National French Fry Day is celebrated every second Friday of July. It comes during the summer season when many people enjoy outdoor gatherings, barbecues, beach trips, and simple meals with family and friends. It is a fun food holiday that focuses on one of the most popular snacks and side dishes in the world. On this day, people enjoy different styles of fries and also start paying more attention to what goes into their food, including growing interest in seed oil free fries, which are seen by some as a simpler and cleaner option.

The Story Behind French Fries and How They Are Celebrated

French fries are closely linked with comfort food and everyday meals. On National French Fry Day, many people celebrate by eating fries at home, ordering from fast food shops, or trying new fry styles from restaurants. Some places even offer special deals or new flavors just for the day. Fries are enjoyed because they are easy to eat, taste good, and go well with many dishes like burgers, chicken, and sandwiches. Over time, this food holiday has become a small but fun tradition for food lovers around the world.

The Debate on Where Fries Really Came From

The origin of french fries is still debated today, and different countries share different stories. Some people believe fries came from Belgium. According to this view, Belgian people were already cooking fried potatoes long before they became popular worldwide. The story also says that American soldiers during World War I tried these fried potatoes in the French-speaking part of Belgium. Because they thought they were in France, they started calling them “french fries,” and the name stayed in use until today.

However, there are also claims that fries have French origins. Some food historians say that fried potatoes were being served in Paris in the 1800s. There are also stories of early food makers introducing fried potato dishes in France before they became popular in nearby countries like Belgium. Because of these different stories, the true origin of fries is still not fully clear, and both countries are often connected to the history of this popular food.

How Modern Fries Have Changed Over Time

Modern french fries are very different from the earlier versions. Today, many frozen fries are mass-produced and designed to last longer in stores and freezers. Because of this, they often include added ingredients that help with texture, taste, and shelf life. Many frozen fries are also cooked in seed oils like canola, corn, or soybean oil, which some people try to avoid due to health concerns.

There are also concerns about food processing in general. Some fries may include stabilizers or fillers to keep their shape and texture after freezing and reheating. On top of that, the way potatoes are grown today can involve pesticides and herbicides, which some consumers want to avoid. Because of all these factors, more people are now looking for simpler food options made with fewer ingredients, which is where interest in cleaner choices like seed oil free fries continues to grow.

Better Choices: Seed Oil Free Frozen Fries Brands

Because of growing interest in cleaner eating, some companies now offer fries made with simpler ingredients and different types of cooking oils. Instead of seed oils, they use options like avocado oil, olive oil, or beef tallow. These products are often marketed as having fewer ingredients and a more natural cooking process. This has led to more interest in better-quality frozen fries that still taste good but are made in a simpler way.

Folkland Foods

Folkland Foods comes from a family with a long history of potato farming. Their farming background goes back many decades, and they continue to focus on growing potatoes in a careful and more natural way. They also pay attention to soil health and farming methods that support long-term sustainability.

Their fries are made using olive oil instead of seed oils, which many people prefer as a simpler cooking option. They keep their ingredients short and easy to understand. Some of their flavors include Himalayan salt, garlic rosemary, and Cajun spice. Their goal is to create fries that taste fresh and homemade while still being easy to cook at home.

Jesse & Ben’s

Jesse & Ben’s started with two college friends who later worked together in food businesses. They first ran small food projects and food trucks, where they gained experience in cooking and serving customers. Over time, they noticed that frozen fries in stores looked very similar, so they decided to create their own version with better ingredients and more variety.

Their fries are made using avocado oil or grass-fed beef tallow depending on the product. They offer simple choices like sea salt fries and garlic rosemary fries. Their focus is on making fast food-style fries with fewer processed ingredients, aiming for a more natural taste while still being convenient and easy to prepare.

Roots Farm Fresh

Roots Farm Fresh is a group of farmers and food makers who focus on reducing waste and making better use of crops. One of their main goals is to use potatoes that might not be sold in regular markets, helping reduce food waste and support local farming.

Their potatoes are steamed before frying, which helps improve the final texture and makes the fries crispier when cooked. They use avocado oil for frying and offer both regular potato fries and sweet potato fries. They also support community programs by donating food to people in need, which adds a social mission to their business.

Tallow & Fries

Tallow & Fries began with a personal story about family health and cooking at home. The founder wanted to improve the food his family was eating and started looking for alternatives to seed oils. This led him to rediscover beef tallow, a traditional cooking fat that has been used for many years.

He found that fries cooked in beef tallow had a richer taste and a more filling texture compared to other oils. Because of this, he began making fries at home and later turned the idea into a business. Today, the company offers both regular and sweet potato fries made with beef tallow, focusing on simple ingredients and a homemade-style approach.

Conclusion

French fries have a long and debated history, but they remain one of the most loved foods around the world. From simple street food to frozen store products, fries have changed a lot over time. Today, more people are also thinking about how their fries are made and what ingredients are used, leading to growing interest in options like seed oil free fries.

With new brands offering fries cooked in simpler and more natural oils, consumers now have more choices than before. Whether enjoyed during National French Fry Day or as a regular meal side, fries continue to be a comfort food that brings people together, while also evolving with changing ideas about health and food quality.