Skip to Content

Explaining the Difference: American Fries vs. French Fries

Explaining the Difference: American Fries vs. French Fries

A dinner focused on potatoes is one food item that I think many people continue to find enticing. One of the most popular snacks in the world is French fries. They are utilized as starters, side dishes, and occasionally even as complete meals.

Although they have different characteristics, American and French fries nevertheless share the same family of potatoes as their origins. So, we can tell the two apart based on how they were prepared.

American fries are often “home fries,” which are created from potato cuts and cooked either through baking or frying. Similar to French fries, potato cuts may come in the form of little wedges, hunks, or even blocks.

French fries, on the other hand, are chunks of fried potato. French Fries normally come in the shape of long, slim blocks.

Keep reading to further understand the difference between American and French fries.

What Are American Fries?

The terms “American Fries” and “Home Fries” all seem to refer to cubed potatoes that have been sautéed with onions, salt, and pepper.

Cubed potatoes that have been sautéed with onions, salt, and pepper are what American Potatoes, American Fries, and Home Fries all appear to refer to. Ketchup is included with each.

In an old-school diner, breakfast is typically served with American fries. Some locations provide just one, while others provide both.

American fries have the ideal combination of a soft, creamy interior and a crispy, crunchy exterior. They are slightly starchy.

They don’t need to be crispy on all sides though; some pieces may only have one side that has profound crispiness, while other pieces may have several.

What Are French Fries?

French fries are commonly a side dish or snack made from potatoes that have been deep-fried and chopped into several shapes, particularly thin strips.

French Fries
French fries are rectangular in shape.

In addition to being salted, fries are frequently served with condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or vinegar.

Although French is the most widely spoken language in southern Belgium, it is believed that American soldiers serving in Belgium during World War I first encountered this meal. The delectable potatoes were known as “French” fries.

They include the vitamins found in potatoes (a vegetable), including vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron.

How to make crispy french fries at home? This a perfect recipe to understand the process behind the making of french fries.

Nutritional Value Of French Fries

From young infants to elderly people, fries are a familiar food. It was simple to locate in cafes, bistros, and fast food establishments. When combined with salt, vinegar, and ketchup, it will taste even better.

Fries don’t exactly have a history. The claim that they are the sole inventors of fries was made by the French, Belgians, and Spanish people. It was known as “French fries” in Belgium.

Depending on how they are made, fries can include a variety of nutrients. Eating fries with the skins on may provide you with extra vitamins and minerals because potato skins are known to include more nutrients, such as potassium, fiber, and B vitamins.

It can be used to cure arthritis, decrease cholesterol, promote digestion, alleviate internal bleeding, and boost immunity.

Let’s have a look at its nutritional value to further clarify whether it is a harmful product to human health or not.

Nutrients: Fries (Restaurant Styled)Serving Size (170g)
Calories491
Protein5.93g
Total Fat23.87g
Carbohydrate63.24g
Dietary Fiber6.6g
Sugar0.48g
Starch 57.14g
Calcium 29mg
Sodium 607mg
Nutrients Present in Fries

Impact Of French Fries On Health

Obesity
Excessive consumption of fries can lead to built-up calories, contributing to weight gain.

I enjoy eating French fries, but there are lots of negative side effects that should be taken into consideration.

A study found that eating fried potatoes, such as French fries and hash browns, more frequently than twice per week doubles your risk of developing health problems.

Another study found that the saturated fat in French fries increases the levels of “bad” cholesterol.

As a result, it may lead to clots that adhere to your artery walls and prevent blood from getting to all of your body’s organs. Strokes and heart attacks may eventually result from this buildup.

Fat-containing foods are huge calorie bombs. According to a study, eating fried food is closely linked to obesity cases.

Furthermore, there are many more examples of evidence that support the claim that fries contribute to weight gain.

Are American Fries Healthier Than French Fries?

Due to their high calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and sodium content, most commercially produced French fries can be detrimental to your overall health and wellness if consumed frequently.

One’s cardiovascular system will suffer if one consumes a lot of deep-fried potato chips each week.

Also, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition asserted that potatoes have a high glycemic index and that this index is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

According to the study, participants who consumed fried potatoes two to three times per week had a higher mortality risk than those who exclusively ate unfried potatoes.

Only when made with heart-healthy oil, the skins of the potatoes are left on, and the serving size is minimal, can American fries be considered somewhat healthy.

What Is The Difference Between American Fries And French Fries?

Home fries are pan-fried potatoes that have been sliced into little cubes or slices and are cooked with onions, peppers, and a variety of seasonings while being fried in butter.

Peeling and slicing fresh potatoes into long, thin strips for baking or frying results in French fries. The method of cutting, seasoning, and preparation of the potatoes is the primary distinction between the two.

The United States of America invented American fries. Over the world, people frequently eat these beloved potatoes for breakfast and snacks.

Typically, home cooks and chefs prepare home fries with butter or oil, peeled or unpeeled, and topped with peppers, onions, and seasonings.

It is not surprising that such a delicacy has been given so many names. French fries, French-fried potatoes, chips, finger chips, frieten, and frites are just a few.

Of course, fries were first introduced to American soldiers serving in Belgium during World War I. The name derives from the official language of the Belgian army at the time, which was French.

Alternative For Fries (French And American Style)

Baked Potato

The baked potato is a fantastic alternative to French fries if you have a serious potato hankering.

Baked Potato
Baked potatoes are roasted or baked in the oven.

Because they still have skin, baked potatoes are healthier than french fries. The portion of a baked potato with the most nutritional value is the skin.

The fact that heart-healthy baked potatoes aren’t deep-fried in fat and grease like french fries is another advantage.

Green Beans

Green Beans
Green beans are in general beneficial to human health.

Don’t be fooled by green beans’ apparent unsuitability as a substitute for French fries or their lack of excitement.

When prepared properly, these nutritious fruits—yes, these podded seeds are considered fruits—can provide a powerful punch.

Green beans that have been sauteed are often cooked in oil and seasoned with strong spices. To give their green beans an extra flavor boost, some establishments even add additional flavors or toppings.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables are often present as sidelines in many famous restaurant-styled dishes.

Grilled vegetables are the ideal substitute for fries if you’re genuinely committed to choosing healthier options when dining out.

Grilled asparagus is one example of a side dish that is high in nutrients, low in processed carbohydrates, and low in calories. Vegetables that have been grilled also have far less oil and fat.

Conclusion

  • It appears that French fries are simply potatoes that have been chopped into large strips, deep-fried, and salt. Cubed potatoes that have been sautéed with onions, salt, and pepper are what American Potatoes, American Fries, and Home Fries all appear to refer to.
  • Home fries can be regarded as healthy if they are fried in less oil or still have their skin on, however, French fries are not healthy because they are deep-fried and more restaurant-style.
  • Many people choose to deep fry their fries instead of using any oil, which is also a healthy option.
  • Fries are typically served as a side dish or as a snack because they can never serve as a main dish. Consequently, choosing baked potatoes or sauteed veggies as a side dish is a healthier choice. They are healthy and carb-friendly.

Related Articles

Skip to content