There's one constant that joins the vast majority of fast food restaurants together. The food with the most variety. Fries. And when they're done right, they're done right.
But, as they say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". So customers were outraged when Chick-fil-A changed the recipe of their waffle fries. But, after considerable backlash, they've backtracked on the controversial change.
As reported by the Daily Mail, a "slight adjustment" was made to their classic side in September 2024. A coating, made from pea starch, was added. Chick-fil-A said that it would "help fries stay crispier, longer".
Customers were quick to point out that the additive didn't help things, but instead altered the taste. Some noted that the additive was common in dog food. Yuck!
Chick-fil-A, however, heard the criticism and listened. They've removed the ingredient from all waffle fries, starting in March. Fans were quick to celebrate, with comments on Reddit noting the taste difference.
One commented, "As someone who hates the pea starch, I had their fries the other day and can confirm that they tasted how they used to." Another wrote, "I noticed they taste so much better again! Hell yeah,"
Videos by Wide Open Country
Chick-fil-A Recently Lost Their Top Spot as Best Restaurant
The unpopular change may have been part of the reason that Chick-fil-A lost their top spot as "America's best fast food" last year, according to fans.
Daily Mail reported that the famous chain lost out to Del Taco last year, after Chick-fil-A slipped to fourth place. They reported that the main reason behind the slip was the controversial change to the waffle fries.
The 2025 rankings also show some other trends. Wendy's managed to climb the rankings, going from not hitting the top 10 to landing in 5th place. Fans say that their great deals might have been the reason behind this.
In the battle of the chicken restaurants, though, Chick-fil-A still reigns supreme. Despite only being in fourth place, their closest competitor is KFC, who landed in sixth place. Raising Cane's also bagged a top-10 spot, landing in eighth.
