A small order of french fries at Wendy’s costs between $1.89 and $2.89 depending on the location. The price can vary by state and specific restaurant. Generally, a small fries contains about 230 calories and 11 grams of fat. It’s a popular side item to pair with sandwiches, burgers, and chicken nuggets at Wendy’s.
Wendy’s is an American international fast food restaurant chain founded by Dave Thomas in 1969. It is known for its square hamburgers, sea salt fries, frosties, and fun social media presence. Wendy’s has over 6,500 locations worldwide. It is the third largest hamburger fast food chain after McDonald’s and Burger King.
French fries have been a staple menu item at Wendy’s since the beginning. Over the years, Wendy’s fries have developed a devoted following of fans who love the crispy outside, fluffy inside texture and sprinkle of sea salt. Wendy’s fries are cut from whole potatoes on site at each restaurant and fried to order. They are lower in sodium than many other major fast food chain’s fries.
The small size fries is a popular a la carte order and frequently added to combo meals. But exactly how much does a small order of fries cost at Wendy’s? Continue reading to learn more about Wendy’s french fry sizing, nutrition information, and price breakdown.
Wendy’s Fry Sizing
Wendy’s offers four different fry sizes:
- Small – 230 calories
- Medium – 340 calories
- Large – 500 calories
- Extra Value Meal Size – 610 calories
The small size is the smallest fry portion available on the Wendy’s menu. It is designed for individual diners looking for a lighter side or snack. The medium is Wendy’s standard fry size included in most combo meals. Large and extra value are bigger portions for very hungry customers or for sharing.
Small Wendy’s Fries Nutrition
The nutrition information for a small order of Wendy’s french fries is:
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
As french fries are fried in oil, the small portion still packs 11 grams of fat. However, it contains less sodium than many other fast food fry options. The small fry provides 3 grams of protein largely from the potato. It does not offer much fiber at 2 grams per serving.
Small Wendy’s Fries Calories
At 230 calories, the small Wendy’s fries clocks in at a reasonable calorie count for a quick service side dish. It contains about 60-70 less calories than the medium and large sizes. For comparison:
| French Fry Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Small | 230 |
| Medium | 340 |
| Large | 500 |
When calculating your total meal, the small fries makes it easier to avoid excess calorie intake compared to larger sizes. The small fry portion control can help consumers manage calories if eating a higher calorie sandwich or burger.
Small Wendy’s Fries Price
So how much does a small order of fries cost at Wendy’s? The price for a small Wendy’s fries ranges from $1.89 – $2.89 across different states and locations. Some factors impacting the small fries price include:
- State minimum wage impacting operating costs
- Local economic conditions and demand
- Franchise operator pricing decisions
- Special promotions or discounts
By State
Analyzing small Wendy’s fry prices by state shows some regional variations. Here are current price ranges for a small fries in different states:
| State | Small Fries Price |
|---|---|
| California | $1.99 – $2.79 |
| Texas | $1.89 – $2.69 |
| Florida | $1.99 – $2.89 |
| New York | $1.99 – $2.79 |
| Illinois | $1.99 – $2.69 |
California and Florida have some of the highest small fry prices, likely driven by higher state minimum wages. Texas and Midwest states like Illinois tend to have lower prices.
By City
Looking within a state, individual city small fries prices can vary too. Here are price ranges for major Texas cities:
| Texas City | Small Fries Price |
|---|---|
| Houston | $1.89 – $2.39 |
| San Antonio | $1.99 – $2.49 |
| Dallas | $1.99 – $2.69 |
| Austin | $2.09 – $2.59 |
Major cities like Austin and Dallas have prices on the higher end due to increased costs of living and economic growth. Smaller metro areas and rural locations tend to be on the lower end.
Coupons and Discounts
Wendy’s periodically offers coupons, mobile app deals, and specials that discount fries. For example, Wendy’s has run past promotions like:
- Free small fry with purchase through mobile app
- $1 any size fry specials
- BOGO free fry coupons
Following Wendy’s on social media or joining their rewards program can help you access the best fry coupons and discounts.
How to Order
You can order a small Wendy’s fries in restaurant, the drive-thru, or online via Wendy’s website or delivery apps. Here are tips for ordering:
In Restaurant
To order at the counter:
- Wait in line and approach the cashier when ready
- Clearly state “I’ll have a small fry please”
- Pay with cash or card
- Take your order number and wait for your name/number to be called
- Retrieve your small fries at the counter
Drive-Thru
Using the Wendy’s drive-thru:
- Drive up to the speaker box
- Tell the cashier “I’ll take a small fry”
- Drive up to the window to pay and collect your fries
Online Ordering
To order online for pickup or delivery:
- Open the Wendy’s website or delivery app
- Browse the menu and select small fries
- Choose your pickup method and time
- Pay online and wait for your fries to be ready
Online ordering allows you to pay ahead and skip the lines. You can also customize your fry order with add-ons like cheese sauce through Wendy’s website.
Fry Alternatives
If you are looking for a lower calorie or healthier alternative to Wendy’s fries, consider ordering one of these options instead:
Baked Potato
A plain baked potato has just 160 calories compared to 230 for a small fry. Load it up with chili or low-fat Greek yogurt instead of high fat toppings.
Side Salad
Wendy’s small side salad with vinaigrette dressing has 60-120 calories depending on toppings. Pair it with grilled chicken.
Frosty
Share a small chocolate Frosty with a friend at 140 calories for a sweet treat. The creamy texture helps satisfy cravings.
Apple Slices
Choose a healthy snack of apple slices with caramel dip for just 80 calories. It offers fiber and vitamins.
Conclusion
A small order of fries from Wendy’s provides the perfect individual portion of their popular crispy fries. Prices typically range from $1.89 to $2.89 nationwide. You can order small fries in restaurant, drive-thru, or online. Be on the lookout for mobile app deals and coupons to save money. While fries aren’t the healthiest choice, the 230 calorie small portion controls indulgence. Enjoy Wendy’s small fries alone or pair it with your favorite sandwich or burger.
