16 Popular Frozen French Fry Brands, Ranked Worst To Best
We all crave those golden, crispy potato sticks that make the perfect sidekick to burgers, sandwiches, or just about anything. But when you can’t hit the drive-thru, frozen french fries are the next best thing.
Not all frozen fries are created equal though – some turn out soggy while others crisp up beautifully in your oven or air fryer.
1. Market Pantry (Target)
Bottom of the barrel, folks. Target’s budget brand delivers fries that somehow manage to be both soggy and dry simultaneously.
The texture resembles cardboard more than potato, with a bland flavor profile that salt can’t even save. Even air-frying these sad spuds won’t elevate them beyond mediocre.
2. Great Value (Walmart)
Wallet-friendly doesn’t always mean taste-friendly. Walmart’s Great Value fries suffer from inconsistent cuts and a peculiar aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably.
Cooking these budget spuds often results in a strange mix of burnt edges and undercooked centers. Save your money for something else in the freezer aisle.
3. Signature Select (Safeway)
Safeway’s house brand makes a valiant effort but falls short of greatness. These fries lack the robust potato flavor you crave, coming across as bland and forgettable.
The texture isn’t terrible, but they never quite achieve that perfect crispy exterior. In a pinch they’ll do, but don’t expect anyone to ask for seconds.
4. McCain Regular Cut
McCain’s regular fries bring nothing special to the table. They’re the definition of middle-of-the-road – not offensive, but certainly not exciting.
The cut is inconsistent, with some fries turning crisp while others remain stubbornly soft. McCain makes better specialty varieties, but these basic fries just don’t measure up to the competition.
5. Kroger Value Fries
Surprisingly decent for a store brand! Kroger’s entry manages to avoid the worst pitfalls of budget fries, delivering acceptable crispiness when cooked properly.
The interior stays reasonably fluffy, though the potato flavor lacks depth. For the price point, they’re a reasonable option when your french fry cravings hit but your wallet’s feeling light.
6. Cascadian Farm Organic Straight Cut
Health-conscious fry lovers, rejoice! These organic options bring clean ingredients to your freezer, though at a premium price point.
Flavor-wise, they boast a natural potato taste, but sometimes struggle to achieve that perfect crispiness. The wholesome ingredient list makes up for what they lack in textural perfection.
7. Trader Joe’s Handsome Cut
TJ’s brings personality to frozen fries with these thick-cut beauties. The substantial potato wedges have a rustic, homemade quality that stands out from more processed competitors.
Their skin-on approach preserves more potato flavor, though cooking times can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll get a mealy interior; nail the timing and you’ve got a winner.
8. Red Robin Seasoned Steak Fries
Restaurant-style fries without leaving home? Red Robin’s frozen offering captures some of that distinctive seasoning that made their dine-in fries famous.
These hefty steak fries pack a flavorful punch right out of the bag. The seasoning blend adds complexity beyond mere salt, though they require precise cooking to avoid the dreaded soggy center.
9. Alexia House Cut Fries With Sea Salt
Alexia elevates the humble fry with thoughtful seasoning and quality potatoes. These house cut varieties feature a delightful sprinkle of sea salt that enhances rather than overwhelms.
The cut mimics hand-sliced potatoes, creating an appealing rustic appearance. While not the crispiest option available, they deliver reliable flavor and texture that keeps them in regular rotation for many households.
10. Nathan’s Famous Jumbo Crinkle Cut
Coney Island nostalgia in your freezer! Nathan’s brings their boardwalk heritage to these substantial crinkle cuts that hold up admirably to ketchup and toppings.
The deep ridges create perfect pockets of crispiness while maintaining a fluffy interior. They capture that fairground food magic, though they require a bit longer in the oven than thinner varieties.
11. Lamb Weston Super Crispy Crinkle Cut
Restaurant supplier Lamb Weston knows potatoes, and it shows in these exceptional crinkle cuts. The proprietary coating creates a crackling exterior that stays crispy long after cooking.
Each ridge develops a golden-brown edge while the valleys remain tender. They’re the closest thing to drive-thru fries you’ll find in the freezer section, making them worth seeking out.
12. Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Shoestring
Idaho knows potatoes, and these shoestring fries showcase that expertise brilliantly. The ultra-thin cut creates maximum surface area for crisping, resulting in fries that shatter satisfyingly with each bite.
Great for those who prioritize crunch over potato fluff. These delicate strands cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for impatient fry enthusiasts.
13. Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
A game-changer in the frozen fry world! Alexia’s sweet potato offering brings color and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with spicy dips or savory burgers.
The slight caramelization that develops during cooking enhances their natural sugars. They’re a nutritional upgrade from regular fries, packing beta-carotene and fiber while still delivering serious satisfaction.
14. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries
Nostalgia in a bag! Ore-Ida’s fast food fries perfectly replicate those beloved drive-thru spuds we crave at midnight. The thin cut and special coating create that distinctive fast-food texture.
They crisp up beautifully even in a conventional oven. The familiar taste triggers happy meal memories while offering the convenience of home preparation – truly the best of both worlds.
15. Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles
An American classic that’s earned its legendary status! These iconic crinkle cuts have been the cornerstone of family dinners for generations, delivering consistent quality and nostalgic flavor.
The deep ridges create perfect texture contrast – crunchy peaks and tender valleys. Their versatility is unmatched, pairing beautifully with everything from gourmet burgers to fish sticks.
16. Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns
Crown jewels of the freezer aisle! These potato discs might technically be hash browns, but they’ve earned their place as the ultimate potato side. Each coin-shaped morsel offers maximum crispy surface area.
The compact size makes them great for dipping and snacking. Their versatility is unmatched – breakfast companion, burger topping, or standalone snack. They’re simply potato perfection in bite-sized form.
