French Fries Nutrition Facts, Calories and Health Benefits

Joseph D'Souza
Written by
Joseph D'Souza

Updated · Mar 20, 2025

Rohan Jambhale
Edited by
Rohan Jambhale

Editor

French Fries Nutrition Facts, Calories and Health Benefits

Introduction

French Fries Nutrition Facts: Year by year, the fast food and quick service restaurant is increasing its market, which is why it is valued at $292.78 billion and is expected to reach $371.47 billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.1%. Irrespective of the calories in french fries, burgers, and pizzas, we see them on the table every day. Not only that, children are considered to be highest among consumers. Rather choosing and incorporating a healthy life routine irrespective of busy schedules is important to have strong immunity.

These junk foods are not going to do any good; rather, they will turn you into a potato couch and increase your obesity. To make it easier, we have gathered some information on calories in French fries and other related foods.

What is Junk Food?

Junk food includes high calories, sugar, and bad fat. Moreover, it contains very few nutrients, vitamins and minerals, fibre, and protein. This refers to the fast food we eat today. Over time, due to strict routines, people have chosen fast food and left healthy food behind.

Even today, rather than packing a healthy meal for the office, people first eat at fast food restaurants and then move on to their offices. The term junk food was coined in the 1950s, but the credit goes to Michael F. Jacobson. Some of the commonly consumed high-calorie fast food are mentioned below.

Types of Most Consumed Junk Foods

figure

(Source: 7esl.com)

Junk Food Facts

  • Lunchtime is the most popular time to eat Junk food.
  • Every year, total fast food consumption increases by 2.2%
  • 34% of the children will eat junk food on any given day.
  • 83% of the households in America eat at fast food restaurants once a week.
  • The majority of American consumers eat fast food 1 to 3 times every week.
  • Regular income earners eat more junk food as compared to non-income earners.
  • On average, men eat more fast food than women.
  • Every year, on average Americans collectively spend around $200 billion on fast food.
  • There will be more than 200,000 fast-food restaurant businesses in the United States of America in 2023.
  • McDonald’s is the most popular fast-food restaurant brand in the United States of America.
  • According to some research, nostalgic menu items in fast food restaurants are in high demand compared to recently launched products.
  • 40% of the orders for junk food are made through digital means,
  • As of 2023, Wendy’s is considered the most expensive fast-food chain in the United States of America.

How Many Calories in French Fries?

French FriesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Fast Food Order, 1 extra large33.2173.187.33622
Fast Food Order, 1 large28.7863.436.35539
Fast Food order,1 medium22.8250.295.04427
Fast Food order, 1 small14.4831.903.20271
Spirals, Twists / Curly Fries, 10 serving13.7930.403.05258
Wedge Fries, 10 servings14.9933.033.31281
Strip Fries, 10 servings8.5218.761.88160
Waffle Fries, 10 servings13.9630.773.08262
Shoestring Fries, 10 servings3.247.130.7161
Crinkle Cut Fries, 10 servings7.1515.761.58134
Straight Cut Fries, 10 servings7.1515.751.58134
Steak Cut/dinner Fries, 10 servings14.9933.033.31281

 

NuggetsFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Low Fat Nuggets, 1 cup8.8019.1726.81271
Low Fat Nuggets, 1 nugget1.142.483.4735
Regular Nuggets, 1 stick2.632.282.1842
Regular Nuggets, 1 cup26.1622.6821.67413
Regular Nuggets, 1 fast food kid’s meal13.5511.7511.22214
Regular Nuggets, 1 mini drum3.202.772.6550
Low Fat Nuggets, 1 cup8.8019.1726.81271
Low Fat Nuggets, 1 nugget1.142.2483.4735
Breaded Chicken Patties, 1 finger16.5614.3613.72261
Breaded Chicken Patties, 1 tender3.012.612.4948
Breaded Chicken Patties, 1 patty14.3012.4011.85226
Breaded Chicken Patties, 1 fillet19.0116.4815.75300

By Brand

BrandFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Wendy’s French Fries, Small16.0045.004.00340
Wendy’s French Fries, medium20.0053.006.00420
McDonald’s French Fries, small11.0029.003.00230
McDonald’s French Fries, medium17.0047.004.00360
McDonald’s French Fries, large30.0.70.006.00570
Burger King French Fries, Small13.0026.002.00230
Burger King French Fries, medium20.0041.004.00360
Burger King French Fries, King Size33.0069.006.00600
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, 4 pieces12.0011.0010.00190
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, 6 pieces15.0015.0015.00250
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, 10 pieces29.0027.0024.00460
McDonald’s McChicken, 1 serving213914400
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets, 8 pieces12.0012.0026.00260
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Nuggets, 12 pieces19.0015.0040.00400

 

