652365 Mon Sep 14 16:17:24 -0700 2009 58 32 Chains 0 5029751 I just dont understand it, 9/10 people I talk to cant stand them! That coating on the outside is SO unappealing!!! I can think of only 1 coated french fry that I enjoy....I believe they are the seasoned fries by McCain? Even then I only buy 2-3 bags of them a year. As a french fry lover, its is sad that I will pass em up and just get a sandwich or tenders and a soda.....am I the only one? Seriously though, if I was on a deserted island with 25 pounds of Burger King french fries and a stray dog, I would feed the fries to Fido and then eat the dog. Mon Sep 14 16:17:24 -0700 2009 1106705 joe777cool 1 5030273 When people stop buying them? Mon Sep 14 20:06:32 -0700 2009 5029751 258488 NewDude 2 5030892 That won't do it, because even if people prefer real fries, they'll still order the crappy ones if they happen to be there. I can't stand them at all; I won't go to BK anymore because of the fries. But clearly I'm in the minority. Tue Sep 15 06:34:03 -0700 2009 5030273 10814 sbp 3 5031543 I think thats part of the problem - when faced with crappy fries or no fries, most will go with the crappy fries. I am in the minority as well, I say "NO FRIES!" Tue Sep 15 10:10:29 -0700 2009 5030892 1106705 joe777cool 4 5033068 The fries couldn't be that crappy if people still keep buying and eating them. It's not like BK is the only restaurant chain on the planet. Tue Sep 15 20:08:59 -0700 2009 5031543 258488 NewDude 5 5033407 see above. Wed Sep 16 04:06:16 -0700 2009 5033068 10814 sbp 5 5033413 Fries are part of the standard combo. The real way to know would be to see how many people order fries when not ordering a combo. There is so much hyperbole on this site when it comes to how bad something is. Their fries are not as good as at other fast food places. I'm glad they offer the option of onion rings instead of fries. I don't think I've eaten there in the last few years, though. Wed Sep 16 04:10:57 -0700 2009 5033068 92112 Fibber McGee 6 5033565 Yes, there is a lot of hyperbole about "bad" on this site. But I've got a pretty high tolerance for bad food. I happen to think BK makes the worst Burger among the fast food chains - but it's still not horrible. Strange, in the same way a Big Mac doesn't taste like a hamburger but I still like it. But the BK fries stand out -- no hyperbole, they are wretched. As others have noted, I actually avoid BK simply because of the fries. Wed Sep 16 06:23:32 -0700 2009 5033413 10814 sbp 7 5035292 I have to toally agree - Its hard to believe that a french fry could be screwed up, but Burger King does that. I eat there once a week on average, I stop there 4-5 times a week just to get a fountain drink on my way to work and yet I havent eaten a fry there in I would estimate over a year. MD's on the other hand, I will often stop just to get a small order of fries and nothing else... cant beat em in S&S sauce! Wed Sep 16 16:16:10 -0700 2009 5033565 1106705 joe777cool 6 5119997 They ruined their onion rings a few years ago, too. They were never real onion rings as far as I remember, but they were a guilty pleasure of mine. Now, not only are they not real onions on the inside, but it's some pasty mush on the inside. They used to have minced onions inside. They are just strange now. Wed Oct 21 10:34:47 -0700 2009 5033413 111530 gordeaux 7 5120358 Do you ever get the feeling BK is just testing out the newest version of Soylent Green? Wed Oct 21 12:14:36 -0700 2009 5119997 10814 sbp 1 5030445 no..they used to be my favorite fries (they were "mushier" than McDonald's, which I like) then they reformulated them with that odd coating. Can't stand them. I usually get the tater tot thingies they have. Mon Sep 14 21:13:18 -0700 2009 5029751 265047 puddin head 2 5030540 They were definitely less crispy back in the day. Yeah, back when I didn't care about my weight, I used to really enjoy BK fries. Mon Sep 14 22:09:19 -0700 2009 5030445 258488 NewDude 2 5049520 It seems they are now molded out of the same substance as Pringles, dipped in a foul smelling oil. And I am one of those who now drive past BK when I want the occasional fast lunch. Tue Sep 22 11:46:36 -0700 2009 5030445 15036 tastyjon 3 5053210 I used to prefer BK over the other fast food spots, but I can't stand it anymore. The very few things that I actually like there seem to always lead to really bad gas anyways, so that was the last straw :) Wed Sep 23 14:39:44 -0700 2009 5049520 111910 