French Fries — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 3, 2024
Nutrition facts
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 312 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 41 g | 14.91% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 14.29% |
| Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Glycemic Index | 75 | - |
| Protein | 3 g | 6% |
| Sodium | 210 mg | 9.13% |
| Total Fat | 15 | 19.23% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Did you know?
Health benefits
- Provides energy from carbohydrates and fats, making them a source of quick fuel.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium and Vitamin C, especially when made from whole potatoes.
- Encourages social bonding when shared during meals and gatherings.
Health risks
- High fat content particularly when fried in oil, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large portions.
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks, especially when heavily salted.
- Potential for harmful compounds such as acrylamide, which forms in starchy foods like potatoes when fried at high temperatures and may increase cancer risk.
How to choose french fries
Top-notch French fries are golden-brown with a crispy exterior and fluffy inside. They should not be overly greasy. Check that the fries are evenly cut to ensure consistent cooking.
Stay clear of fries that are pale, limp, or excessively oily. Good quality fries will have a satisfying crunch and a proper seasoning level, enhancing their natural potato flavor.
How to store french fries
For optimal freshness, French fries should be eaten immediately after cooking. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last up to two days.
Refrigeration can make fries lose their crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make them soggy and less appetizing. Reheating in the oven helps retain their crispy texture and brings back their deliciousness.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
French fries can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator once cooked. For longer storage, uncooked french fries can be frozen for up to 6 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover French fries can be repurposed into a variety of tasty dishes. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crispy snack, or chop them up and add to a breakfast hash with eggs, onions, and peppers. French fries are also great when mixed into a poutine, topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Use French fries as a topping for a loaded baked potato, adding cheese, bacon, and sour cream. If you have a lot of fries, consider layering them into a casserole with ground beef, cheese, and sauce for a hearty meal. French fries can also be chopped and added to a taco or burrito filling for added texture and flavor. For a quick snack, reheat fries and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or mix them into a cheesy fry bake with melted cheese and toppings.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
Discover products from other categories
Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Get the top-rated shopping list app
french fries