4 Frozen French Fries To Avoid & 4 Healthier Options Worth Buying

Last weekend, I found myself staring at the frozen food aisle, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of french fries.

As someone who loves a good side of fries with burgers, I’ve learned the hard way that not all frozen spuds are created equal.

Some pack unwanted additives and excessive oils, while others offer surprisingly nutritious alternatives.

After years of taste-testing (tough job, I know!), I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the freezer section like a pro.

1. Ore-Ida Golden Fries: The Preservative Problem

The bright yellow bag caught my eye for years before I bothered checking the ingredient list. Yikes! Ore-Ida Golden Fries contain disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (try saying that five times fast) to maintain their color, plus hydrogenated oils that aren’t doing your heart any favors.

The sodium content will make your water retention go through the roof – one serving packs nearly 15% of your daily recommended intake. While they crisp up nicely, that satisfying crunch comes at a nutritional cost.

My nephew once called these “chemistry fries” after watching me read the ingredients aloud, and honestly, the kid wasn’t wrong. When a seven-year-old can spot the problem, perhaps it’s time to reconsider our freezer staples.

2. Great Value Crinkle Cut Fries: Budget-Friendly But Nutritionally Bankrupt

Walmart’s Great Value brand tempts budget-conscious shoppers like myself, but their crinkle cuts come with hidden costs. I once served these at a family gathering, and my health-conscious sister immediately spotted the telltale sheen of added oils.

A quick glance at the nutrition facts reveals why these should stay on the shelf. They’re loaded with palm oil (hello, deforestation concerns) and contain artificial flavors that attempt to mask the potato’s natural taste.

The texture always seems slightly off too – sometimes mushy inside despite a crispy exterior. At just a couple bucks per bag, they seem like a steal, until you consider what you’re really paying for: inferior ingredients and nutritional emptiness.

3. Checkers Famous Seasoned Fries: Flavor Overload, Nutrition Underload

Remember that commercial where everyone raved about these drive-thru inspired fries? I fell for the hype and bought three bags! The seasoning blend packs a punch – maybe too much of one. These fries contain MSG, artificial flavors, and enough sodium to make a salt lick jealous.

The ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Hydrolyzed corn gluten, autolyzed yeast extract, and disodium inosinate aren’t exactly wholesome additions to your dinner plate.

While they nail that fast-food taste, my stomach always feels slightly off after eating them – probably from the cocktail of additives. Sure, they’re convenient for recreating that drive-thru experience, but your body deserves better than these science experiment spuds.

4. Alexia House Cut Fries With Sea Salt: The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

The fancy packaging fooled me! Alexia’s House Cut variety looks artisanal with their “sea salt” marketing and rustic appearance. My first clue should’ve been when they didn’t brown evenly in my oven despite following instructions to the letter.

Don’t be fooled by their “natural” claims – these fries still contain unnecessary additives like xanthan gum and annatto for color. The oil content is surprisingly high, with 6 grams of fat per serving, much of it coming from problematic vegetable oils that oxidize during high-heat cooking.

The sea salt sounds premium but actually contributes to an excessive sodium count. While they’re marginally better than some conventional options, they’re still far from the health food their packaging subtly suggests. I’ve since relegated these to my “occasional indulgence” list.

5. Alexia Sweet Potato Fries: The Nutrient Powerhouse

Sweet potatoes changed my fry game forever! Alexia’s version brings vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants to the table – literally. One serving provides over 100% of your daily vitamin A needs, supporting healthy vision and immune function.

My picky eater nephew devoured these without realizing they weren’t “regular” fries. The natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with spicy dips like sriracha mayo or chipotle ketchup, creating a flavor explosion that processed white potato fries can’t match.

Unlike their House Cut counterparts, these contain minimal additives and use better-quality oils. They crisp beautifully when baked, especially if you arrange them with space between each fry. The slightly higher price point is justified by their superior nutritional profile and rich, satisfying taste.

6. 365 Organic Crinkle Cut Fries: Whole Foods’ Wholesome Winner

Confession time: I initially bought these just to feel fancy shopping at Whole Foods. Surprisingly, they’ve become my go-to weeknight side dish! 365’s organic offering contains exactly what you’d expect in fries: potatoes, oil, and salt – nothing else.

The organic certification means no pesticides or weird chemicals lurking in your spuds. They contain significantly less sodium than conventional brands, letting the natural potato flavor shine through. My blood pressure thanks me every time I choose these over sodium-laden alternatives.

Texture-wise, they nail the crispy-outside, fluffy-inside balance that frozen fries often miss. While slightly pricier than conventional options, the clean ingredient list and superior taste make them worth every penny. Pro tip: a sprinkle of rosemary before baking takes these to restaurant-quality levels!

7. Cascadian Farm Straight Cut Fries: The Family-Friendly Favorite

“Mom, can we have the farm fries?” That’s what my kids call these organic gems from Cascadian Farm. The company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture isn’t just marketing fluff – they’ve been pioneers in organic farming since 1972!

These straight-cut beauties contain just organic potatoes, organic vegetable oil, and sea salt. No preservatives, no artificial colors, no nonsense. The potatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides, which means you’re not getting a side of chemicals with your burger.

What truly sets these apart is their perfect thickness – substantial enough to get fluffy centers but not so thick that they take forever to cook. They’re also remarkably consistent from bag to bag, a quality control achievement that deserves recognition. For families trying to reduce processed food intake without sacrificing convenience, these are a freezer essential.

8. Trader Joe’s Handsome Cut Potato Fries: The Unsung Freezer Hero

The quirky name initially made me chuckle in the TJ’s freezer aisle. “Handsome cut” fries? What makes a fry handsome, exactly? Turns out, it’s their substantial, skin-on rustic appearance that truly elevates weeknight dinners.

Unlike many competitors, these fries aren’t pre-fried before freezing, resulting in significantly less oil. The skin-on approach preserves more nutrients and fiber that would otherwise be lost. They bake up with a satisfying crunch that rivals any restaurant offering.

My absolute favorite aspect is their versatility. These robust spuds stand up beautifully to loaded toppings – try them with melted cheese, chili, or my personal creation: Greek yogurt, feta, and olive tapenade. At Trader Joe’s characteristic reasonable price point, these handsome fellows deliver gourmet quality without breaking the bank.