National French Fry Day: A Crispy Celebration of the World’s Favorite Snack
Celebrate National French Fry Day with history, fun facts, celebrations, and delicious ways to enjoy fries on this golden‑brown holiday.
National French Fry Day: Exploring Origins, Traditions, and Tasty Ways to Celebrate National French Fry Day
Every year on the second Friday of July, we celebrate National French Fry Day—a golden-brown tribute to one of the world’s most beloved snacks. In 2025, the festivities fall on Friday, July 11, honoring the classic crispy fry in all its shapes and flavors. Whether you prefer shoestring, curly, steak-cut, or waffle fries, this day is your official license to indulge.
From Belgium to America
Despite the name, “French” fries likely originated in Belgium, not France. One popular story credits villagers in the Meuse Valley who fried potato strips during icy winters when fishing was impossible. The moniker “French fries” emerged when American soldiers in World War I, surrounded by French-speaking Belgians, mistook the origin. Yet, culinary historians trace early recipes to late-18th century France, where fry carts thrived.
Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing them in the U.S., serving “potatoes served in the French manner” at a White House dinner in 1802. By the mid-1850s, “French fried potatoes” appeared in American cookbooks.
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A National Holiday Goes Fry-day
National French Fry Day was originally observed on July 13, but in 2023 organizers shifted it to the second Friday of July—to make it a true “Fry-day” every year. In 2025, it lands on Friday, July 11. Today, it’s more than just a foodie feast day—it’s a viral social-media celebration with hashtags like #NationalFrenchFryDay and #FrenchFryDay2025.
Fries Around the World
Part of the fun of National French Fry Day is sampling global variations. In Canada, poutine layers fries with cheese curds and gravy—a decadent twist born in 1950s Quebec. In the U.K., fries are paired with malt vinegar; in Vietnam, savory butter and sugar may hit the plate. The array of textures—crinkle, curly, steak, sweet-potato, or loaded cheese—makes the fry a universally beloved treat.
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How to Celebrate
Festivities on National French Fry Day go beyond eating:
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Restaurant deals: Fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s often offer free or discounted fries via loyalty apps.
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Home-cooking: Try oven-baked or air-fried versions with seasonings like Cajun spice, garlic, or parmesan.
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Fries party: Host a tasting party—curly, waffle, loaded, sweet-potato—let guests vote on a favorite.
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Cultural pairings: Sample accompaniments like poutine, curry chips, or disco fries.
Fun Fry Facts
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The average American eats about 30 lb of fries annually.
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McDonald’s sells an estimated nine million pounds of fries daily worldwide.
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Belgian grocery machines can fry fries in 90 seconds.
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Fries have inspired quirky pop culture moments—like the 2003 renaming of “Freedom fries” in U.S. House cafeteria menus.
Why It Matters
Beyond taste, fries are cultural connectors—iconic sides to burgers, fish & chips, shawarma and poutine. They spark creativity, from top-tier restaurant creations to your kitchen’s secret spice blends. On National French Fry Day, we celebrate comfort, indulgence, and shared joy—one fry at a time.
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