McDonald's Fries: The Great Debate

The eternal questionare McDonald's fries the best among all fast food fries? Some would argue otherwise, suggesting that these golden but salt-drenched strips pale in comparison to other options. While many might soften their stance on the instance of a freshly cooked fry, the constant quality and taste issues have become a point of discussion. Let's delve deeper into whether McDonald's fries stand as the pinnacle of fast food french fries or fall short of expectations.

McDonald's Fries: A Taste of Salt

Are McDonald's fries, in the opinion of many, the zenith of fast food fries? Not so much, according to those who have experienced what they consider to be an excessive amount of salt drowning out the actual taste of the potato. One vocal critic expresses the frustration: "The UN should be investigating McDonalds for depleting the world of its salt resources." This is of course a hyperbolic statement, but it hints at a core issuethe overwhelming presence of salt in these fries.

As someone who has had an up-close experience with McDonald's fries, the dissatisfaction stems from a lack of potato flavor. These fries are drenched in salt to such an extent that the true taste of a potato is hardly discernible. It's akin to ordering a fried potato that somehow ends up tasting more like a salty ocean than a potato.

The Search for Superior Fries

Is there anything that can be considered better than McDonald's fries? The answer, according to many, lies in fries that actually taste like potatoes. Fries that have a rich, potato flavor and which aren't engulfed in a salty ocean.

While McDonald's fries are technically made with potatoes, the heavy application of salt and grease means that the resulting fries are barely recognizable as such. The flavor is almost entirely overshadowed by the salt, leaving most consumers questioning whether they're even eating a proper french fry.

Quality Over Quantity

Since the company changed the oil type used in frying, the fries have become mediocre at best. Contrast this with the pastyears ago, the fries were celebrated for their crispiness, saltiness, and delicious taste. However, over time, they have become bland and unremarkable. In fact, they have such a slight bitter aftertaste that it's often mistaken for a taste of failure.

Some might argue that the fries are still good when freshly cooked, but the issue lies in maintaining that quality. Also, some consumers prefer other brands, such as Burger King, where the fries remain more palatable even after cooling. Placeholders like Burger King and even the traditional offerings of the 1970s, when the fryer oil was a blend of vegetable and lard, are often held in higher regard for their taste and quality.

Historical Context

Back in the 1970s when the author worked at McDonald's, the fryer oil was a blend of vegetable and lard. The fries from that era were significantly better and more delicious than today's versions. The change to remove animal fat to appeal to Hindu and vegetarian markets, while admirable in scope, has led to the current state of fries. Many buyers feel that this transition has resulted in a loss of taste and quality.

In summary, while McDonald's fries hold a certain status as a staple of fast food, they are far from the best. The salt content overshadows the potato flavor, rendering them overwhelmingly salty rather than delicious. The historical quality of these fries, as enjoyed in the past, cannot be replicated with the current formulation. For a truly enjoyable fry experience, many would recommend exploring other options.