Wilder Shaw / Cheapism
Herald of the Change
Chick-fil-A has quietly made a modification to its beloved waffle fries recipe, and avid fans were quick to notice the alteration. While the addition of a new ingredient aims to enhance the fries, it seems that not everyone is welcoming this change with open arms.
The popular fast-food chain embarked on this culinary adjustment in pursuit of a solution that would result in their fries retaining their crispiness for a longer duration. Many customers have expressed their opinions on this recent development, sharing a range of reactions to the news.
Offering insight into this matter, a Reddit user under the moniker “cornflakethesnake” posed the question, “Why Did Chick-fil-A Change Its Waffle Fries?” Expressing a sentiment shared by others, the user acknowledged the need for an improvement in the fry’s texture, noting that the usual waffle fries often lack the desired level of crispiness. The introduction of a new element to address this concern was met with a positive outlook by the user and others who share the sentiment.
In the pursuit of rectifying the texture issue, Chick-fil-A introduced pea starch as the new ingredient into their waffle fries. Known for creating a delicate coating when fried and reducing oil absorption, pea starch plays a crucial role in maintaining the fries’ crispiness and moisture, thereby addressing the longstanding concern shared by many customers.
Exploring the nature of pea starch, it is derived from yellow peas and commonly utilized in various food products such as glass noodles and gummies. American Key Food Products highlights that peas contain 40% starch and the resulting starch appears as a neutral-tasting white powder, making it a versatile ingredient that seamlessly blends into recipes without altering taste or color, at least to the naked eye.
However, this modification also raises a potential concern for individuals with allergies, particularly those sensitive to peas and pea protein. While such allergies may not be as prevalent as others, the incorporation of pea starch poses a risk for those affected. A parent shared on Instagram that their daughter has an allergy to peas and pea protein, implying that this change may exclude certain individuals from enjoying Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries.
The response to this alteration has been overwhelmingly negative, with an outpouring of discontent evident across social media platforms. Customers have flooded Chick-fil-A’s social media channels with demands to revert to the original recipe, reflecting a strong aversion to the new version of the fries. Comments like “we are begging you” and “bring back the soggy fries” are prevalent on Instagram, with some patrons even declaring they will boycott the establishment over this change. The intense backlash indicates a significant resistance to the revised waffle fries, potentially signaling a misstep on Chick-fil-A’s part akin to the infamous New Coke blunder.
In light of the heated reaction from customers, it remains to be seen how Chick-fil-A will respond to this wave of discontent
