What are small French fries called?

French fries come in all shapes and sizes, from large steak fries to tiny matchstick fries. When French fries are cut especially small, they go by a few different names depending on where you are and who you ask. Let’s explore some of the common names for petite French fries.

Frites

In France, all French fries are simply called “frites” (pronounced “freet”). This is the generic French word for French fries, and it doesn’t specify the size. Frites can be cut thick, thin, or anywhere in between. When ordering in France, you would typically just ask for frites and then specify how you want them cut if you have a preference. The default is usually a medium thickness.

Allumettes

One common name for the skinny, matchstick cut French fries in France is “allumettes.” Allumette means “matchstick” in French. So these are basically called matchstick fries. You may see allumettes on a French menu alongside regular frites to designate the super skinny cut.

Pommes Allumettes

Allumettes are also sometimes called “pommes allumettes” which translates to “matchstick potatoes.” Again, this name simply indicates the very slender, match-like shape of the fries.

Pommes Frites Allumettes

The extra descriptive name “pommes frites allumettes” combines both elements, making it clear we are talking about matchstick-cut French fries specifically. In French, pommes frites means “French fries” and allumettes means “matchstick.”

Frittes

In parts of Belgium, skinny French fries are referred to as “frittes.” This is the Flemish word for fries. It’s similar to the French “frites” but with a subtle difference in spelling and pronunciation.

French Fries

In the United States, there isn’t really a special name for thin French fries. They are typically just referred to as French fries, and then the menu may describe them as “shoestring,” “thin,” or “skinny” cut. Some restaurants will use the phrases “french fry sticks” or “french fry strings” to convey the slender shape.

Shoestring Fries

The most common descriptive phrase for tiny French fries in American English is “shoestring fries.” This refers to the skinny, string-like silhouette. Other variations are “shoestring potatoes” or just “shoestrings.” If you want super skinny fries in the U.S., ordering shoestring fries will probably get you what you’re looking for.

Matchstick Fries

Matchstick is used occasionally in the U.S. as well, following the French allumettes analogy. You may see “matchstick fries” or “matchstick potatoes” on American menus.

Chip Sticks

In the UK and some Commonwealth countries like Australia and New Zealand, slender French fries are sometimes called “chip sticks.” Chips are what Brits call French fries, so these are just skinny chip-shaped fries.

Finger Chips

“Finger chips” is another British term for the thin ones. Again, this refers to their long, skinny shape.

French Fried Potatoes

Some old school American restaurants may refer to their fries as “French fried potatoes.” In this case, expect a smaller French fry – though likely not as tiny as a true shoestring or allumette cut.

Home Fries

The term “home fries” can mean a few different things. Sometimes it refers to cubed pan-fried potatoes. But home fries can also be made from thinly sliced potatoes that are pan-fried or baked until crispy. These tend to be smaller and thinner than typical French fries.

Steak Fries

On the opposite end of the spectrum from shoestrings are steak fries. These are extra thick-cut fries that are sometimes also called wedge fries or potato wedges. Rather than thin and stringy, steak fries are big hearty chunks with the skin still on. If thin fries are allumettes, steak fries would be more like batons!

Waffle Fries

Waffle fries offer another variation in French fry cutting. These are not related to skinny fries, but have ridges and squared off edges from being pressed into a waffle iron shape. The ridges make them extra crispy.

Crinkle Cut Fries

Crinkle cut fries or wrinkle cut fries have a rippled, ruffled shape. They are cut with a special corrugated knife to give them ridges and grooves. This adds crunch and traps flavorful toppings and seasonings.

Curly Fries

Curly fries have a curled, twisted shape. They are made by cutting peeled russet potatoes into uniform sticks, and then curling the sticks before frying. This gives them a distinct springy, spiral look.

Tornado Fries

Tornado fries take curling to the next level. They are tightly coiled into a tornado or whirlwind shape. A spiral cutter is used to create this intense corkscrew shape.

Conclusion

When it comes to petite French fries, names and terminology vary around the world. But common options like shoestring, allumettes, finger chips, and frittes all refer to long, skinny, matchstick-style French fries. Companies like McDonald’s have even jumped on board, offering shoestrings as an alternative to their classic cut.

