The Secret Behind McDonald’s Perfect Fries: The Four Potato Varieties They Use

McDonald’s fries are famous for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The secret? A carefully selected combination of four potato varieties: Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, and Shepody. These spuds ensure every fry meets the high standards of the Golden Arches.

The Potatoes Behind McDonald’s Iconic Fries: Discover the Four Varieties That Ensure Crispy Perfection

McDonald's has an extensive presence worldwide, with countless locations offering the iconic crispy French fries beloved by many. Despite the variety of region-specific menu items, you can almost always count on enjoying a handful of these golden fries wherever you are. While variations of this classic side exist across different McDonald's franchises, the focus on delivering perfectly crispy fries remains consistent. But have you ever wondered what type of potato gives McDonald's fries their crisp yet airy texture?

For those curious or eager to replicate McDonald's fries at home, selecting the right potato is crucial to achieving the signature taste and texture associated with the Golden Arches. Fortunately, McDonald's is quite transparent about the potatoes they prefer for their fries. According to the chain's official website, McDonald's uses four specific potato varieties: the Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, and Shepody. These varieties are chosen for their ability to produce fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Russet and Shepody Potatoes: The Secret Ingredients Behind McDonald’s Perfectly Crispy, Golden Fries

Three of these varieties belong to the russet family, known for their sturdiness and low moisture content—qualities that make them ideal for frying. Russet potatoes are less likely to become limp and soggy, ensuring a satisfying fry every time. The Shepody potato, while not a russet, shares similar qualities, making it another excellent choice for French fries.

Chowhound reports each of these potato varieties brings something unique to the table. The Burbank, the first potato McDonald's ever used, is a versatile option suitable for fresh, frozen, or dried applications. The Ranger Russet is renowned for producing exceptionally crispy, light-gold fries, while the Umatilla, similar to the Burbank, offers a slightly lighter fry with a subtle flavor edge. The Shepody, though paler than the others, fries to a beautiful golden color and complements the russets well in delivering consistently great fries.

Whether you're enjoying fries made from the Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, or Shepody, you can trust that McDonald's has selected the best potatoes to maintain the high standards of their iconic fries.