jgg13 1 5031576 Has anyone noticed that all of their food tastes like their fries? I hadn't eaten there in years, and recently went and ordered one of their breaded sandwiches. I immediately noticed a funky flavor, which I soon realized was essence of french fries. So, I guess that means that those sandwiches suck as much as the fries. Tue Sep 15 10:20:21 -0700 2009 5029751 186923 Cachetes 1 5032363 I order the rings or the salad with my combo instead of the fries. I was disappointed when they discontinued the baked potato - that was my favourite by far. It's not a big deal to me, as I should actually be eating the salads instead of fries, but have you considered actually writing them and telling them how you feel? Tue Sep 15 14:46:01 -0700 2009 5029751 1104506 FrankD 2 5032369 I think I did write an email to them a few years ago actually. Im planning on sending them another email with a link to this thread (a petition of sorts) once we get a few more replies. Tue Sep 15 14:49:37 -0700 2009 5032363 1106705 joe777cool 1 5032390 "When is Burger King going to realize that their fries SUCK? " Sometime after they realize their mascot is just too disturbingly creepy along w/ the commercials he stars in. Don't hold your breath. http://www.fanpop.com/spots/legendary-ads/articles/56/title/top-10-creepiest-fast-food-mascots Tue Sep 15 15:00:37 -0700 2009 5029751 16666 ilikefood 1 5032392 If I'm going to eat fast food and I have an option between Burger King and something else, I will choose something else. And that is mainly because of the fries. If I'm eating a fast food burger, I want French fries. But I cannot stand the ones at B.K. Tue Sep 15 15:00:50 -0700 2009 5029751 52342 alliebear 2 5033036 Me too. I've had such a craving for a BK burger but the fries keep me away. Tue Sep 15 19:52:23 -0700 2009 5032392 11778 irishnyc 3 5033646 Ditto Wed Sep 16 07:01:12 -0700 2009 5033036 19518 rockandroller1 4 5034429 Make your mother happy.. have a salad! Wed Sep 16 10:58:15 -0700 2009 5033646 1104506 FrankD 1 5032981 sometimes i pick burger king cause i dont want to be tempted to eat french fries. Tue Sep 15 19:27:16 -0700 2009 5029751 57890 KaimukiMan 1 5033571 By the way, I hadn't considered it before, but I'm willing to bet BK is thrilled with their new fries and will never change them because it SAVES THEM $$$$. That starchy awful coating is designed to keep the fries crispy for a long time. Which means they don't have to dump an unsold batch as quickly. Less waste, more profit. As Dick Jones said in Robocop: Who cares if it worked or not? Wed Sep 16 06:27:17 -0700 2009 5029751 10814 sbp 1 5034663 McDonalds french fries (from http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutrition_ingredients.html#1): Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural beef flavor [wheat and milk derivatives]*, citric acid [preservative]), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain color), salt. Prepared in vegetable oil ((may contain one of the following: Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness), dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent). CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK *(Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients). Burger King fries (from http://www.bk.com/cms/en/us/cms_out/digital_assets/files/menu_nutrition/IngredientsDeclaration.pdf): Potatoes, Soybean Oil or Canola and Palm Oil, Modified Potato Starch, Rice Flour, Potato Dextrin, Salt, Leavening (Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Dextrose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate added to preserve Wed Sep 16 12:13:18 -0700 2009 5029751 76025 mojoeater 2 5034813 What's your point? Wed Sep 16 13:02:06 -0700 2009 5034663 10814 sbp 3 5036212 Very distinct differences in what you would think would be very simple and basic. I remember when the fires from both places were nearly indistinguishable. The BK modified potato starch is what stood out for me, as well as the leavening. I'm no dietician or chemist, but I wonder if those are really why their fries are like they are. As joe777cool said, McDonald's has fries you would order by themselves. Does anyone do that for BK's fries? Thu Sep 17 04:21:49 -0700 2009 5034813 92112 Fibber McGee 4 5036388 Oh sure, the modfied food starch/rice flour are almost certainly the crud that constitute the sprayed on coating. I couldn't tell if the list by mojoeater was for the purpose of pointing out all the additives