What’s really in McDonald’s fries: way more than just potato

Fast food may be deliciously addictive, but most people know that it’s not the healthiest fuel for your body. While you may have questioned the contents and source of your burger patty, you probably haven’t given a second thought to your fries; potato, oil, and salt, right?

Not at McDonald’s in the US. 19 ingredients are used to make their “World Famous Fries.”

In an effort to be more transparent, McDonald’s is producing a series of YouTube videos, entitled, “Our food. Your questions.” McDonald’s asked Grant Imahara, host of the popular show Mythbusters, to explain why so many ingredients are used to make their fries.

The list of ingredients

• The ingredient present in the largest quantity is potato.
• There are several ingredients comprising the oil-blend for pre-frying at the supplier, including flavourants, approved preservatives, and an anti-foaming agent to prevent splattering.
• Interestingly, there is no MSG (Monosodium Glutamate.)
• Next on the list are more additives to make the fries appear perfect and golden, and good ol’ salt for flavour.
• This is followed by another oil-blend, including more preservatives, used for frying at the restaurant.

Imahara ultimately concludes that McDonald’s fries are potatoes with a little help from many friends.

Watch the video, below:

In Australia and the UK, just a handful of ingredients (4 – 5) are used to make McDonald’s fries. The McDonald’s South Africa website claims to use only potato, canola-blend palm oil, and salt.

Are you interested in what goes into your fast food?

Be sure of what goes into your fries by making them at home. Here is the ultimate guide to perfect fries.