Would You Like Fries With That?

Taking a break from all things holiday related..

Recently I got asked through the FoodBuzz Tastemaker program if I’d like to try out Wendy’s new French fries. The first thought that came to mind was, “Oh, Wendy’s has new French fries?” I headed over to trusty Google and typed in “Wendy’s new French fries” and was presented with this information..

Wendy's French fries came in at number four behind industry leader McDonald's, up-and-comer Five Guys and In-N-Out Burger. Perhaps that is why after 41-years, Wendy's has redesigned their fries.

Wendy’s  new fries  are:

• Natural-cut
• Include the skin
• Feature sea salt
• 100% Russet potatoes
• Focus on wholesome ingredients to appeal to the nutrition conscious

So I made the trek to the nearest Wendy’s, about an hour away to try these new and hyped about fries.

Were they worth the drive?

(or the hour 15 minute waiting line?)

First bite:

• I am a fan of sea salt on fries.

Second bite:

• I like the skin on the fries, but as far as flavor, these fries weren’t much of a switch up from Wendy’s previous fries.

Third bite:

• Hmm, I wonder how much these fries differ nutritionally from Wendy’s previous fries? So I checked..

Medium serving of new fries
Calories – 420 (10 calories more than original fries)
Fat – 20 grams (1 gram higher than original fries)
Sodium – 500 mg (150 mg more than original fries)
Carbohydrates – 54 grams (2 grams higher than original fries)
Protein – 5 grams (1 gram more than original fries)
Medium serving of original fries
Calories – 410
Fat – 19 grams
Sodium – 350 mg
Carbohydrates – 56 grams
Fiber – 5 grams
Protein – 4 grams

Fourth bite:

• Where’s the nutritional difference? Oh well, they are still good. Not better than McDonald’s, and still not better than homemade sweet potato fries, but hey, overall it was a great addition to their amazing Apple Chicken Pecan salad!

Other companies jumping on the sea salt band wagon:

•Campbell. In 2006, it was among the first to begin using sea salt. It now sells 200 reduced-sodium products made with sea salt, spokesman John Faulkner says.

•Whole Foods. In the past year, its 365 Everyday Value house brand launched a wave of products with sea salt — from nuts to potato chips. It also encourages suppliers to use sea salt because its customers prefer it, spokeswoman Liz Burkhart says.

•Target. The discounter uses sea salt in its Archer Farms store brand's Sea Salt, Caramel & Almond Indulgent Granola Bites.

 

Have you tried Wendy’s new fries; what’d you think?