Potato, french fries, NS as to fresh or frozen
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
These are strips of potato, deep-fried until golden and crisp on the outside with a fluffy, tender interior. The classic version is savory and salty, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, starchy center. Nutritionally, they are an energy-dense food, primarily providing carbohydrates and fats for quick fuel.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 40% carbs · 55% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore fries for their irresistible combination of salty, savory flavor and contrasting textures—the shattering crispness of the exterior against the creamy interior. They are a universal comfort food, deeply embedded in global food culture as the quintessential side dish or snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and calorie content from deep-frying can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively, and the refined carbs can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes. To mitigate this, pair with a protein source (like a burger or grilled chicken) and a fiber-rich vegetable to slow digestion, practice portion control, or opt for oven-baked versions at home to reduce oil absorption.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of quick energy from carbohydrates.
- Contains potassium, which supports nerve and muscle function.
- Provides some dietary fiber, especially with skin-on varieties.
- A versatile base for a wide range of flavor profiles and seasonings.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The debate over whether french fries originated in Belgium or France is ongoing, but the term 'french' likely refers to the cooking method 'to french,' meaning to cut into thin strips, not the country.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 58.6 g |
| Energy | 225 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 23.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.34 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.53 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 79.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 435 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 295 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.32 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 7.8 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.12 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.03 mg |
| Niacin | 1.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.24 mg |
| Folate, total | 21.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 21.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 21.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 21.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 3.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 15.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.40 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.61 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, potato chips, made from dried potatoes, reduced fat — USDA does not publish this profile for Potato.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.24 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.25 g |
| Leucine | 0.37 g |
| Lysine | 0.35 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.07 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.26 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.22 g |
| Valine | 0.33 g |
| Arginine | 0.27 g |
| Histidine | 0.13 g |
| Alanine | 0.20 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.94 g |
| Glycine | 0.19 g |
| Proline | 0.20 g |
| Serine | 0.23 g |
FAQ
Are french fries gluten-free?
Plain potatoes are gluten-free, but fries can become contaminated if cooked in shared fryer oil with breaded items. Always check preparation methods for strict gluten-free needs.
Why do some fries stay crisp longer?
Double-frying is key: the first cook at a lower temperature softens the interior, and the second fry at a higher temperature creates a dehydrated, crisp crust that resists sogginess.
Is the skin usually left on?
It depends on the style. 'Steak fries' or 'home-style' often retain the skin for texture and extra nutrients, while classic shoestring or fast-food fries are typically peeled.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.25 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 1.8 g fiber · 0.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.68 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.