Chick-fil-A Changes Waffle Fries Recipe
Chick-fil-A has changed the recipe for their famed waffle fries after fan backlash following widespread criticism after a recent flavor and texture adjustment. The new version is expected to return closer to the original taste that made the fries a cult favorite among customers.
The controversial ingredient added to the fries in late 2024 was pea starch. Chick-fil-A's stated goal for this "slight adjustment" was to help the waffle fries stay crispier for a longer period after being served. Customers immediately took to social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram to voice their displeasure, with complaints describing the new fries as having a "battered" texture, tasting "stale," "rubbery," and "dry." Many lamented the loss of the softer, "soggy" texture they had come to love. Beyond the taste and texture, the addition of pea starch raised concerns for customers with food allergies. Parents of children with pea allergies specifically noted they could no longer purchase the fries due to risks of allergic reactions and cross-contamination. In response to the widespread criticism, Chick-fil-A quietly removed the pea starch from the recipe. The company confirmed the change by updating the ingredient list on its website and answering a frequently asked question, stating the recipe no longer contains pea starch.
