When you stop to think about it, there are certain qualities so essential to a product or service that you wouldn't consider purchasing them if that standard isn't met. When you check into a hotel, it has to be clean. Buying a car? Only if it's safe. Ordering French fries? They have to be crispy and deliciously seasoned. Sounds simple, yet it's incredibly important.

Why crispiness and seasoning matter

No one craves a soggy, bland fry.  That’s why, as a restaurant operator, understanding what your guests crave means you also need to understand what makes the ideal fry, and why it matters not just to your guests, but also to your bottom line.

Crispiness remains a top attribute guests look for in fries, but the winning combination today is actually crispiness and seasoning. Pre-seasoned fries consistently rank as a top choice in consumer taste tests among other frozen fries¹, and they're among the top fries that consumers are willing to pay more for². In fact, almost half of customers say pre-seasoned fries are their preferred choice².

So, what makes the ideal fry? First, let’s focus on the crispy aspect. There are three components consumers recognize as ‘crispy’: sound, roughness, and hardness. Sound is the audible noise a fry makes when it is bitten into. The louder it is, the crispier it is. Roughness is a result of the amount of small and large particles on the surface of the fries. The rough surface texture not only gives the visual appearance of crispy, it also feels crispy on the lips. Last but not least is hardness - the amount of resistance you feel as you bite into a fry. It’s not too soggy and not too hard or crunchy. The perfect fry should have a crispy shell with a fluffy baked potato interior. Now, when it comes to seasoning, there’s a common misconception that guests may not like seasoned fries or that they’re too polarizing to serve as the primary option. But, the truth is seasoned fries are actually a top consumer choice, making them the most loved and valued fry.

Why seasoned fries matter to you

So, why should you consider putting pre-seasoned fries on your menu? Because that’s what your guests are craving. By offering crispy, seasoned fries, you're practically guaranteeing guest satisfaction, which is a major factor considering that over half of guests select restaurants based on the fries offered². And satisfying guest cravings is the best way to keep them coming back.

They are coated with a special batter that stays crispy up to 30 minutes*, ensuring your guests get the best eating experience whether they're dining in or off-premise. Their seasoned appearance provides excellent plate appeal, making them picture-worthy for today's social media-savvy diners. Plus, they are great for topped and loaded menu offerings because they keep their crispiness even after they are covered in all kinds of sauces and toppings. Loaded fry dishes command a median price $2.81 higher than fry apps and sides overall³. So, you will help to increase your bottom line at the same time you are giving your guests what they crave.

Lamb Weston offers an entire category dedicated to Extra Crispy fries, including a full sub-category of pre-seasoned varieties. Artistically influenced by a mild blend of seasoning, Lamb Weston's new Seasoned Fries are a fan favorite. Two standout products are ready to satisfy cravings and elevate guest satisfaction. Lamb Weston^TM Original Recipe Crinkle Fries are inspired with the delightful flavors of garlic, onion, paprika, salt & black pepper. Lamb Weston^TM Seasoned Seashore-Style Fries let you enjoy the fresh flavors of garlic, sea salt & black pepper. With summer right around the corner, the Seasoned Seashore-Style Fries make a perfect addition to your LTO lineup. They pair effortlessly with summer favorites—from burgers to seafood and more. Choose the seasoning profile that best complements your menu and delivers the ultimate eating experience.

There are countless menu items that pair perfectly with Lamb Weston^TM Seasoned Fries, making them an essential addition that will keep guests coming back for more.

Contact a Lamb Weston Fry Expert to learn more about the Seasoned Fries portfolio or visit https://www.lambweston.com/resources/simplified-strengthened/seasoned-fries

*30-minute timeline was confirmed in a study on Lamb Weston^TMSeasoned Fries without packaging. Seasoned fries with their innovative batter packaged correctly, allow for the best holding fries and long-lasting performance, making them great for delivery and takeout.

1. Claim based on Lamb Weston Proprietary Quantitative Consumer Research conducted by a 3rd party in 2021 & 2023
2. Lamb Weston Proprietary Amplifry Study, 2023
3. Datassential Menu Trends