Virginia Named Top US Fry Capital – McCain Foods Survey Reveals State-by-State French Fry Consumption Ahead of National French Fry Day

Ahead of National French Fry Day in the United States on July 11, new research from McCain Foods – the maker of one in four fries worldwide – reveals how Americans really feel about fries.

The poll of 5,000 adults in the USA (100 from each state) found that Virginia is for fry lovers as the average person of the “Old Dominion” self-reported eating at least 21 pounds of spuds, closely followed by three other heavy-hitting states: Alabama, Georgia and Maryland — all with the average person consuming about 20 pounds per year.

On average, a single American can eat at least 17 pounds of a small serving (69 grams) of fries per year. Expanded to the entire nation, that means a minimum of 5,610,000,000 pounds of the stuff is consumed in the USA per annum — as much as 155,833 school buses.

The study, conducted online by Talker Research between May 28 and June 5, 2025 revealed interesting variances for one of America’s favorite foods.

State-by-state fries feast: Discover which U.S. regions top the charts in annual fry consumption, according to McCain and Talker Research.

While all states can agree that the “best” fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (72%), there are more debates about what type of fry and what seasonings and sauces are best.

Twenty-eight states agreed straight-and-seasoned fries were top-tier, with the greatest popularity in North Dakota (55%), followed by Mississippi (54%), Alabama (49%), Wyoming (49%), Louisiana (48%) and Utah (48%).

However, the rest of the nation had varied views on which fry is best.

Classic shoestring fries were most popular in Hawaii (45%), New Hampshire (45%), Michigan (44%), Maine (42%) and Texas (42%).

Curly fries reigned supreme in Alaska (46%) and Kansas (46%), closely followed by Connecticut (45%) and Oklahoma (45%).

Crinkle-cut fries earned top scores in states including Nebraska (51%), Kentucky (46%) and Pennsylvania (43%). Crinkle-cut was also the most popular style of fry in Illinois (41%).

Waffle fries only got lots of love in one state: Colorado (44%).

And no matter what specific type they prefer, two coastal powerhouses were also most likely to experience happiness or joy while eating fries: California (59%) and New York (58%).

Some Americans even have “hometown heroes,” or classic fry dishes that hail from their own backyards. New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are proud to be the home of “disco fries,” while “boardwalk fries” are a Delaware staple.

Those in Illinois enjoy “horseshoe” or “ponyshoe sandwiches,” and Californians proudly boast their namesake: the “California burrito.”

Tracy Hostetler, McCain Foods’ vice president of potato marketing in North America:

"Fries are universally loved, but there’s still plenty of debate when it comes to favorites. From crinkle-cut and curly, to waffle and seasoned fries, everyone has their go-to style. We believe enjoying a variety of fries allows everyone to find their favorite."

Despite the friendly disputes on which fry is best, the study found a number of things Americans can agree on when it comes to the world of fries.

Nearly two in three respondents (63%) said fries can be considered a main dish, not just a side. According to them, fries shine as mains in dishes like “loaded” fries (66%), chili fries (36%) and topped with various seasonings (36%).

Top seasonings ranged from the classic salt (77%) and garlic powder (31%) to the less orthodox — parmesan (22%), Old Bay (19%), paprika (10%) and cayenne (9%). Top dips were classics as well: ketchup (68%), ranch (33%) and cheese sauce (28%).

Over three-quarters (77%) also agreed they’d share their fries if they were eating with a group of people, being most likely to share with their partner (43%), kids (28%) and friends (21%).

However, 65% admit they’d stolen fries from someone else’s plate.

Eighty-one percent believe fries can even make meals more enjoyable with their family, and 83% said they’d even be willing to share their last fry with someone they love.

Tracy Hostetler:

"Preferences aside, it’s clear that fries hold a special place in people’s hearts across the nation. They’re the ultimate shareable food — whether enjoying family-style or sneaking one off someone else’s plate, fries have a way of bringing family and friends together through that simple, joyful act of sharing."