McDonald’s french fries are an iconic fast food item that many people enjoy as a tasty side or snack. However, with rising rates of obesity and diabetes, more consumers are becoming concerned about the nutritional content of fast food menu items like fries.
For those watching their carbohydrate intake, McDonald’s french fries can be a tricky food to fit into a healthy diet. That’s because a large serving of McDonald’s fries is high in carbohydrates.
Quick Answer
A large order of McDonald’s french fries contains about 63 grams of total carbohydrates.
Nutrition Facts for McDonald’s Large French Fries
Here are some key nutrition facts for a large order of McDonald’s fries:
- Serving size: Large (174g)
- Total carbohydrates: 63g
- Dietary fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Total fat: 19g
- Calories: 510
As you can see, one large serving of McDonald’s fries contains over half of the recommended daily intake of carbohydrates, which is around 130g for adults.
Breakdown of Carbs in McDonald’s Fries
The total carbohydrate content can be further broken down into starch, fiber, sugar alcohols, and sugars:
- Starch: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar alcohols: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
The main source of carbohydrates in McDonald’s fries is starch from the potatoes. There is also a small amount of fiber, which is beneficial for health.
How McDonald’s Fries Are Made
To understand why McDonald’s fries are so high in carbs, it helps to look at how they are made:
- They start with whole Russet potatoes that are peeled and cut into fry shapes.
- The raw fries are then par-fried in vegetable oil to cook them partially.
- They are flash frozen to preserve freshness.
- When you order fries, they are cooked again in vegetable oil to make them crispy.
- They are salted immediately after cooking.
This process results in the starch in the potatoes becoming the main nutrient left in McDonald’s fries. The protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are reduced during processing and cooking.
Compare McDonald’s Fries to Other Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s isn’t the only fast food restaurant with high-carb fries:
| Restaurant | Serving Size | Total Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Large (174g) | 63g |
| Burger King | Large (154g) | 48g |
| Wendy’s | Large (178g) | 67g |
| Arby’s | Large (135g) | 45g |
As you can see, a large order of fries at most major chains contains around 50-70 grams of carbs. So McDonald’s fries aren’t necessarily higher or lower in carbs than other restaurants.
Tips for Ordering Lower Carb Fries
If you want to enjoy fries while limiting carbs, here are some tips:
- Order a small size instead of a large
- Share your fries with a friend
- Ask for a side salad instead of fries
- Order a baked potato or mashed potatoes for fewer carbs
- Opt for apple slices as a healthy low carb side
Portion control and substitution are key when ordering fries from a fast food restaurant.
Healthier Ways to Make Fries at Home
Making fries at home gives you more control over the ingredients and nutrition:
- Use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries to maximize nutrients.
- Leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Use healthier oils like avocado or olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Experiment with herbs, spices, garlic, or parmesan cheese instead of just salt.
- Bake your fries instead of frying to reduce calories and fat.
With some easy tweaks, homemade fries can be guilt-free!
Should You Avoid McDonald’s Fries If You’re Low Carb?
McDonald’s fries aren’t off limits if you’re limiting carbs, but portion control is key. Here are some guidelines if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet:
- Aim to stay under 50g net carbs per day if following a keto diet.
- On a standard low-carb diet, aim for 100-150g of net carbs daily.
- Restrict fries to a small serving just 1-2 times per week.
- Be mindful of other carb sources the rest of the day if you have fries.
- Don’t “drink back” the carbs with sugary sodas, milkshakes etc.
While occasional fries can fit into a low-carb lifestyle, it’s best to be mindful of portions and frequency.
Should People With Diabetes Avoid McDonald’s Fries?
People with diabetes need to carefully manage their carbohydrate intake. Here are some tips for people with diabetes considering McDonald’s fries:
- Always opt for a small fry instead of a large.
- Check your blood sugar before eating and dose insulin accordingly if you take it.
- Pair fries with protein like a burger to prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Watch carb intake at other meals to stay within your daily carb target.
- Moderate physical activity after eating can help manage blood sugars.
With smart precautions, an occasional small serving of McDonald’s fries can fit into a diabetes eating pattern.
Other Questions About McDonald’s Fries
Why do McDonald’s fries taste so good?
There are a few reasons why McDonald’s fries are delicious:
- They use flavorful Russet potatoes.
- The two-step frying method makes them crispy.
- They fry them in a vegetable oil blend with natural beef flavoring.
- They salt the fries immediately after frying to boost flavor.
- The iconic fry shape allows for lots of crispy edges.
Are McDonald’s fries vegan?
No, McDonald’s fries are not vegan or vegetarian. That’s because the fries are fried in vegetable oil that contains natural beef flavoring. People who eat a strict plant-based diet should avoid McDonald’s fries.
Are McDonald’s fries gluten-free?
Yes, McDonald’s french fries are gluten-free. They are made from potatoes fried in oil. There is no wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Are McDonald’s fries bad for you?
McDonald’s french fries are high in carbs, fat, and sodium so they should be eaten in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Consuming large servings frequently can contribute to weight gain and poor health.
Do McDonald’s fries contain dairy?
No, McDonald’s french fries do not contain any dairy ingredients. However, they are fried in oil that contains natural beef flavoring, so they are unsuitable for people with dairy allergies.
The Bottom Line
A large order of McDonald’s fries contains a hefty dose of carbs, providing over half of the recommended daily allowance. But with mindful ordering and portion control, enjoying fries occasionally can fit into a healthy lifestyle for most people.
When comparing to other chains, McDonald’s fries are fairly typical in their carb content per serving size. Making fries at home can provide more control over the nutrition content.
People limiting carbs like those on a low-carb, keto, or diabetic diet can still work an occasional small fry into their eating plan. But careful carb counting is needed for the rest of the day’s meals.
Overall, the key is moderation. McDonald’s fries shouldn’t be eaten daily or in large sizes. But enjoyed occasionally and in sensible portions, they can be part of a varied diet for most healthy individuals.
