9 Fries Not Worth The Salt & 9 That’ll Keep You Coming Back

French fries might be the most beloved fast food side dish in America, but not all drive-thru spuds are created equal.

I’ve spent years taste-testing fries across the country (tough job, I know) and have strong opinions about which deserve your dollars and which should be left in the fryer.

Here’s my definitive guide to navigating the world of fast food fries, from the soggy disappointments to the crispy champions.

1. SKIP: Jack in the Box Regular Fries

Forgettable at best, regrettable at worst. Jack in the Box regular fries exemplify fast food mediocrity with their inconsistent cooking and bland flavor profile. They’re neither crispy enough to satisfy a texture craving nor flavorful enough to stand on their own merits.

During my college years, these were my 2 AM go-to simply because the location was open 24/7. Even in those desperate, hungry moments, I’d often leave half the container untouched. That speaks volumes about their appeal.

2. SKIP: Dairy Queen Regular Fries

Blandness personified in potato form. Dairy Queen seems to have perfected the art of creating fries that taste like they’ve had all flavor scientifically removed. Their pale appearance matches their personality – forgettable and uninspired.

The texture fluctuates wildly between locations, sometimes arriving soggy, sometimes overly crisp to the point of dryness.

I once found myself using them solely as a vehicle for ketchup, which tells you everything you need to know about their standalone appeal.

3. SKIP: Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries

Marketing genius, culinary disappointment. Wendy’s “natural-cut with sea salt” fries sound fancy but deliver an identity crisis on a plate. The skin-on style promises rustic authenticity but often results in leathery potato jackets clinging to mushy interiors.

Their tendency to cool rapidly means you have approximately 3.5 minutes of decent fry enjoyment before they transform into cold potato sticks. Even dipping them in a Frosty can’t fully redeem these underachievers.

4. SKIP: KFC Secret Recipe Fries

Criminally disappointing potato sticks. KFC’s “Secret Recipe” fries promised flavor but delivered confusion instead. The coating attempts to mimic their famous chicken seasoning but results in a strange, almost dusty texture that doesn’t adhere properly.

The inconsistent cooking means some fries are burnt while others remain undercooked – sometimes in the same container! I’ve given these multiple chances across different locations, hoping for improvement.

Still waiting for that breakthrough moment when they finally get it right.

5. SKIP: Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Brilliant concept, flawed execution. Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries sound amazing on paper – seasoned fries with Mexican-inspired spices and nacho cheese dipping sauce. Reality often delivers lukewarm, soggy potatoes with inconsistent seasoning.

The limited-time availability creates artificial hype for what’s essentially a mediocre side dish. During their last appearance, I rushed to try them again, hoping they’d improved. They hadn’t. Save your dollars for their superior menu items instead.

6. SKIP: A&W Regular Fries

Criminally overlooked and underperforming. A&W’s regular fries consistently rank among the most forgettable in fast food – neither terrible enough to be memorable nor good enough to be crave-worthy. The texture often falls into the dreaded middle ground: not quite crispy, not quite soft.

My last A&W visit featured fries that tasted like they’d been sitting under a heat lamp since breakfast. Even their famous root beer couldn’t wash away the disappointment. Their cheese curds are the superior side option by miles.

7. SKIP: Burger King’s Standard Fries

Perpetually underwhelming, Burger King’s regular fries often arrive lukewarm and limp. The coating attempts to mimic a crispy exterior but frequently fails, leaving you with a mouthful of mealy potato instead.

I once drove 20 minutes specifically for BK fries (don’t ask why) and tossed them after three bites. Save your appetite for their onion rings instead – at least those deliver consistent flavor.

8. SKIP: Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. Natural-Cut French Fries

Unremarkable potato sticks that never quite satisfy. Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. natural-cut fries suffer from an identity crisis – attempting to be both fast food fry and authentic potato wedge without succeeding at either.

The skin-on style often results in tough, chewy bits rather than rustic charm. During a cross-country road trip last year, I tried these at three different locations, and each batch was equally forgettable. Save your calories for their burgers instead.

9. SKIP: Sonic Drive-In Fries

Sonic fries suffer from identity confusion. Not quite shoestring, not quite steak fry, they exist in a bland middle ground of mediocrity. The texture often veers toward cardboard territory, and the seasoning is wildly inconsistent.

