Chick-fil-A fans are crying foul after the fast food chain made a “slight adjustment” to its beloved waffle potato fry recipe

Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fry Recipe Change Sparks Controversy

A Beloved Staple Undergoes a Transformation

The beloved fries, a staple of the menu for years, have undergone a change that has left many customers dissatisfied and vocal about their disappointment.

In a statement on the brand’s website, Chick-fil-A explained that the new recipe aims to keep the fries crispier for longer while maintaining the “same great taste” that customers have come to expect. The chain also emphasized that the updated recipe is free from the nine major allergens, though it now includes pea starch as part of the coating. This change, while seemingly minor, has sparked significant backlash from loyal customers who feel the new fries don’t live up to the original.

Social Media Backlash: Fans Voice Their Disappointment

The announcement of the recipe change quickly spread across social media, with many fans expressing their frustration. In a post shared by Chick-fil-A on Instagram, one customer wrote, “CFA I love you more than anybody. You can do no wrong. Except for the fries. We want them back.” Another commented, “New fries are awful — we haven’t gone back since we noticed the change.” A third added, “Your new fries suck. I can’t even eat them anymore and they were my favorite thing. Please go back!”

The Inclusion of Pea Starch: A Double-Edged Sword

According to Chick-fil-A’s FAQ page, the recipe change isn’t a recent development. The company revealed that the new recipe has been in testing for over a year, aimed at improving the fries’ texture and longevity. “We know that Chick-fil-A fans love our Waffle Potato Fries. Last year, we made a few minor tweaks to our Waffle Potato Fries recipe, to give you all the same great taste as before and ensure our Waffle Potato Fries stay crispier, and longer,” the statement read.

However, not all customers are convinced. Many have taken issue with the inclusion of pea starch, which has raised concerns for those with allergies. One commenter wrote, “Please return to the original fries. My daughter is allergic to peas and pea protein. We can’t eat at the restaurant anymore due to allergy issues and cross-contamination.” Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “Please switch back to your original fries! Pea starch/protein as an additional ingredient was a bad idea! My 4-year-old can’t come to you now; she’s allergic.” A third added, “Please!! Many kids with peanut allergies also can’t have peas!! We will be able to eat there no more now.”

Addressing Longevity vs. Preserving Nostalgia

While the majority of comments on Chick-fil-A’s social media posts expressed frustration, some customers were more indifferent to the change. One person commented that they didn’t mind the new recipe because they found Chick-fil-A fries to be “terrible anyway.” Another suggested that instead of altering the recipe, the chain should offer customers the option to request specialty orders of fries. “If someone asks for crispy fries like I do, you give it to them,” the person wrote.

This isn’t the first time Chick-fil-A has made changes to its menu that have sparked controversy. Earlier this year, the company announced it would no longer serve antibiotic-free chicken, a decision made to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality chicken. At the time, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson explained, “We hope this change not only helps ensure that we can continue to serve high-quality chicken at Chick-fil-A but the chicken that still meets our customers’ high expectations for us to deliver.”

The Broader Challenges of Changing Iconic Menu Items

The recent backlash over the waffle fry recipe change highlights the challenges fast-food chains face when altering beloved menu items. For many customers, Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries were more than just a side dish—they were a nostalgic and integral part of the dining experience. The inclusion of pea starch, while addressing allergen concerns for some, has created new issues for others, particularly those with pea or legume allergies.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Chick-fil-A will reconsider its decision or stand by the new recipe. For now, the chain is sticking to its guns, emphasizing that the change was made to improve the product. However, the passionate response from customers serves as a reminder of how deeply connected people can become to their favorite foods—and how even a “slight adjustment” can have a big impact.

In the meantime, Chick-fil-A fans are left to grapple with the new reality: their beloved waffle fries may never be the same again. Whether the chain will eventually revert to the original recipe or find a way to address the concerns of all its customers remains uncertain. One thing is clear, though—Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries have sparked a conversation that shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

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