A fry by any other name.

by Brooke on October 1, 2013

Post image for A fry by any other name.

Last week, Burger King announced their “healthier” French Fry option called Satisfries.  These new crinkle-cut fries are claimed to be 40% less fat and 30% fewer calories compared to BK’s regular fries.  Below is a table comparing the nutrition facts of these two fries side by side.   For this comparison, I used the nutritional information based on one medium fry.

Regular Fry  Satisfries
Calories 410 340
Total Fat (g) 18 14
Saturated Fat (g) 3 2
Trans Fat (g) 0 0
Chol (mg) 0 0
Sodium (mg) 570 370
Total Carb (g) 58 51
Total Sugar (g) 0 0
Protein (g) 4 4

 

The definition of French Fries is “potatoes cut into strips and deep-fried.”  MMM…doesn’t that just sound healthy?   Fries by definition are not healthy.

Now, I am not saying that you shouldn’t eat them.  I actually love fries, but try to eat them only once and a while.   All I am saying is let’s not pretend they are something that they aren’t.  A fry by any other name would still be a treat.  If I eat a “healthier” brownie made with applesauce instead of oil I don’t pretend that I am eating applesauce for dessert.  I know am eating a BROWNIE!

I appreciate the fact that a fast food chain is trying to make a “healthier” product, however, if they really cared about their customers wouldn’t they just remove the regular version? I would be surprised if these Satisfries were still on their menu in a year.  If customers really want fries they are probably going to eat the regular ones.

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Jessica @mrsdietitian October 1, 2013 at 3:12 pm

Excellent point. I’ve been meaning to look into how the fat/calories have been reduced. Do you happen to know? My husband commented that “aren’t all French Fries sliced potatoes?” No, they aren’t. Some chains use a potato blend with added flavoring. I picture a mashed potato pressed into French Fry shape. I have no actual revenue to back this up, so I may be mistaken. The tid bit sticks out to me because it helps keep tastes/experience similar no matter the potato or actual resturant location.

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Brooke October 9, 2013 at 2:20 am

Thanks for the comment Jessica! I am not sure what all the ingredients are in this new product.

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amy nuding October 8, 2013 at 5:50 pm

As a renal rd, the sodium is much improved

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Brooke October 9, 2013 at 2:18 am

Hi Amy! I agree. The sodium was a welcomed difference.

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