bell's Nacho Fries have managed to secure a respectable sixth-place finish, proving that the Mexican-inspired chain is more than just a purveyor of tacos and burritos. And Sonic's Groovy Fries, with their unique seasoning and presentation, have also made a strong showing, landing at the tenth spot on the list.These niche offerings serve as a testament to the diversity and creativity that can be found in the fast food industry, as chains strive to differentiate themselves and cater to the ever-evolving tastes of their customers.