Mashed PotatoesFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 oz1.004.460.5128
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 long-type Potato8.6038.204.37243
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 large Potato7.7934.583.96220
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 small potato3.8917.291.98110
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 cup7.4333.013.78210
Regular mashed potatoes, 1 medium5.2023.112.65147
Mashed Potatoes with Margarine and Milk, 1 oz1.973.750.6035
Mashed Potatoes with Margarine and Milk, 1 cup14.6227.764.43256
Mashed Potatoes with Margarine and Milk, 1 large potato15.3129.084.64268
Mashed Potatoes with Margarine and Milk, 1 small potato7.6614.542.32134
Mashed Potatoes with Margarine and Milk, 1 long-type Potato16.9132.125.13296
Mashed Potato made with milk, Sour cream, and / or cream cheese, 1 cup serving12.3933.735.25262
Mashed Potato made with whole milk, and margarine, 1 cup serving8.8035.514.20237
Mashed Potato made with milk, and butter, 1 cup serving8.8635.223.93237
Mashed Potato made with milk, Fat and Cheese,1 cup serving9.6435.366.17250
Mashed Potato made with whole milk, 1 cup serving1.2036.814.03174
Mashed Potato from dry mix,1 cup serving11.6825.664.24220

 

LasagnaFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Lasagna with Chicken or Turkey and Spinach (⅙ of 8” square serving)9.9533.2520.06303
Lasagna with Chicken or Turkey  (⅙ of 8” square serving)11.4335.4320.89330
Lasagna with Beef  (⅙ of 8” square serving)12.3835.4320.52336
Lasagna with Beef and Spinach  (⅙ of 8” square serving)11.4733.2919.43313
Vegetarian Lasagna  (⅙ of 8” square serving)10.1043.5417.62334
Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles with Meat  (⅙ of 8” square serving)12.3631.6420.06309
Spinach Lasagna Noodles with Meat  (⅙ of 8” square serving)12.0129.4619.20303
Meatless Lasagna with Vegetables  (⅙ of 8” square serving)8.6739.0415.62293
Meatless Spinach Lasagna Noodles  (⅙ of 8” square serving)9.6536.2716.00293
Meatless Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles,  (⅙ of 8” square serving)9.6738.8617.12297

 

KetchupFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calorie
Low Sodium Ketchup, 1 oz0.117.900.4930
Low Sodium Ketchup, 1 packet0.021.670.106
Low Sodium Ketchup, 1 tbsp0.064.180.2616
Low Sodium Ketchup, 1 cup0.9166.864.18257
Regular Ketchup, 1 oz0.117.110.4927
Regular Ketchup, 1 packet0.021.500.106
Regular Ketchup, 1 tbsp0.063.760.2615
Regular Ketchup, 1 cup0.9160.194.18233
Cocktail Sauce, 1 tbsp0.073.550.2614
Tomato Sauce, 1 tbsp0.031.130.206
Reduced Sugar Ketchup, 1 tbsp1.005
Tomato Chili sauce, 1 packet0.021.190.156

 

MustardFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Honey Mustard, 1 tsp2.0010
Classic Yellow Mustard,1 tsp
Spicy Brown Mustard, 1 tsp6
Horseradish Mustard, 1 tsp0.160.390.203
Dijon Mustard, 1 tsp0.190.470.244
Deli Mustard, 1 tsp5
Yellow Mustard, 1 tsp0.160.390.203
Yellow Mustard, 1 oz0.882.211.1219
Yellow Mustard, 1 tbsp0.471.170.5910
Yellow mustard, 1 packet0.160.390.203
Yellow Mustard, ¼ cup1.944.862.4741

 

Mayonnaise (1 tbsp)Fat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Light Mayonnaise4.961.230.1349
Low-Calorie Mayonnaise2.763.470.1338
Fat-Free Mayonnaise0.432.480.0313
Regular Mayonnaise4.913.510.1357
No Cholesterol Mayonnaise11.670.04103
Reduced Calorie Cholesterol Free Mayonnaise4.860.980.1349
Mayonnaise made with Yogurt0.941.140.5315
Mayonnaise made with Tofu4.730.560.8848
Soybean Oil Mayonnaise10.790.540.1599
Milk Cream Imitation Mayonnaise0.761.660.3215
Imitation Mayonnaise2.882.400.0435
Soybean and Safflower Oil Mayonnaise10.960.370.1599
Soybean Imitation Mayonnaise2.882.400.0435

 

SpaghettiFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Plain Spaghetti, ½ cup0.6421.484.03110
Plain Spaghetti, 1 cup1.2942.958.06220
Spinach Spaghetti, 1 oz0.187.411.3037
Spinach Spaghetti, ½ cup0.4418.303.2191
Spinach Spaghetti, 1 cup0.8836.616.41182
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, 1 oz0.157.521.5135
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, 1 cup0.7637.167.46174
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, ½ cup0.3818.583.7387

 

Other fast food itemsFat (g)Carbs (g)Protein (g)Calories
Cheese Pizza, 1 slice (1 oz)5.681.097.3686
Noodles, 100g2.0625014.51137
Noodles, 1 cup cooked3.340.027.22219
Plain Ramen Noodles, 43g ½ block7265190

Recipes

#1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic-mashed-Potatoes

(Source: pinterest.com)

Ingredients

500 grams of potatoes (6 to 7 medium-sized), 2 cups water, ½ tsp salt, black pepper, salt as per taste, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup + 2 tbsp whole milk, ½ tsp garlic, 2 to 3 tsp fresh herbs.

