Sanofi’s Efdoralprin Alfa Gains EMA Orphan Status for Rare Lung Disease 
Biren Technology Targets Hong Kong IPO to Raise $300 Million Amid China’s AI Chip Push 
Elliott Management Takes $1 Billion Stake in Lululemon, Pushes for Leadership Change 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
AI is driving down the price of knowledge – universities have to rethink what they offer 
Oracle Stock Slides After Blue Owl Exit Report, Company Says Michigan Data Center Talks Remain on Track 
Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein to Retire, Leaving Legacy of Premium Strategy 
Parents abused by their children often suffer in silence – specialist therapy is helping them find a voice 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
The Beauty Beneath the Expressway: A Journey from Self to Service 
MetaX IPO Soars as China’s AI Chip Stocks Ignite Investor Frenzy 
Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
FAA Unveils Flight Plan 2026 to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Workforce Development 
Ford Takes $19.5 Billion Charge as EV Strategy Shifts Toward Hybrids 
Micron Technology Forecasts Surge in Revenue and Earnings on AI-Driven Memory Demand 
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.
