Fry Hard: The Surprising Shake-Up in the Fast Food French Fry Hierarchy

In a surprising twist, the beloved burger chain In-N-Out has been dethroned from its french fry throne, with critics lambasting the once-revered side as "stale, room-temp matchsticks." Meanwhile, the seemingly untouchable Five Guys has also taken a hit, ranking far down the list of the best fast food fries. But who emerged victorious in this crunchy showdown? Read on to discover the unexpected winners and losers in the fast food french fry wars.

Uncovering the Surprising Shake-Up in the Fast Food French Fry Hierarchy

In-N-Out's Fry Fail: A Shocking Stumble for a Beloved Brand

In-N-Out, the beloved burger chain known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, has suffered a surprising setback in the world of fast food french fries. According to a new ranking by industry experts, the chain's fries have been deemed "stale, room-temp matchsticks," a far cry from the crisp, golden perfection one might expect from this California-based institution.The experts at Eat This, Not That! attribute this downfall to In-N-Out's "infamous" aversion to frying their potatoes twice or even blanching them before cooking. This decision, while perhaps rooted in a desire to maintain the freshness and integrity of their ingredients, has ultimately led to the chain's fries being categorized as "divisive" and falling short of the mark.With In-N-Out's fries earning a second-to-last place ranking, this once-untouchable side dish has been dealt a significant blow, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the chain's commitment to french fry perfection.

Five Guys' Fry Fumble: A Surprising Stumble for a Fast Food Giant

Another fast food heavyweight that has faced a surprising setback in the french fry rankings is Five Guys. Known for its well-done burgers, sky-high prices, and seemingly unshakable popularity, the chain has found itself ranked all the way down at number 9 on the list of 13 contenders.While the experts at the site acknowledge the belovedness of Five Guys' boardwalk-style fries, they note that the fresh-cut, twice-cooked product has earned itself "something of a cold shoulder" for being "notoriously on the greasier side." Furthermore, the professionals have deemed these fries as some of the "least-healthy fast food fries" in existence, a far cry from the indulgent treat that many have come to expect from the brand.This unexpected ranking is sure to raise eyebrows among Five Guys loyalists, who have long championed the chain's fries as a standout feature of their dining experience. However, the harsh critique from the taste testers suggests that even the most beloved fast food staples are not immune to scrutiny and potential downfall.

McDonald's Fry Supremacy: The Golden Arches Reign Supreme

While some of the industry's heavyweights have stumbled, one fast food giant has emerged victorious in the french fry rankings: McDonald's. The experts at the site have awarded the Golden Arches the top spot, praising the chain's fries as "undeniable and irresistible."According to the insiders, McDonald's fries are the true standout on the menu, often stealing the spotlight from even the chain's iconic burgers. The experts attribute this success to the use of fresh potatoes, with styles rotated throughout the year to "guarantee seasonal freshness." The end result, they claim, 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)."This recognition is a testament to the enduring appeal of McDonald's fries, which have long been a beloved staple of the fast food landscape. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of culinary trends and preferences, the Golden Arches' french fry formula has managed to maintain its status as a true fast food icon, cementing its place at the top of the rankings.

Wendy's and Arby's: The Unexpected Contenders in the Fry Showdown

While the top and bottom of the french fry rankings may have held a few surprises, the middle of the pack also offered some unexpected contenders. Wendy's, often overshadowed by its more prominent fast food peers, managed to claim the second-place spot, with the experts praising the relatively unsung hero of the chain's menu board.Meanwhile, the underdog Arby's made a strong showing, securing the bronze medal with its iconic curly fries. The experts highlighted the "tasty blend of onion powder, cornmeal, garlic power, baking soda, and other spices" that gives these cravable spirals their distinctive flavor, helping them best out other, trendier offerings like Chick-Fil-A's waffle-cut fries, which had to settle for the fifth spot.These unexpected high-performers in the french fry rankings serve as a reminder that even the most overlooked or underappreciated fast food items can rise to the top with the right combination of quality, flavor, and innovation. As the fast food landscape continues to evolve, these dark horse contenders may very well emerge as the new leaders in the crunchy, salty world of french fries.

Hometown Favorites and Trendy Upstarts: A Diverse Fry Landscape

The french fry rankings also showcased a diverse array of regional and trendy offerings, each vying for a spot in the hearts and stomachs of fast food enthusiasts. Hometown legend Shake Shack earned a nod for its crinkle-cut fries, which the testers referred to as "some of the best" in the category.Meanwhile, Chick-Fil-A's waffle-cut fries, while not taking the top spot, managed to secure a respectable fifth-place finish, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this trendy and unique take on the classic french fry.Other notable entries in the rankings included Taco Bell's Nacho Fries, which landed at number 6, and Culver's, a Midwest-based chain that earned a spot at number 8 with its signature fries.This diverse array of fry offerings showcases the ever-evolving nature of the fast food landscape, where regional specialties, innovative twists, and beloved classics all vie for the attention and loyalty of discerning diners. As the french fry wars continue to rage on, it will be fascinating to see which contenders manage to rise to the top and which fan favorites may face unexpected challenges in the years to come.