Fries are a make or break menu item, if I have the choice between somewhere with mediocre fries and really good ones I will always go with the latter.
When it comes to fast food, a lot of the quality when it comes to burgers and the like can be quite similar.
I think there's been a slight debate in the past over who has the best fries (although we can all agree that KFC have the worst...) so I decided to go out and find an answer.
Heading to five of the big fast food chains in my city, I got to the bottom of who has the best ones.
Five Guys - £2.95
Everyone knows Five Guys fries are ridiculously huge, so I opted for the smallest size (Little) and still felt slightly intimating.
As you can tell from the picture, the fries were really greasy. They come in a paper cup, but the generous portion size (which I'm certainly not complaining about) means that they tip out, soaking through the paper bag.
I really liked these, there wasn't a strong peanut flavour - although the stores do smell like peanut oil and I'm mildly concerned that my hair will also from the five minutes I spent in there.
But the fries were delicious, they tasted like something you'd be satisfied receiving from a restaurant.
I got the original style, but Cajun seasoning is also available which adds extra flavour.
The potato had a lovely texture and I was thoroughly impressed.
I would say, these are better ordered than bought in person as you won't have the peanut oil smell lingering on your clothes and hair.
Rating: 4/5
KFC - £1.49
KFC should honestly stick to chicken, these fries were the worst I tried.
I couldn't even pretend to enjoy it - they were not nice in any way.
And on top of that, the packet was half empty. For £1.49 I think it's fair to expect the packet to be somewhat full.
I think if you're getting KFC opt for the corn on the cobs, maybe for the rice - avoid these fries at all costs.
If there's no other option then I suppose they will do, but only as a last resort.
Rating: 1/5
Burger King - £1.89
Burger King fries have some flavour, but not all that much.
They're probably a little bit better than McDonalds - but not by a significant amount - with a burger they're probably quite a good option but only if you're having something alongside.
The big three fast food restaurants left me a little disappointed.
Rating: 2/5
Taco Bell - £1
Taco Bell's fries are on their saver menu, for just £1 you can get the seasoned fries with a tub of cheese sauce.
There is not an option on the menu without cheese, although you can ask to not receive it.
A big factor for me on if a fry is good or not is the texture - Taco Bell succeeded on this front.
The texture was great (although not as good as Five Guys) but the seasoning mix makes up for it completely.
I was thoroughly impressed and the tub of cheese being included in the bargain price definitely doesn't hurt.
Rating: 4/5
McDonalds - £1.19
McDonalds seems to just be very bog standard, like with the Chicken Selects I was left unimpressed.
They're okay, although quite limp and honestly could use more salt.
I understand now why McDonalds has so many sauces - to add some flavour.
These are okay on a night out, when everywhere else is closed and you've had enough drinks that you don't care about the quality.
Despite all this, they were still better than KFC
Rating: 2/5
I would say the overall best fast food place to get fries has to be Five Guys, I was so impressed with the texture and it will definitely be my first choice.
Taco Bell were impressive yet again and are a close second - the other three I'd avoid unless everywhere else was closed.
