We Tried Wendy's New & Improved Fries to See If They're Better Than Before
The square patty purveyor is introducing its first fry revamp in a decade.
Certain variables make or break a fast food feast, and at the top of that list is French fry quality. Are they hot enough? Are they crispy enough? Do they stand the test of time until you're safely parked and able to chow down? It's a careful balance and one that, frankly, Wendy's hasn't necessarily succeeded in thus far.
Until now, that is. Wendy's is tossing its hat back in the ring with its first fry revamp in over 10 years. After years of selling Natural-Cut Fries, the chain launched its Hot & Crispy Fries recently. But do they live up to the name? Are they actually hotter and crispier than before? We put Wendy's latest innovation to the test.
When can you get the new fries?
Now. The Hot & Crispy Fries made their debut in mid-September following the chain's August announcement.
What makes Wendy's Hot & Crispy Fries different?
So here's the deal: Wendy's recently switched up how these fries are cut, with one side built for heat retention and the other for crispiness. The chain even introduced a new battering system, with new fry baskets that Wendy's claims help maintain crispiness.
To back up its promise of hotter and crispier fries, the chain introduced what's dubbed the Hot & Crispy Guarantee on October 13. Under the guarantee, Wendy's will offer a free replacement if your fries are not both hot and crispy.
"No questions asked," the company said in a statement. "Yes, it's really that simple. Hot & Crispy guaranteed... ever time."
What do they taste like?
First, I'll say that smell—like most fast food fries—potato-y, salty, and well, intoxicating. In terms of appearance, at first glance, they don't look all that different from the Wendy's fries you've been eating for years now. So, at first, I was a little bit skeptical about how different they could be in crispiness and flavor. Thankfully, that quickly changed when I tried a few.
Upon first bite, the new fries indeed packed a crispier texture than the previous iteration. The fries also have a nice salt-to-fried oil flavor ratio on the exterior, which gives way to a buttery, potato-y interior. Sorry. This is probably way more detail than you were looking for here. Translation: They're good fries.
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Are they better than before?
Wendy's didn't lie. These fries are crispier than the chain's old fries and seem to hold up better to delivery times. Are they the best fries in all of fast food? We'll have to revisit our ranking now that they're on the scene. But at least two things are clear right now: 1) Better fries are a win in our book and 2) As always, don't forget to dip yours in a Frosty.