Patrick Oconnell
French fries are a popular dish in the United States, with the average American consuming around 30-34 pounds of fries per year. While the exact number of cheese fries made each year is unknown, the popularity of French fries as a base for various toppings suggests that cheese fries are likely a significant contributor to this figure. Cheese fries are a type of loaded fry, where French fries are topped with cheese, and often additional ingredients such as bacon, pulled pork, chili, or gravy. With the versatility of French fries as a canvas for creativity, it is no surprise that cheese fries have become a beloved comfort food for many.
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What You'll Learn
Americans eat 30-34 pounds of French fries per year
French fries are one of the most popular dishes in the United States, with the average American consuming between 30 and 34 pounds, or 14 kilograms, of French fries per year. This equates to about 8 billion servings of fries produced in Washington state alone by one of the biggest frozen potato suppliers in the world, Lamb Weston. French fries are typically deep-fried in hot oil, either by submerging them or using a deep fryer, and are commonly served as a side dish or eaten as a snack. They are often salted and accompanied by ketchup, vinegar, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, or other sauces and toppings.
The popularity of French fries in the US has been driven by the quick-service restaurant industry (QSRs), with two-thirds of french fry usage attributed to this sector. In addition, about 6% of french fries are consumed in school cafeterias. The demand for frozen french fries has grown significantly over the years, with the share of potatoes consumed as frozen products increasing from 27% in 1970-1974 to 44% in 2015-2019. This growth is largely due to the convenience and versatility of frozen fries, which can be easily prepared in various settings, from fast-food chains to home cooking.
French fries have become so ingrained in American culture that they have their own national day. National French Fry Day is celebrated on the second Friday in July, a change from its previous date of July 13, to ensure the "fry day" always falls on a Friday. This dedicated day celebrates the fried potato dish that has become a staple in the American diet and a symbol of comfort food.
While the exact origin of French fries is uncertain, with multiple countries claiming to be the originators, they have undoubtedly become a global phenomenon. The thin style of French fries, in particular, has been popularized worldwide by large American fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. This has contributed to the widespread consumption of French fries, with Americans leading the way at 30-34 pounds per person per year.
In addition to their popularity in the US, French fries have a significant presence in Canada. The town of Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, home to McCain Foods—the world's largest manufacturer of frozen French fries, calls itself "the French fry capital of the world." This further emphasizes the prominence of French fries in North American culture and cuisine.
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A third of US-grown potatoes are made into frozen fries
French fries are one of the most popular dishes in the United States, with the average American consuming around 30 pounds (14 kg) of fries per year. They are commonly served as a side dish or as a snack, and they are especially prevalent in fast-food restaurants. Over the years, the demand for frozen fries has increased, with a little more than one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States being manufactured into frozen products, of which 85% are french fries. This shift towards frozen fries is largely driven by the growth of the quick-service restaurant industry (QSRs), which includes popular fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King.
The rise in popularity of frozen fries has had a significant impact on the potato market. In the early 1970s, only about 27% of potatoes were consumed as frozen products, but that number increased to 44% in the 2015-2019 period. While a small portion of frozen fries are sold in supermarkets and retail outlets, the majority are used in food service venues or exported. In fact, research from the early 2000s showed that QSRs alone accounted for about two-thirds of french fry usage, with an additional 6% coming from school cafeterias.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this trend, causing a slowdown in french fry demand as the food service sector was severely impacted. Exports of frozen potato products, which typically account for a significant portion of freezing potato utilization, also decreased during this time. However, the popularity of frozen fries in the United States remains strong, with many Americans enjoying the convenience and taste of these frozen treats.
Frozen french fries come in various forms, from traditional straight-cut fries to crinkle-cut or curly fries. They can be prepared in different ways, including deep frying, baking, or air frying, and are often served hot and crispy. While they are typically salted, they can also be topped with a variety of sauces or ingredients, such as cheese, chili, gravy, or bacon, to create loaded fries or specialized dishes like chili cheese fries or poutine.
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Chili cheese fries are a popular comfort food
French fries are one of the most popular dishes in the United States, with the average American consuming around 30 pounds (14 kg) of fries per year. While fries are commonly served as a side dish or eaten as a snack, they can also be topped with various ingredients to create more indulgent dishes, such as poutine, loaded fries, and chili cheese fries.
Chili cheese fries, a classic American comfort food, are made by topping crispy French fries with flavorful chili and melted cheese. This combination of textures and flavors makes for a deliciously indulgent treat that is perfect for parties, sports events, and gatherings. The dish is often served as an appetizer or snack but can also be paired with chili burgers for a heartier meal.
