The Best Frozen French Fries, From Crinkle Cut to Curly

The birthplace of French fries is often disputed. Some argue, as the name suggests, that they were a French invention, originating from the deep-fried potato carts of 18th century Paris. Others claim they are not French at all but can actually be traced back to 16th-century Belgium. But the birthplace of frozen French fries is not in question. That is indisputably the USA.

Back in the 1940s, an Idaho farmer-turned-entrepreneur named J.R. Simplot developed a method for freezing French fries that involved partially frying them first so that they held their shape and texture. It was a game-changer and paved the way for the monumental frozen fry market we have today. By 2033, research from Fact.MR predicts the global industry for frozen fries will exceed $36 billion.

According to one study, Americans eat close to 30 pounds of French fries every single year. While many of those come from fast-food chains, plenty are cooked at home straight from the freezer. If you’re a frozen fry fan, below, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market right now, from crinkle-cut to curly to sweet potato to shoestring.

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Are frozen French fries vegan?

As well as potatoes, most frozen fries are made with vegetable oil, salt, flavorings, and seasonings, so by default, they’re often vegan. However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, brands use seasonings that contain animal products, like beef tallow, chicken fat, or dairy. To ensure frozen French fries are vegan, always double-check the ingredient list. If they contain milk, it will be listed clearly under the allergen information, too.

RELATED: How to Make Crispy Restaurant-Style Fries at Home Without Deep Fryers or Air Fryers

Are frozen French fries healthy?

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Frozen fries are not a health food. They are an example of an ultra-processed food, and they are often high in saturated fat and sodium. But some are healthier than others, and you can keep an eye out for options that are lower in fat and sodium if you are concerned.

The way you cook frozen fries also has an impact on how healthy they are. Baking fries in the oven can be a healthier option than deep frying, for example, as it typically uses less oil. Air fryers also use hot air to cook the fries, and they require little to no oil.

Frozen fries are not nutrient-dense, but when consumed in moderation, most experts agree that indulging in them isn’t going to do you a lot of harm. 

“Listen to your body; if you are craving a food and want to enjoy it, then know it’s okay to eat your favorite foods in moderation without guilt or judgment,” Stefani Sassos MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, told Good Housekeeping in 2021.

“Every single meal doesn’t have to be the most perfect, most nutritious meal of your life.”

Which are the best frozen French fries?

Best crinkle cut fries: Kroger Crinkle Cut Fries

Crinkle-cut fries aren’t everyone’s favorite, but for those who can’t get enough of them, Kroger’s are worth a try. They cook evenly, crisp up nicely, and taste great regardless of whether they are thrown in the oven to bake or air-fried. They’re best with ketchup (of course). Side note: If you fancy making your own version of the famous red sauce, find some of our go-to easy vegan ketchup recipes here.
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Best straight-cut fries: Ore-Ida Fast Food French Fries

McDonald’s fries are not vegan (yep, seriously, they’re flavored with beef), but these delicious fast food-style French fries from Ore-Ida are, so it’s not all bad news. In fact, some reviewers say they’re almost identical to the ones you get from the fast food giant. Why not make a whole fakeaway and pair them with this Beefy Vegan Beet Burger?
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Best curly fries: Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries

Surprisingly, Arby’s does have some vegan options, including its signature curly fries. But if you don’t live near the popular fast-food chain, you can still grab a portion of the crispy, seasoned fries, as the chain sells frozen versions in grocery stores across the country. They taste just as good, and they’re cheaper than a fast food outing, too.
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Best sweet potato fries: Alexia Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries tend to be lower in sodium than regular fries, and they have a delicious natural sweetness and slightly earthy flavor that is, quite frankly, a little addictive. While some sweet potato fries can come out a little soggy, these from Alexia are perfectly crispy and crunchy, especially when they’ve been air-fried.
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Best waffle fries: McCain Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A is known for its tasty waffle fries, but you don’t need to buy from the fried chicken giant to get your fix. Instead, grab a bag of these waffle fries from McCain. They’re the perfect mix of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you’re craving chicken, we recommend enjoying them alongside this tasty vegan chicken strip sandwich, too.
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Best steak-cut fries: Ore-Ida Golden Thick Cut Steak French Fries

If skinny fries are not your thing, check out these golden thick-cut steak fries from Ore-Ida. Just like the waffle fries, when baked, they develop a lovely crispy outside and a nice fluffy, soft inside. Pair with one of these tasty vegan whole-cut options for the ultimate night in.
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Best vegetable fries: Strong Roots Mixed Root Vegetable Fries

Lovers of sweet potato fries, we’ve got something else for you to try: mixed root vegetable fries. They’re made with a mix of root vegetables, including parsnips, carrots, and beetroot, and offer a nice, tasty change from standard potato fries. They also look nice and colorful on the plate, too.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.