So next time you want to get your fry fix in a daintier form, look for these slimmer spuds under names like shoestring, allumette, chip stick, or fritte. And don’t be afraid to ask your server to confirm – getting what you want is as easy as asking!

Nutrition Information

French fries are delicious, but how nutritious are they? Here is some background on the nutritional value of French fries, including calories, fat, carbs, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Calories

One serving of French fries (10-15 fries) contains about 153 calories. This can vary based on the size of the fries and whether they are crinkle cut, waffle, curly or regular cut. Below is a table with estimated calories for different portion sizes and cuts of fries:

French Fries	Calories
10-15 regular cut fries	153
Medium McDonald’s fries	340
Large McDonald’s fries	510
10 waffle fries	187
10 crinkle cut fries	160
10 curly fries	230

As you can see, calories add up quickly if you eat a large portion of fries. But a small serving of around 15 fries makes for a decent low-calorie snack.

Fat

The majority of calories in French fries come from fat. Each 1 cup serving contains about 19 grams of fat. Most of this is unsaturated fat in the form of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats like oleic acid and linoleic acid.

Carbs

A 1 cup serving of fries also provides 26 grams of carbohydrates. Russet potatoes are mostly starch, which is broken down into simple carbs during the frying process. So French fries are a high glycemic food with a lot of rapidly digesting carbs.

Protein

There are about 3 grams of protein in 1 cup of fries. Potatoes contain complete protein with all essential amino acids, but the protein content is relatively low compared to foods like meat and beans.

Vitamins and Minerals

French fries provide vitamins and minerals including:

Vitamin C
Vitamin B6

Potassium
Magnesium
Phosphorus

However, frying causes some loss of vitamin C and potassium. Overall potatoes have more nutrients when baked or boiled rather than fried.

Sodium

French fries contain about 280mg sodium per 1 cup serving. This comes mostly from added table salt. If you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, ask for fries prepared without salt or just salt them lightly yourself.

Healthiest Ways to Eat Fries

Below are some tips for enjoying French fries in a healthier way:

Opt for oven baked fries instead of deep fried – this reduces calories and fat
Choose a small or medium size instead of large or super-sized
Enjoy fries as an occasional treat, not an everyday food

Eat fries with protein like chicken strips for more balanced nutrition
Dip fries in ketchup, mustard or Greek yogurt instead of mayo or cheese sauce
Season fries with herbs and spices instead of just salt

Sweet potato fries offer more fiber, vitamins and minerals
Share your fries to help control portions

Most Popular Toppings and Dips

From savory to sweet, simple to gourmet, here are some favorite French fry toppings and dipping sauces:

Topping/Dip	Description
Ketchup	The classic pairing, adding a sweet tomato tang
Mayonnaise	A popular condiment for fries across Europe
Malt vinegar	A British favorite providing salty, tangy flavor
Ranch	Cool, creamy and zippy dip for fries
BBQ sauce	Sweet, sticky and smoky flavored sauce
Cheese sauce	Ooey, gooey cheese melted into a dip
Gravy	Rich, savory sauce, especially nice with waffle fries
Chili	Warm, meaty chili makes fries extra hearty
Poutine	French-Canadian dish with gravy and cheese curds on fries

The possibilities are endless when dipping and dunking French fries! Use your imagination to come up with your own signature combo.

Fun Facts About French Fries

Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing French fries to America after enjoying them in France. He served them at a White House dinner in 1802.
Fries were first sold from mobile fried potato vending carts in Paris in the 1840s.

19% of all potatoes grown in the United States are used to make French fries.
McDonald’s sells about 9% of all French fries worldwide.
The average American eats around 30 pounds of fries per year.

Thicker cut fries were originally considered “male” while skinny fries were marketed to women. Skinny fries gained wider appeal in the 1970s.
National French Fry Day is celebrated on July 13th in the U.S.
French fries officially became “French” in the 1930s when relations between the U.S. and France improved.

Some people add shaken up ketchup to hot fries to create a makeshift tomato sauce.
Crinkle cut fries were invented by the Ore-Ida company in the 1950s and marketed as “edgier and crispier.”

The story of the French fry is long, winding, and fascinating. These tasty treats have come a long way from street food to global phenomenon!