The process of making chili cheese fries is relatively simple. First, crispy French fries are prepared according to the package instructions, either by air frying, deep frying, or baking in the oven. While the fries are cooking, the chili is prepared on the stove by cooking ground beef, onions, garlic, and various seasonings. Canned or vegetarian chili can also be used as a convenient alternative. Once the fries are crispy and the chili is thickened, the two are combined, and shredded cheese is added on top. The dish is then placed under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Chili cheese fries can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. For a vegetarian option, the meat chili can be substituted with a bean-based or plant-based chili. Additional toppings, such as sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions, can also be added for extra flavor and texture. The type of cheese used can also be varied, with options like cheddar, Cotija cheese, or Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce, to name a few.
Chili cheese fries are a versatile and indulgent dish that can be enjoyed in various settings. The combination of crispy fries, savory chili, and melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack, an appetizer, or a full meal, chili cheese fries are a popular and flavorful treat that is loved by many.
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French fries are commonly served with salt and ketchup
French fries are a popular dish in many parts of the world, and they are often served with a variety of toppings and condiments. While the exact number of cheese fries made each year is not readily available, it is safe to say that they are a beloved variation. One of the most common ways to serve French fries is with salt and ketchup. This combination is a classic for a reason—the salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes, while ketchup adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the fries.
Salt is almost always applied as a surface seasoning to French fries, providing a savoury contrast to the starchiness of the potatoes. It is customary for customers to be able to add salt to their fries, along with other seasonings like pepper and vinegar, to suit their taste preferences. The type of salt used can vary, with options like plain salt, chicken salt, or seasoned salt blends. Chicken salt, in particular, is a popular choice in Australia, known for its savoury and salty flavour.
Ketchup, on the other hand, has a long history that dates back to its invention in China, where it was originally made from pickled fish and spices. Over time, ketchup evolved, and by the 1913 definition, it included mushrooms, tomatoes, and walnuts. However, with the invention of sodium benzoate as a preservative, modern-day ketchup was born. The H.J. Heinz recipe, consisting of pickled tomatoes in vinegar pureed, could be mass-produced and canned without additional preservatives. This bottling of ketchup helped popularize it, and it soon became a staple condiment for French fries.
The combination of salt and ketchup on French fries is versatile and can be found in various countries. In the United States, ketchup is a beloved condiment, often paired with fries, whether at fast-food restaurants or as a side dish at home. In Germany, France, and the Netherlands, ketchup is also a popular choice for fries, sometimes accompanied by mayonnaise or other sauces. In Malaysia and Singapore, a mix of tomato ketchup and chilli sauce, known as "Chilli-Tomato" Sauce, is a common pairing with fries.
While French fries are commonly served with salt and ketchup, there are endless variations and toppings that people enjoy. From vinegar and mayonnaise to more indulgent toppings like cheese, chilli, gravy, or curry sauce, the possibilities are endless. French fries are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different taste preferences and cultural cuisines.
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The average American eats fries as a side or snack
French fries are a popular dish in the United States, commonly served as a side or enjoyed as a snack. They are typically eaten hot, either soft or crispy, and are often salted and served with condiments such as ketchup, vinegar, mayonnaise, or tomato sauce. Fries can also be topped with more substantial ingredients, such as cheese, chili, bacon, or gravy, to create dishes like poutine, loaded fries, or chili cheese fries.
The average American consumes a significant amount of French fries each year. Estimates vary, with some sources claiming Americans eat around 30 pounds of fries annually, while others suggest the figure is closer to 34 pounds. This translates to billions of pounds of French fries consumed in the United States annually.
French fries are particularly popular in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, with frozen fries being one of the major processed potato products. In recent years, the share of potatoes consumed as frozen products has increased, with a significant portion of frozen fries being used in the QSR sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a slowdown in french fry demand as the food service sector was severely impacted.
French fries are also widely available in supermarkets and other retail outlets, although only about one-tenth of frozen fries are sold through these channels. The majority of frozen fries are destined for food service venues or the export market. Washington state, for example, is a major producer of fries, with companies like Lamb Weston supplying billions of pounds of frozen fries annually.
In conclusion, the average American does indeed eat a substantial amount of French fries as a side or snack. The convenience and versatility of this popular dish have made it a staple in the American diet, with a thriving industry dedicated to meeting the demand for French fries.
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