# Poll: McDonald's fries and Big Macs are substandard, even for fast food **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 13, 2019, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074 "2019-03-13T15:46:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/61 "2019-03-13T19:44:26Z")
I think Burger King’s are the worst. Bland sticks of blah, rarely hot, always dried out. McDonald’s is almost as bad but for some reason I like the soggy-ish ones but ONLY if I get honey mustard and bbq sauce. I found this combination when I had their nuggets, which are just as vile. I could tolerate the fries if I dipped them in each cup. If I was going to call McDs out on anything it would be the nasty burgers. There is just NOTHING good to be said about them. My trips to McDs always involve taking a child and always end with my having stomach cramps. Backyard Burgers has the best of everything to me. With cobbler a’la mode for dessert. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/62 "2019-03-13T20:34:07Z")
> [@Rushgeekgirl](#): > > I think Burger King’s are the worst. Everything about Burger King is the worst. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/63 "2019-03-13T20:42:29Z")
I still kind of like the Whopper. At least better than anything at McDonald’s or Wendy’s, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/64 "2019-03-13T20:48:29Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > I still kind of like the Whopper. At least better than anything at McDonald’s or Wendy’s, IMO. Wendy’s Spicy Chicken sandwich is surprisingly good. That’s the only thing I order there anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/65 "2019-03-13T21:30:57Z")
I won’t vote, because I have no current experience, having refused to eat burgers or fries from McDonald’s for many years now. (I’ll still occasionally get a plain biscuit for breakfast if I’m on the road early, but that’s it.) However, as much as I dislike McDonald’s, I can’t imagine their fries winning the “absolute worst fries of any kind” title. I remember Dairy Queen fries that were contenders, though; they were string fries, somehow rendered _brittle_, rather than crispy. They resembled greasy chalk, and made audible snapping sounds when you broke them. (To be fair, they’re not that bad anymore, though I wouldn’t call them “good”.) ---
**Author:** ![typoink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@typoink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typoink)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/66 "2019-03-13T21:46:04Z")
McDonald’s fries are the best McDonald’s fries. They’re their own animal, and they’re (usually) a very good version of it. Definitely something I crave on occasion. They might be my favorite fries from a major chain, although my favorite fast food fries are the overcooked crinkle-cut fries common to hot dog stands or “local fast food.” Big Macs ARE a lousy burger. Always messy and the patties aren’t great. That said, it’s a flavor combo I like so I’ll get one on occasion. The quarter pounder, on the other hand, is pretty darn decent. ---
**Author:** ![Covfefe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@Covfefe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covfefe)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/67 "2019-03-13T21:50:34Z")
Big Macs taste fantastic. Very true that once their fries are no longer warm you’re left with the choice of slathering them in something or throwing them out. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/68 "2019-03-13T22:22:19Z")
There is a McDonald’s a couple of minutes from my home. Whenever I get their fries from the drive through they are mostly gone by the time I get home. Big Macs… sometimes I just get a craving and nothing else will do. The best fries in my book are Five Guys Cajun fries. I’m not normally a big fan of seasoned fries but these are basically deep fried, Cajun seasoned crack to me. I’ve been told a small order will easily serve two… I wouldn’t know because I always order a large. They are still pretty good if reheated in an oven (not microwave). I put them on a baking sheet in a cold oven and preheat to 300. Once it is preheated the fries are ready. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/69 "2019-03-13T22:37:13Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Uh…has no one had Arby’s seasoned curly fires? Those are a trash fire in pants. There is much I like about Arby’s but the fries are so awful I won’t even go there any more. Do you not know that at Arby’s you are supposed to eat the potato cakes with horsey sauce? I mean, come on! As for McDonald’s, the fries are okay. They were better years ago, when they were fried in lard. My cats would even eat them. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/70 "2019-03-13T22:45:06Z")
