Not all fries are the same. Some are hand-cut, golden, and crispy—others come from the freezer with a side of disappointment.
This list breaks down 10 major fast-food chains that don’t use fresh-cut fries, plus 5 where the fries are such a letdown, it’s worth going straight to the burger.
Whether you’re a fry fanatic or just fry-curious, here’s the scoop on which chains skip the real potato magic—and which ones fall flat.
1. McDonald’s
Iconic, uniform, and always the same—McDonald’s fries come pre-cut and frozen, not fresh from the spud. A signature blend of additives keeps them golden and crisp.
They may be addictive, but they’re not fresh-cut. Still, when hot and salted just right, few can resist their fast-food fame.
2. Burger King
These fries are thick, heavily seasoned, and definitely frozen before hitting the fryer. They aim for crunch but often fall short on flavor.
The texture feels processed, with a coating that lingers. A far cry from the simple charm of fresh-cut potatoes.
3. Wendy’s
Despite branding their fries as “natural-cut,” they aren’t cut in-house. These spuds arrive prepped and frozen with peels left on for effect.
They’ve got a slightly heartier feel, but they’re not fooling fry purists. Still, when piping hot, they hold up well with sea salt.
4. Taco Bell
Fries aren’t a staple here, but when they appear—like in the Nacho Fries—they’re definitely not fresh-cut. They’re frozen, seasoned, and served fast.
The flavor relies more on spice mix than potato quality. Fun as a side show, not a star performer.
5. Arby’s
Curly, spiced, and unmistakably processed, Arby’s fries come straight from the freezer bag. The texture screams engineered crunch.
They bring the seasoning, not the freshness. Tasty? Sure. But they’ve never met a potato peeler.
6. Jack In The Box
Crinkle-cut and always the same, these fries are pre-cut, frozen, and fried for texture more than taste. They lean toward soft and starchy.
Better when paired with sauces or sandwiches. On their own, they lack crispness and depth.
7. Sonic
Sonic’s fries are skinny, soft, and frozen before arriving at the drive-in. They often end up limp instead of crispy.
Even with salt and ketchup, they’re more filler than feature. A forgettable fry in a place known more for tots.
8. Dairy Queen
DQ’s fries are classic fast-food style: uniform, lightly golden, and clearly processed. They come from a bag and taste like it.
Their real job is supporting a burger combo. No one’s heading to Dairy Queen just for the fries.
9. Checkers/Rally’s
These seasoned fries are spicy, crispy, and definitely from the freezer aisle. Their coating adds crunch, but also hides the potato.
Bold flavor makes them memorable, but freshness isn’t part of the deal. They’re a guilty pleasure, not a potato purist’s pick.
10. Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s
Thick-cut and occasionally crispy, these fries arrive frozen and ready to fry. They lack the irregularity of a fresh-cut batch.
The flavor’s mild, the texture inconsistent. You’re better off ordering onion rings if you want something with more personality.
11. KFC
Soft, bland, and sometimes soggy, KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries don’t live up to the chicken. They’re thick and breaded, but far from crisp.
The seasoning lacks punch, and the texture rarely hits the mark. Better to stick with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
12. White Castle
These skinny fries are uniform and often underwhelming. They’re frozen, lightly salted, and quick to go limp.
Nothing here screams “made with love.” They work as background noise to the sliders but don’t stand out.
13. A&W
A&W’s fries vary by location, but most serve pre-frozen, crinkle-cut spuds that lack character. The texture is soft, bordering on soggy.
Not a strong point for a place that excels in root beer. These fries are strictly for dipping and forgetting.
14. Long John Silver’s
Breaded and bland, these fries feel like an afterthought. The fish may shine, but the fries stay frozen and flavorless.
The outside is flaky, but the inside lacks fluff. Not worth the fryer oil.
15. Del Taco
Crinkle-cut and consistently frozen, Del Taco’s fries try to compete with burgers and tacos but rarely succeed. They’re often pale and under-seasoned.
Even when fresh, they lack crisp bite and real potato flavor. Better to double down on tacos instead.