Chick-fil-A Quietly Changed Its Famous Fries and Fans Are Not Happy

It doesn’t matter if you’re there for the nuggets, the chicken tortilla soup, or the original chicken sandwich—a trip to Chick-fil-A isn’t complete without a carton of crispy waffle fries tucked into your paper bag. For decades, the beloved waffle fries have been an iconic part of the Chick-fil-A experience, consistently drawing rave reviews from fans. In fact, they’ve even managed to beat out nine other major chains to land at the top of our taste test.

But as any regular fast food fan knows, when something as familiar as a signature menu item changes, it doesn’t go unnoticed. And when that change can’t be chalked up to a bad batch or a new location, there’s cause for investigation.

Did Chick-fil-A Change Its Fries?

Back in November, conversation sparked online among customers who noticed something different about the famous waffle fries, and not for the better. Some described them as “crispier,” but “not in a good way” while others reported a dry, almost freezer-burnt flavor.

“It seems like they're almost like battered fries now and just don't have the same taste as the original waffle fries. Needless to say, I'm not a huge fan,” one customer shared on Reddit. "They are garbage now!" added another.

So, what’s the verdict? Yes, Chick-fil-A did, in fact, change its fries. The company confirmed the change with an official statement on its website:

“We know Chick-fil-A fans love our Waffle Potato Fries. We recently made a slight adjustment to our Waffle Potato Fries recipe, which offers the same great taste while also making our Waffle Potato Fries stay crispier, longer.”

Why Did Chick-fil-A Change Its Fries?

The most common theory behind the change is the growing trend of shrinkflation, as well as the phenomenon known as “Fry Gate” that took off on social media. Complaints about soggy fries and under-filled boxes may have pushed the company to try a new formula. So, Chick-fil-A introduced a crispier fry that stays rigid longer, resulting in a fuller, more satisfying portion in each box.

But, it turns out, fans prefer their “floppy fries” after all.

And if the complaints were only about the flavor, that would be one thing. But some customers are concerned about the potential health impacts of the change too. Chick-fil-A’s new fry recipe includes a coating with pea starch, which some people with peanut allergies are also allergic to. This modification could pose a serious issue for some fans, who now find the fries, and even the restaurant itself, off-limits.

“So many kiddos with peanut allergies also cannot eat peas!!” one user commented on an Instagram post. “Unfortunately we won’t be able to eat there anymore now.”

Then again, while the backlash has been strong, it’s not universal. A handful of customers have bravely shared they prefer the new, crispier texture. “I like crispy fries so it doesn’t bother me,” one commenter wrote. “Personally, I love them,” said another.

It seems the real lesson here is on transparency in the fast food space. As much as customers value their favorite menu items, they also want to feel respected and informed when changes are made, especially ones that can pose health issues. After all, a loyal fanbase like Chick-fil-A’s deserves to know exactly what’s going into their food.

So, will you give the new fries a try, or are you hoping for a return to the classic, “floppy” version? One thing’s for sure: the debate over Chick-fil-A’s fries is far from over.

Read the original article on ALLRECIPES