Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries Recipe Change Draws Mixed Reactions
It’s not unusual for fast-food chains to tweak their offerings, but Chick-fil-A’s recent adjustment to its iconic Waffle Potato Fries has sparked significant debate.
The company recently announced a “slight adjustment” to the recipe by adding pea starch to the fries’ coating. This change, they claim, is intended to keep the fries “crispier, longer” while maintaining their “same great taste.”
However, not all customers agree with that assessment.
“The new waffle fries are horrible,” one Reddit user lamented. “They are stale, dry, and hardened! My whole family hates them. I’m still in disbelief that this has happened.”
On social media, many fans echoed these sentiments. Comments on Chick-fil-A’s Instagram page called the fries “awful” and “terrible,” with several pleading for the company to revert to the original recipe. “The fries were already good. Why mess with them??” one user wrote.
While pea starch is not a major allergen, some customers have expressed concerns about potential allergic reactions. According to the Michigan State University Center for Research on Ingredient Safety, people allergic to peanuts or other legumes may occasionally react to pea protein or pea-based products. Health Canada, however, notes that the likelihood of a severe reaction is “expected to be low.”
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When questioned about allergen concerns, Chick-fil-A pointed to its website, which confirms that the new recipe “doesn’t contain any of the nine major allergens.” A company spokesperson reassured customers, saying, “We know Chick-fil-A fans love our Waffle Potato Fries. Last year we made a slight adjustment to our Waffle Potato Fries recipe, which offers the same great taste while also making them stay crispier, longer.”
Some loyal customers remain unconvinced. Influencer and Chick-fil-A fan Daryl-Ann Denner shared her disappointment, recounting how she initially thought her fries were just a “bad batch.” After repeated experiences, she concluded, “They are dry, grainy, and have no flavor anymore,” adding that she no longer orders fries with her meals.
This isn’t the first time Chick-fil-A has made significant menu changes. Early last year, the chain revised its chicken sourcing practices, sparking similar debates among its fans.
As customers continue to voice their opinions, it remains to be seen whether Chick-fil-A will reconsider its recent changes to the beloved waffle fries.