in McD's fries. What it boils down to, however, is that McD's are potatoes dipped int vegetable oil and sugar. Both of which promote browning and crispness, without changing the texture. Thu Sep 17 06:26:33 -0700 2009 5036212 10814 sbp 1 5037767 I have NO idea what y'all are talking about. Burger King's french fries are the only thing good about Burger King. Plus, french fries fit into the category of pizza and sex - even when it's bad, it's pretty good. Thu Sep 17 14:06:16 -0700 2009 5029751 14093 Melanie 2 5042746 Melanie - I'm afraid I have to disagree with you...on all three counts! :) Sat Sep 19 16:51:44 -0700 2009 5037767 265047 puddin head 2 5043881 sorry melanie, I think you are in the vast minority here......on every comment you made too. You have never had Dominos or Little Caesars pizza? Sun Sep 20 11:17:26 -0700 2009 5037767 1106705 joe777cool 3 5062661 you know, I haven't had Little Caesars before. I have had Domino's and, while it's most certainly not the best pizza I've ever had, I stand by my statement! :) Sun Sep 27 17:38:18 -0700 2009 5043881 14093 Melanie 4 5062762 I guess it's a matter of defining your terms. I'll allow quite a bit of leeway as to what constitutes sex, But a slice of white bread with ketchup and melted American cheese is not a slice of pizza. And as far as I'm concerned, the Frankenfries that BK is serving are not french fries. One of the ingredients is potatoes, they are long, thin, and vaguely rectangular, and they are deep fried. Similarity ends there. Sun Sep 27 18:30:10 -0700 2009 5062661 10814 sbp 2 5044177 I agree with you on BK's french fries. Sun Sep 20 13:45:33 -0700 2009 5037767 139719 retromodernafoodie82 2 5046749 I like them too.. Mon Sep 21 13:03:40 -0700 2009 5037767 1109254 Timmy McTimmerson 1 5038728 What's new? BK fries have always sucked compared to Mickey Ds. Of course either one will give you a heart attack. Thu Sep 17 22:21:05 -0700 2009 5029751 1106099 ArrowSmith 1 5041659 Just had them last nite....hoping they would be better than I remembered.........and..........they did indeed SUCK!!!!!!! Awful stuff! Also got the BK double stacker, and could NOT believe how small the thing was! It will be a LONG time before I eat there! Sat Sep 19 06:06:53 -0700 2009 5029751 154476 Lindseyup67 1 5043611 BK fries are totally disgusting. Do they roll them around the floor to cover them in dirt? I ate there once this year - first time in perhaps 4-5 years. Most likely - never again, especially since Five Guys serve such excellent fries. Sun Sep 20 08:38:19 -0700 2009 5029751 1081502 Clams047 1 5050764 If they have not realized it by now, they won't Tue Sep 22 18:27:09 -0700 2009 5029751 12296 steakman55 2 5068358 Poor guys, here in Japan the BurgerKings use a different fry that is much more similar to the US McDonalds Fry. Seriously, they are pretty darn good. Tue Sep 29 20:20:20 -0700 2009 5050764 101545 lost squirrel 3 5080868 so Burger King saves the good stuff for their restaurants out of the country? probably because everyone else in the world wont buy their disgusting, rolled around on the floor, heavily coated, "we can keep these things around longer and not throw them out" CRAP! Maybe Burger Kings business plan is to become the underdog by making Mcdonalds and Wendys food look 10x better! Mon Oct 05 14:49:05 -0700 2009 5068358 1106705 joe777cool 1 5075071 Their fries have always sucked, but their burgers used to be pretty OK...now their burgers suck also, along with their marketing campaign...it's still, I think, one of the more expensive chains out there. It's too bad...I really liked their burgers, but now they taste terrible. Fri Oct 02 12:53:26 -0700 2009 5029751 105711 observor 1 5080543 I just had a fresh batch of BK fries and they are bad...heavy, cakey, nastiness with nothing of interest. The brand has been ruined. Mon Oct 05 12:47:14 -0700 2009 5029751 105711 observor 1 5082085 Now they are going to be coming out with a frozen version of their fries......are you KIDDING me?????? http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/03/burger-king-fries-to-appear-in-frozen-section/ Tue Oct 06 05:16:53 -0700 2009 5029751 154476 Lindseyup67 2 5082204 This is a "huh" on so many levels. First, their in-store fries taste like mashed/extruded/coated greasy styrofoam, so who would want them frozen. Second, these frozen fries don't remotely resemble the in-store fries -- they are thick crinkle-cuts. Third, they're for microwaving! Why not just