Yes, government influences wages – but not just in the way you might think 
Golden Dome Missile Defense: Anduril and Palantir Join Forces on Trump's $185B Space Shield 
Finnair Orders 18 Embraer E195-E2 Jets in Landmark Fleet Overhaul 
Stuck in a creativity slump at work? Here are some surprising ways to get your spark back 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
Henkel in Advanced Talks to Acquire Olaplex at $2 Per Share 
Air Canada Express Crash at LaGuardia: Controller Distracted by Prior Emergency 
Why have so few atrocities ever been recognised as genocide? 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Merck's $6 Billion Bid for Terns Pharma Signals Bold Oncology Push 
Innate Pharma Reports 55% Revenue Drop and €49.2M Net Loss for 2025 
Glastonbury is as popular than ever, but complaints about the lineup reveal its generational challenge 
Parents abused by their children often suffer in silence – specialist therapy is helping them find a voice 
Nintendo Switch 2 Production Cut as Holiday Sales Miss Targets 
Booked to travel through the Middle East? Here’s why you shouldn’t cancel your flight 
McDonald’s fries are famous for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The secret? A carefully selected combination of four potato varieties: Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, and Shepody. These spuds ensure every fry meets the high standards of the Golden Arches.
The Potatoes Behind McDonald’s Iconic Fries: Discover the Four Varieties That Ensure Crispy Perfection
McDonald's has an extensive presence worldwide, with countless locations offering the iconic crispy French fries beloved by many. Despite the variety of region-specific menu items, you can almost always count on enjoying a handful of these golden fries wherever you are. While variations of this classic side exist across different McDonald's franchises, the focus on delivering perfectly crispy fries remains consistent. But have you ever wondered what type of potato gives McDonald's fries their crisp yet airy texture?
For those curious or eager to replicate McDonald's fries at home, selecting the right potato is crucial to achieving the signature taste and texture associated with the Golden Arches. Fortunately, McDonald's is quite transparent about the potatoes they prefer for their fries. According to the chain's official website, McDonald's uses four specific potato varieties: the Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, and Shepody. These varieties are chosen for their ability to produce fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Russet and Shepody Potatoes: The Secret Ingredients Behind McDonald’s Perfectly Crispy, Golden Fries
Three of these varieties belong to the russet family, known for their sturdiness and low moisture content—qualities that make them ideal for frying. Russet potatoes are less likely to become limp and soggy, ensuring a satisfying fry every time. The Shepody potato, while not a russet, shares similar qualities, making it another excellent choice for French fries.
Chowhound reports each of these potato varieties brings something unique to the table. The Burbank, the first potato McDonald's ever used, is a versatile option suitable for fresh, frozen, or dried applications. The Ranger Russet is renowned for producing exceptionally crispy, light-gold fries, while the Umatilla, similar to the Burbank, offers a slightly lighter fry with a subtle flavor edge. The Shepody, though paler than the others, fries to a beautiful golden color and complements the russets well in delivering consistently great fries.
Whether you're enjoying fries made from the Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, or Shepody, you can trust that McDonald's has selected the best potatoes to maintain the high standards of their iconic fries.
