Can You Get McDonald's Chips Without Salt? A Guide to Ordering Fresh

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to McDonald's official FAQ, you can request fries without added salt. While the iconic golden fries typically come pre-salted, it's a common practice for staff to accommodate special requests, ensuring you can get McDonald's chips without salt.

Quick Summary

Yes, you can order McDonald's chips without salt by making a special request at the counter or drive-thru. This ensures a fresh batch is cooked for you, though a small amount of residual salt transfer is possible during serving. It's a useful option for those managing sodium intake or who simply prefer unsalted fries.

Key Points

Requesting No Salt: You can specifically ask for a batch of fries to be made without salt when placing your order at McDonald's.
Ensuring Freshness: Ordering fries without salt guarantees a fresh, hot batch, as the standard procedure involves pre-salting fries kept in a warming bin.
Managing Sodium Intake: For individuals on a low-sodium diet, this is an effective way to reduce the amount of salt in their meal.
Expect a Short Wait: A fresh batch takes a few extra minutes to prepare, so patience is required.
Control Your Seasoning: After receiving your unsalted fries, you can add your own seasoning using salt packets provided by the restaurant or your own low-sodium blend.
Minimal Residual Salt: While a special batch is made, a small amount of residual salt from shared equipment is possible.
Ordering Tips: Communicate your request clearly to a counter or drive-thru employee, as kiosks or the app may not always have this option readily available.

Why Order Unsalted McDonald's Chips?

There are several compelling reasons why a customer might want to order their McDonald's chips without salt. For some, it's a matter of health. For others, it's about getting the freshest fries possible. While the standard seasoning is what gives the 'World Famous Fries' their signature flavor, a fresh, unsalted batch allows for personal customization and a different experience.

The Health-Conscious Customer

For individuals on a low-sodium diet due to high blood pressure or other health concerns, avoiding added salt is crucial. A standard serving of McDonald's fries can contain a significant amount of sodium, so requesting a salt-free batch is a practical way to enjoy a treat while managing dietary restrictions. This special request offers greater control over one's sodium intake, which is a major concern for many people.

The 'Freshness' Hack

A popular fast-food trick is to order fries without salt simply to ensure they are fresh. Because McDonald's keeps large batches of salted fries ready for immediate serving, an order for unsalted fries requires the team to cook a brand new, separate batch. This guarantees a hot, crispy order of chips fresh out of the fryer, rather than getting a serving that may have been sitting in the warming bin.

The Pure Flavor Enthusiast

Some people genuinely prefer the unadulterated taste of the potato. Ordering chips without salt allows them to experience the flavor of the potatoes and the beef flavoring in the cooking oil without the overpowering saltiness. This can be a new and interesting taste experience for long-time customers.

How to Successfully Order No-Salt Chips

Ordering your fries without salt is a straightforward process, but following a few tips can ensure a smoother and more positive experience.

State your request clearly: When you order, specify "fries with no salt." Using the exact phrase is important to avoid confusion.
Be patient: Since a new batch must be cooked, you will likely have to wait a few extra minutes. Staff will typically explain this to you, but being prepared for a short wait prevents frustration.
Use the right ordering method: While you can order at the counter or drive-thru, using the McDonald's app or an in-store kiosk might not allow for this level of customization. A direct conversation with a cashier is the most reliable method.
Understand potential limitations: Be aware that a small amount of residual salt transfer from serving scoops or containers may occur. Employees will do their best, but it's not possible to guarantee zero salt.

Comparison: Standard vs. No-Salt McDonald's Chips


Feature	Standard McDonald's Chips	No-Salt McDonald's Chips
Salt Content	Contains added salt for signature flavor.	No salt added after frying; significantly lower sodium.
Freshness	May vary, can come from a batch sitting in the warming bin.	Guaranteed to be fresh, as a new batch is cooked.
Wait Time	Generally fast, as they are pre-cooked and waiting.	Requires a short wait time while a new batch is prepared.
Flavor Profile	Salty, savory, and consistent with the iconic taste.	More natural potato flavor, highlights the cooking oil.
Health Implications	Higher in sodium; less suitable for low-sodium diets.	Lower in sodium; a better choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Customization	Little to no customization.	Allows personal seasoning with salt packets or other spices.

Tips for Enjoying Your Unsalted Fries

Just because they come without salt doesn't mean you can't season them to your liking. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy your salt-free batch:

Add your own salt: Ask for salt packets when you order. This gives you complete control over the amount of seasoning, and you can add it while the fries are still hot and fresh for better adhesion.
Bring your own seasoning: Carry a small shaker of your favorite salt-free seasoning blend or even some alternative spices. Garlic powder, paprika, or a salt-free herb blend can add a new dimension of flavor.
Dip them: The classic pairing of ketchup is always an option. Experiment with other sauces, such as mayonnaise or sweet and sour sauce, to add flavor without adding sodium.
Enjoy the natural flavor: Don't be afraid to try them without any additions at all. The true flavor of the potato and the cooking oil is surprisingly delicious on its own.

Conclusion

Yes, it is entirely possible to get McDonald's chips without salt by simply asking for them. This special request is a simple yet powerful hack for those who want fresher, hotter fries, those managing their sodium intake, or anyone curious about the natural flavor of the famous fries. While it may require a few extra minutes of waiting, the payoff of a personalized, made-to-order batch is well worth it. Just remember to be polite and patient with the staff, who are accommodating a special request outside of their standard procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you request fries with no salt, McDonald's policy is to prepare a new batch for you. Because the regular fries are already salted, they must cook a fresh batch to fulfill your special order.

While it is a well-known 'hack' for fresh fries, some former employees have voiced frustration that this slows down service during busy periods. However, it is a perfectly valid and accepted special request, especially for dietary reasons.

Yes, you should expect a short wait time. Since a new batch must be cooked from scratch, it will take longer than simply scooping from the warming bin.

While staff take care to minimize cross-contamination, a slight trace of salt could transfer from the shared scoop or serving area. If you find they are still too salty, you can politely explain the situation and ask for a new batch.

In some cases, the app or kiosk may have a customization option for 'no salt'. However, speaking directly with a counter or drive-thru employee is often the most reliable way to ensure your request is heard and fulfilled correctly.

The main benefits include a significant reduction in sodium, a guaranteed fresh and hot batch of fries, and the ability to control your own seasoning to your taste.

Unsalted fries offer a more natural, purer potato flavor, with the taste of the cooking oil (which contains beef flavoring) being more prominent. For many, this offers a new and different flavor experience.