The Ultimate Guide to Sweet Potato Fries at Fast Food Chains: Everything You Need to Know

Arby’s, Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, and Shake Shack are among the popular fast food chains that offer sweet potato fries. At Arby’s, you can indulge in their Curly Sweet Potato Fries, cooked to a golden brown and sprinkled with sea salt. Chick-fil-A’s Sweet Potato Fries are a fan favorite, with a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy interior. Five Guys offers a more rustic take on sweet potato fries, with a chunky texture and a drizzle of their signature sauce. Shake Shack’s Sweet Potato Fries are a welcome addition to their menu, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

So, are sweet potato fries really a healthier option than regular French fries? The answer is yes and no. Sweet potatoes are higher in fiber and vitamins than regular potatoes, making them a more nutritious choice. However, when cooked in oil, sweet potato fries can still be high in calories and fat. It’s essential to check the cooking method and toppings to ensure you’re getting the healthiest version possible. For example, opting for baked sweet potato fries or choosing a light seasoning can make a big difference in nutritional value.

Not all locations of these fast food chains offer sweet potato fries, so it’s crucial to check beforehand. At Arby’s, for instance, sweet potato fries are only available at participating locations. Chick-fil-A offers sweet potato fries at most locations, but it’s still a good idea to call ahead to confirm. Five Guys and Shake Shack are more consistent in their sweet potato fry offerings, but it’s still worth checking with your local restaurant to confirm.

A serving of sweet potato fries can range from 200-400 calories, depending on the size and cooking method. At Arby’s, a small serving of Curly Sweet Potato Fries clocks in at 230 calories, while a large serving at Chick-fil-A weighs in at 340 calories. Five Guys’ sweet potato fries are generally on the higher end of the calorie spectrum, with a large serving coming in at 420 calories. Shake Shack’s sweet potato fries are a bit more moderate, with a large serving weighing in at 310 calories.

Sweet potato fries are generally priced similarly to regular French fries, but prices may vary depending on the location and size. At Arby’s, a small serving of Curly Sweet Potato Fries costs $2.99, while a large serving costs $4.49. Chick-fil-A’s sweet potato fries are priced similarly, with a small serving costing $3.25 and a large serving costing $5.25. Five Guys’ sweet potato fries are generally more expensive, with a large serving costing $6.49. Shake Shack’s sweet potato fries are a bit more moderate, with a large serving costing $5.49.

Yes, you can request sweet potato fries as a substitute for regular fries at participating fast food chains. At Arby’s, for instance, you can ask for sweet potato fries instead of regular fries when ordering. Chick-fil-A also offers sweet potato fries as a substitute, but be sure to call ahead to confirm availability. Five Guys and Shake Shack are more likely to accommodate sweet potato fry requests, but it’s still worth asking to confirm.

Fast food chains typically prepare sweet potato fries by frying them in oil, but some offer baked options. At Arby’s, sweet potato fries are cooked in a proprietary blend of oils to achieve that signature flavor. Chick-fil-A uses a pressure fryer to cook their sweet potato fries, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Five Guys cooks their sweet potato fries in a combination of peanut oil and beef tallow, giving them a unique flavor. Shake Shack bakes their sweet potato fries in the oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

While many fast food chains offer fried sweet potato fries, some offer baked options as a healthier alternative. At Five Guys, you can opt for baked sweet potato fries instead of fried, which reduces the calorie count and fat content. Shake Shack also offers baked sweet potato fries, which are a great option for those looking for a lighter take on this popular side dish.

While sweet potato fries are delicious on their own, dipping sauces can elevate the experience to a whole new level. At Arby’s, you can choose from a variety of dipping sauces, including their signature Horsey Sauce. Chick-fil-A offers a range of dipping sauces, including their famous Polynesian Sauce. Five Guys and Shake Shack offer a more limited selection of dipping sauces, but you can always ask for ketchup or mustard if you prefer.

While sweet potato fries can be a delicious and satisfying side dish, they may not be suitable for everyone. For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s essential to check the cooking oil and preparation process to ensure no cross-contamination. Sweet potato fries are also high in carbohydrates, making them a less-than-ideal option for those following a low-carb diet. However, they can be a great option for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan side dish, depending on the cooking method and toppings.

Sweet potato fries make a great addition to any fast food meal, but they can be even more satisfying when paired with other items. At Arby’s, you can pair sweet potato fries with a roast beef sandwich or a chicken sandwich for a filling meal. Chick-fil-A’s sweet potato fries are a great match for their chicken nuggets or grilled chicken sandwich. Five Guys’ sweet potato fries pair well with their burgers or hot dogs, while Shake Shack’s sweet potato fries are a great match for their burgers or chicken sandwiches.