I’ve visited Sonic locations across three states, hoping to find the magical batch everyone raves about. Still waiting! Your taste buds deserve better than these forgettable potato sticks.

10. WORTH IT: McDonald’s Classic Fries

Golden perfection in a red cardboard sleeve! McDonald’s fries remain the gold standard with their perfectly salted, crisp exterior and fluffy interior. The secret lies in their beef-flavored oil that creates that unmistakable Mickey D’s taste.

Hot from the fryer, they’re practically untouchable in the fast food world. Even when they cool slightly, they maintain that addictive quality that keeps us coming back for “just one more.”

11. WORTH IT: Five Guys Cajun Fries

Flavor bombs that explode in your mouth! Five Guys’ Cajun fries take their already excellent hand-cut potatoes and elevate them with a spicy, savory seasoning blend that clings to every crispy edge.

Last summer, I drove 45 minutes out of my way during a road trip just to grab these bad boys. The generous portion size means you’ll always have enough to share, though you probably won’t want to!

12. WORTH IT: Arby’s Curly Fries

Arby’s curly fries bring a playground of textures and flavors with their unique shape and seasoning blend. The corkscrew design creates more surface area for that addictive coating of paprika, onion, garlic, and pepper.

Some curls get extra crispy while others maintain a tender center. This textural variety in a single container makes each bite a delightful surprise. Forget their roast beef – these curly delights are the real reason to visit Arby’s.

13. WORTH IT: Popeyes Cajun Fries

Spicy, crispy, and utterly craveable! Popeyes Cajun fries bring Louisiana heat to the fast food fry game with their distinctive orange-hued coating. The fries maintain a satisfying crunch while delivering a slow-building spice that never overwhelms.

Their slightly thicker cut provides the perfect balance between exterior crispness and fluffy potato interior. These fries don’t need ketchup – they’re perfectly seasoned on their own, though they pair beautifully with Popeyes’ signature dipping sauces.

14. WORTH IT: Checkers/Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries

Checkers/Rally’s fries come with a distinctive coating that creates an extra-crunchy exterior while locking in a perfectly soft potato center. The seasoning blend delivers a savory, slightly spicy kick that makes these fries instantly recognizable.

Back in college, my roommates and I would make late-night Rally’s runs specifically for these fries, bypassing closer options.

Even the frozen grocery store version holds up surprisingly well, though nothing beats getting them fresh from the drive-thru.

15. WORTH IT: Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Uniquely shaped potato perfection! Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries stand out with their distinctive grid pattern that creates the ideal balance of crispy edges and tender centers. The waffle design provides perfect nooks for catching dipping sauces.

Always served piping hot, these potatoes maintain their texture longer than traditional fry shapes. I’ve been known to take the long route home just to make sure I can enjoy these waffle wonders while they’re still at peak crispiness. Worth every extra minute!

16. WORTH IT: Shake Shack Crinkle Cuts

Shake Shack elevates the humble, ridged fry with perfect execution – crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and just the right amount of salt. The crinkle shape creates more surface area for that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Shake Shack fries taste like the idealized version of childhood frozen fries. I’ve literally planned my airport layovers around Shake Shack locations just to get my hands on these crinkle-cut beauties.

They’re that good, especially when paired with their cheese sauce!

17. WORTH IT: Bojangles’ Seasoned Fries

Bojangles’ fries arrive with a distinctive orange-hued coating that delivers a perfect balance of salt, paprika, and secret spices. The cajun-inspired seasoning penetrates beyond the surface for flavor in every bite.

These straight-cut beauties maintain their crisp exterior while staying fluffy inside. My Carolina friends introduced me to these spicy delights years ago, and now I can’t pass a Bojangles’ without stopping.

They’ve ruined regular fries for me forever!

18. WORTH IT: Smashburger Smash Fries

Herb-infused potato magic! Smashburger’s Smash Fries elevate the humble spud with rosemary, olive oil, and garlic for a sophisticated flavor profile that stands miles apart from traditional fast food offerings. The thin-cut style allows for maximum crispiness while the herbs provide aromatic delight.

These fries made me pull over once when I caught their scent wafting from a shopping center. Thirty minutes later, I was happily munching away, wondering why all fast food places don’t season their fries this thoughtfully.