Preparation Instructions

Rinse the potatoes in water using a colander. Brush any dirt and drain the water. Then peel the potatoes. Chop it in 1.5 to 2-inch cubes. Transfer them to a pan, add ½ tsp salt and 2 cups water, and stir well to mix. Cover the pan and let the potatoes cook on medium-low heat. Meanwhile, chop fresh herbs, and garlic. Once potatoes are cooked, they should be softened but should not fall apart. Once perfectly cooked, remove the water.

In the same pan, add ½ cups + 2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp finely chopped/minced garlic, and 2 tbsp butter. Keep the heat on medium-low and cook until the butter is melted. Then, let the mixture come to a slight boiling temperature. Now turn off the heat and add potatoes.

Transfer the potato to a bowl and mash it using a masher with holes. Mash until it forms a fluffy, smooth, and light texture, being careful not to over-mash it.

Sprinkle some black pepper, and add 2 to 3 tsp fresh mixed herbs. While the mixture is hot add some garlic, and cubes of butter to garnish. And serve.

#2. Spaghetti in Creamy and Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti-in-Creamy-and-Tomato-Sauce

(Source: archanaskitchen.com)

(For Tomato Basil Sauce for Pasta)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 finely chopped onion, 4 roughly torn basil leaves, 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 500 grams ripped tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste.

(For Pasta)

Salt to taste, ¼ cup fresh cream, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 green thinly sliced bell pepper, 1 thinly sliced carrot, 250 gramsDurum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta,1 tsp dried oregano,

Instructions

Add water to a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and add spaghetti pasta along with a pinch of salt. Boil until it becomes soft or comes to a biting consistency. Once cooked, strain the water and rinse the pasta with cold water. Drizzle some olive oil and set aside.

Meanwhile, make tomato basil sauce. Take an SMA pressure cooker, add half-cut tomatoes, and let them cook only for one whistle. Once cooked, remove the tomatoes from the cooker, drain the water, and set them aside for cooling. Once cooled, peel off the skin and make a pulp in a mixer. Blend until it forms a smooth puree. Keep the puree aside.

In another saucepan, heat oil and add chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden brown. Then add carrots and capsicum and cook until soft. Once cooked, add the puree, basil leaves, red chili flakes, salt and pepper, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a slight boiling temperature. Add the spaghetti to the pan, then add cream, and mix well until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce. Once covered well with the sauce, serve hot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fast food is leading today’s consumer preference. Although junk food has high calories, people eat it every day. Eating high-calorie junk food every day increases the risk of diabetes, causes obesity, and reduces immunity and digestion. The most common types consumed every day are french fries, burgers, and pizzas.

The more high-calorie meals you eat, the higher the risk of health issues. Considering today’s environment around us, we should consider healthy meal options to fight with corona like viruses and keep our immunity strong. Resist the urge to heath these unhealthy foods and balance the overall nutrition in the body by eating natural and healthy food meals.

FAQ.

How frequently can I eat fast food?



Eating junk food once a week is okay. But that doesn’t mean the quality overlimits and makes you bloated. Make sure your consumption is limited and you are sticking to your diet.

What are the effects of fast food on health?



Eating fast food regularly may lead to the following disadvantages: 1. Increased risk of diabetes, cancer, liver disease, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular damages. 2. Belly fat 3. Overweight problems 4. Digestion problems 5. And bloating.

Can I consume fast food on a diet?



You can eat fast food once every 14 days. But consumption should be limited. Cheat day is only okay to follow when you are not going to get intimidated by junk foods and get back to a healthy diet after that.

What fast food is better for your diet?



Some of the junk food that can be still consumed are grilled or roasted lean meats, chicken breast, lean ham, and lean roast beef. You must avoid crispy chicken sandwiches and other bread related food items.

What is the difference between sauce and ketchup?



Sauce has no amount of spices while ketchup has a variety of spices. Moreover sauces do not usually contain sugar whereas ketchup has some amount of sugar. Considering these points, sauces are healthier than ketchups.

Joseph D'Souza
Joseph D'Souza

Joseph D'Souza founded Sci-Tech Today as a personal passion project to share statistics, expert analysis, product reviews, and experiences with tech gadgets. Over time, it evolved into a full-scale tech blog specializing in core science and technology. Founded in 2004 by Joseph D’Souza, Sci-Tech Today has become a leading voice in the realms of science and technology. This platform is dedicated to delivering in-depth, well-researched statistics, facts, charts, and graphs that industry experts rigorously verify. The aim is to illuminate the complexities of technological innovations and scientific discoveries through clear and comprehensive information.

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