McDonalds fries aren’t the worst but they are forgettable. Rallys has the best fries, followed by Arbys. After that its pretty much a tie for 3rd. I think McD has better fries than Burger King though. I don’t eat fries often so I don’t know much about the fries at places like Wendys, Jack in the box, Hardees, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Spud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spud/32/347_2.png) [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/71 "2019-03-13T23:00:15Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats](#): > > They were better years ago, when they were fried in lard. My cats would even eat them. Beef Tallow actually, but I totally agree. I have never understood why they don’t offer two versions of their fries… “Healthy” and “Original.” They could charge twice as much or more. I wouldn’t even care if they had big signs telling me these are not good for me, I’ll probably have a massive heart attack as a result of eating them, and make me sign a waiver. I would still order them every single time (and I’m guessing I’m not alone). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/72 "2019-03-13T23:02:50Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Rallys has the best fries, followed by Arbys. Ah, fries for those who don’t like the taste of potato, but use it as a vehicle for cajun spice. 😉 (I kid a bit, but spiced fries really should be another category.) ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Gay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ab097/32.png) [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/73 "2019-03-13T23:20:30Z")
Thank you, OP, for pointing out the obvious. I’ve always hated McDonalds french fries, but never tried a Big Mac until about a year ago when I decided to figure out what the hype was all about. It was horrid with that weird pickley thousand island dressing on it. I ended up deconstructing it and feeding the burgers to my dog and the bread, lettuce, weird pickle sauce to the birds. Give me Burger King or give me death. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/74 "2019-03-13T23:48:32Z")
Big Mac has hype in 2019? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2019, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/75 "2019-03-13T23:58:09Z")
McDonald’s Fries are wonderful hot & fresh from the fryer. They’re terrible cold. I’ve never liked the big mac. Don’t like the special sauce. I always order the quarter pounder. I get a craving for one at least once a week. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/76 "2019-03-14T00:09:03Z")
I voted “Something Else”: Nobody makes decent French fries nowadays. McDonalds are better than average, but still pretty bad. That’s been the case since McD stopped cooking them in beef fat, as others have mentioned. Is there any restaurant that fries them in animal fat? I would go there for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/77 "2019-03-14T00:20:20Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Well, Heinz has refused to incorporate my idea into their advertising, but: > > Hunts is for c\*nts I like it. McDonalds’ fries haven’t been as good since they stopped cooking them in beef tallow. I mean, they’re okay, but I miss the old ones. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/78 "2019-03-14T00:27:17Z")
> [@Spud](#): > > Beef Tallow actually, but I totally agree. I have never understood why they don’t offer two versions of their fries… “Healthy” and “Original.” They could charge twice as much or more. I wouldn’t even care if they had big signs telling me these are not good for me, I’ll probably have a massive heart attack as a result of eating them, and make me sign a waiver. I would still order them every single time (and I’m guessing I’m not alone). The beef tallow may not have been unhealthy at all: [What is Tallow? Get 10 Practical Tips & Benefits of Beef Tallow](https://blog.kettleandfire.com/what-is-tallow/) [What Is Beef Tallow and Is It a Healthy Cooking Fat? - Nutrition Advance](https://www.nutritionadvance.com/what-is-beef-tallow/) and it is certainly better than the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil they switched to [https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/negative-effects-partially-hydrogenated-vegetable-oil-8605.html](https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/negative-effects-partially-hydrogenated-vegetable-oil-8605.html) Now, Mcds claimed they switched to a new less bad oil, (but likely still worse than tallow) but did they?: > **[McDonald's in court over trans fats](https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2004/07/12/McDonald-s-in-court-over-trans-fats#)** > > In what is likely to be a clear warning to food makers, McDonald's > faces a damaging court case after a US public interest group > accused the fast food giant of falling short of promises to remove > artery clogging trans fats used in the cooking... So, the “Original” _may be_ the “Healthy”. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/79 "2019-03-14T00:58:03Z")
I recently learned Chik-Fli-A will crisp up their waffle fries. I used to dislike them because they weren’t cooked enough. I tell them I want my waffle fries crispy. They’re very nice and say “no problem”. Takes 4 or 5 extra mins at the window before they hand me the bag. Makes all the difference. I love them now. I still prefer 1. McDonald’s fries, 2. Wendys 3. Rally’s. Waffle fries are a nice treat once in awhile. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2019, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074/80 "2019-03-14T01:03:26Z")
I used to buy “shrimp fries”. You know, similar to potato chips. They didn’t taste like shrimp or fries, but they were damn tasty. This, I think, is the proper way to think about McDonald’s “fries”. They don’t taste like potatoes? So what? If you just don’t like the taste, fine, but don’t criticize them just because they don’t taste like actual fried potatoes cut into thin sticks. But yes, you do have to get them piping hot, or they suck. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poll-mcdonalds-fries-and-big-macs-are-substandard-even-for-fast-food/831074.md?page=5)