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Go to any restaurant, cafe or fast food joint. Take a look at the fries on the plate. Sometimes they are long, thin and crispy. Other times they're wavy, thick and textured. They are both French fries. However, they make entirely different meals! So, here's a question every distributor, importer and foodservice buyer should ask: Which would you pick if you were only allowed to take one kind of fries? A straight cut or crinkle cut? It's not just a matter of looks. It's a matter of customer choice, cooking effectiveness, positioning the menu, and profit. Some of the reports shows that guests are still looking for options in their sides and that texture is among the most important factors influencing repeat orders. Fry options are also embracing a growth strategy to give customers a better taste in the restaurants and drive up average order value.  Let's see the differences between both styles and which one is better in your business.

What Are Straight Cut Fries?

French fries come in a variety of shapes, but straight cut fries are the ones most people know. They are sliced into long, even lengths and have a crisp exterior and soft potato middle. Most foreign fast food chains serve this style. Straight cut fries are uniform and cook evenly, resulting in consistent and predictable outcomes. When you serve a lot of orders, consistency is important for restaurants. All baskets are identical. Each serving meets customer expectations.

What Are Crinkle Cut Fries?

Crinkle cut fries are cut in a wavy pattern. The ridges are not all about looks. They form a greater surface area. This equates to crispier results. The fries hold more flavor to them. More sauce is left on each bite of food. Crinkle cut fries tend to look more upscale and inviting to eat, which is why many cafes, family restaurants and casual dining chains opt for them. They are easily noticeable on the plate.

Straight Cut Fries: Why They Never Go Out of Demand?

There are some food trends that come and go. Classic fries don't. That's because consumers already have an idea of what to expect. Straight fries are delicious with burgers, sandwiches, wraps, fried chicken, grilled foods and virtually any fast food menu. They are also convenient to serve, cook in a matter of minutes, and can be controlled in a busy service. In fast food establishments, they are usually the best option.

Crinkle Cut Fries: Bigger Texture, Bigger Experience

Often customers forget what they ordered. However, many times they still recall the sensation. It's where crinkle fries excel. The ridges are crisp and add to the enjoyment of every bite. They retain the flavour longer. They are more interesting in food photography. Yes, they do a great job on social media. Crinkle cut fries are a great way to make your fries look unique, while not altering the menu.

Which Fries Stay Crisp Longer?

This is one of the primary questions for delivery businesses. No one enjoys soggy fries. Crinkle fries stay crisp for a little longer after frying, as they have a little more texture on the surface. The ridges too minimize softness in transport. However, when prepared properly, straight fries become crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the favorite choice for dine-in service. This will depend on how your customers like to eat their meals.

Which Fries Work Better With Seasonings?

If you have peri-peri fries on your menu… Cheese-loaded fries... Garlic herb fries... Or hot seasonings... Crinkle fries typically have the edge on them. The ridges capture more seasoning, cheeses, and sauces, resulting in a richer taste in every bite. Straight fries have a purer and more traditional flavor and are an ideal choice for those who like traditional salted fries.

Customer Preference Depends on Your Business

There are a variety of customers who want and expect different experiences. Let's see how many businesses make their choice. Straight Cut Fries Work Best For:

• Quick-service restaurants
• Burger chains
• Food courts
• High-volume kitchens
• Brands that deliver a consistent experience. 
• Consistent brands.

These types of fries are ideal for snacking:

• Cafes
• Casual dining restaurants
• Family restaurants
• Kids' menus
• Premium snack brands

Both choices are neither good nor bad. They simply fulfil different business objectives.

Why Do Many Restaurants Stock Both?

Many great restaurants don't make a decision between them. They stock both. The classic straight fries are served as the new side dish. When served with special seasonings or loaded toppings, crinkle fries are a special treat. This straightforward approach provides additional choice and boosts average order value. In some cases, it may be the variety that is the competitive edge.

So... Which One Should You Stock?

If your customers are looking for classic fast-food fries, then straight cut fries are the most secure bet. Crinkle cut fries are a great option if your brand is about presentation, texture and high-quality dining experiences. But what about catering different tastes in customers? Stock both. After all, people don't simply order fries. They want an experience. The right frozen French fries supplier guarantees the taste, crispness and consistency that your customers will return to your restaurant again and again.