Potato, french fries, with chili
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
These are golden, crispy potato batons, deep-fried to a satisfying crunch and generously dusted with a spicy, savory chili seasoning. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a fluffy, starchy interior, with a lingering heat from the chili that builds with every fry. At 241 kcal per 100g, they offer a moderate energy boost, with carbs providing quick fuel and a small amount of plant-based protein.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 51% carbs · 40% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore the addictive contrast of textures—the shattering crisp exterior against the soft, steaming interior—amplified by the bold, spicy kick of chili. It's a beloved comfort food and social snack, perfect for sharing at gatherings, movie nights, or as a flavorful side to burgers and sandwiches.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The deep-frying process increases fat and calorie content, and the chili seasoning can be high in sodium, which may concern those monitoring blood pressure or fluid retention. To counteract, pair with a protein-rich dip like Greek yogurt or a side salad to slow sugar absorption, practice portion control by sharing a serving, and opt for baking or air-frying at home to reduce fat.
Key benefits
- Provides quick-release carbohydrates for energy
- Contains dietary fiber (3.6g) from the potato
- Offers a small amount of plant-based protein (5.2g)
- The chili spice can temporarily boost metabolism
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The world record for the longest French fry is over 34 inches (86 cm), achieved in 2017 in Canada.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 51.5 g |
| Energy | 241 kcal |
| Protein | 5.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 30.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.69 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 31.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 116 mg |
| Potassium, K | 473 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 261 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.90 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.2 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Niacin | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.30 mg |
| Folate, total | 38.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 38.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 38.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 34.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.17 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 38.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 4.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 6.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 708 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 24.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.9 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 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.68 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.2 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.3 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.31 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 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 | 6.0 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 chili fries gluten-free?
The potatoes and chili seasoning are typically gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur in fryers. Always check the specific preparation and seasoning ingredients.
Can I make healthier chili fries at home?
Yes. Use an air fryer or oven to bake the fries with a light coating of oil, and make your own chili seasoning blend to control salt and spice levels.
Why do chili fries sometimes get soggy?
Moisture from the chili sauce or steam from the hot fries can soften the crisp exterior. Serve the chili on the side or add it just before eating to maintain crunch.
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 2.41 kcal/g · 9% calories from protein · 3.6 g fiber · 0.7 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: 0.55 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.