sell ipecac? Tue Oct 06 06:21:11 -0700 2009 5082085 10814 sbp 3 5084136 maybe this is the next evolution for their own in store french fires???? Im being sarcastic but BK and many other chains seem to be more preoccupied with increasing hold times, reducing costs, making their processes more efficient etc. at the "expense" of freshness, food quality, and customer satisfaction. If they can make it cheaper and quicker, thats all that matters today. Damn the quality! Tue Oct 06 18:09:29 -0700 2009 5082204 1106705 joe777cool 4 5084194 Yep - with the apparent exception of 5 Guys, whose fries are double-fried and as "real" as you can get. Tue Oct 06 18:33:48 -0700 2009 5084136 10814 sbp 2 5123748 I saw in the store they also have a chip-type "fries and ketchup" bagged snack. LOL. Thu Oct 22 16:16:07 -0700 2009 5082085 105711 observor 1 5084642 I can't stand skinny fries of any kind any way. btw, I've gotten cheapo frozen fries at chain grocery stores, baked them and absolutely had a blast. Without all the fat, you can eat more of them guilt free, and surprise surprise they taste great. Especially the crinkly cut kind. TJ's has kick a## frozen fries, man. Even Safeway or any other chain grocery store will do the trick. Bake. And learn. Wed Oct 07 00:34:03 -0700 2009 5029751 258488 NewDude 1 5086813 Heard they are remaking the brand (at least the stores) because of falling sales...half million dollar renovation of each0 store...hope they update the food also. Wed Oct 07 16:33:13 -0700 2009 5029751 105711 observor 2 5086907 who cares about the renovations! I know I dont, what a waste of money. Spend a fraction on that on improving the quality of the food, specifically the fries, chicken nuggest, and put the damn italian chix sandwich on the menu permanantly. Also add some fun stuff to the dollar menu. The old mozz sticks were ok, maybe a ffajta rollup like Mcd's used to have.....their menu has become tired. Its not all about the burgers (see Sonic)!!! IMHO Wed Oct 07 17:04:38 -0700 2009 5086813 1106705 joe777cool 2 5087342 Each store? Half million dollars? That sounds... ridiculous. Source? Wed Oct 07 20:11:31 -0700 2009 5086813 11778 irishnyc 3 5089648 I saw it on cnn, you can find it, just google burger king renovations, 300,000 to 600,000 dollars per store. Thu Oct 08 17:00:41 -0700 2009 5087342 105711 observor 4 5089771 http://www.thestate.com/business/story/973810.html It's up to the franchisees to pay for it, and they expect it to take YEARS. Research and development is corporate's responsibility, so regardless of years of renovations, it has no effect on the food. Thu Oct 08 17:51:53 -0700 2009 5089648 11778 irishnyc 5 5093242 These chains, especially Dunkin Donuts, BK, McDOnalds etc. spend a TON of money on remodeling every few years. You see these chains tear down a building and put a brand new one in the same exact location. WHY???? Such a waste. I mean you can never stand still in business but this seems excessive and wasteful. Maybe its me but the decour and ambiance means NOTHING to me when it comes to fast food, diners, dives, etc. Its all about the food first, the food second, the price third, the convenience/location fourth, and of course the food. All I care about is the place is CLEAN both in the dining area and kitchen Now if Im going out for a full service meal and expect to be there for an hour to two that is one thing, but when I am going to be in a place for 10-20 minutes max or even eating via the drive thru I dont have the time to notice the new "improvements" BK - do us all a favor and spend the money improving the quality of your food! Sat Oct 10 08:30:58 -0700 2009 5089771 1106705 joe777cool 6 5093432 They can make it into Disneyworld and I wouldn't eat there. Sat Oct 10 10:16:23 -0700 2009 5093242 105711 observor 1 5135934 Not only do they have a bagged chip of their french fries, they now have a bagged chip of their French toast, and a bagged chip that indicates flame-broiled taste. Tue Oct 27 17:52:42 -0700 2009 5029751 105711 observor 2 5139066 I actually tried their BK potato snacks (w/ketchup flavor) out of the snack machine here at work, and I think that given the choice, I'd rather have a bag of those potato snack chips than BK french fries. I really don't eat BK much anymore because between the lousy fries and the awful things their soybean-based oils do to my digestive system, it's not a pleasing nor pleasant experience. Wed Oct 28 19:01:10 -0700 2009 5135934 91302 podunkboy