How many carbs are in a small order of crinkle cut fries?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A small order of Culver's crinkle-cut fries contains a varying amount of total carbohydrates, for example 38 grams according to one source, illustrating the significant variation in nutritional values between brands. This guide explores exactly how many carbs are in a small order of crinkle cut fries from different sources and how preparation methods impact the final count.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of a small crinkle-cut fries order varies significantly by brand, ranging from approximately 17g to over 30g depending on source and cooking method.

Key Points

Carb counts vary widely: The amount of carbs in a small crinkle-cut fries order depends on the brand (restaurant vs. frozen) and preparation method.
Check specific sources: Always check the nutritional information from the specific restaurant or brand, as there is significant variation, even between data sources for the same product.
Cooking method is key: Deep-fried fast-food crinkle cuts are significantly higher in calories and fat than baked or air-fried frozen versions.
Consider portion sizes: Frozen fry nutrition is often based on a smaller standard serving size, making comparisons with restaurant 'small' orders misleading.
Explore healthier alternatives: Vegetables like jicama, sweet potatoes, and zucchini can be used to create delicious, lower-carb alternatives to traditional crinkle-cut fries.
Potatoes are not inherently bad: Potatoes contain valuable nutrients like potassium and Vitamin C, but the final product's healthiness depends on preparation.

Understanding the Variation in Carbohydrate Content

When asking how many carbs are in a small order of crinkle cut fries, the answer is not a single number but a range. The exact carbohydrate count depends heavily on several factors, including the restaurant or brand, the specific portion size, and the cooking method. Fast-food restaurants and frozen food companies each use different proprietary recipes, potato varieties, and processing techniques, all of which contribute to the final nutritional profile. This means a small order from one establishment can have a dramatically different carb count than another, even if the fries look similar.

Fast-Food vs. Frozen Crinkle Cuts

The nutritional information for fast-food fries is typically available on the restaurant's website or nutritional guides. For example, a small order from Culver's is reported to have 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving by one source, while another lists it at 26 grams, highlighting the importance of checking multiple, recent sources for the most accurate data. Frozen crinkle-cut fries, like those from McCain or Great Value, are measured per a standard serving size (e.g., 3 oz), which is often smaller than a restaurant's 'small' serving. This smaller portion leads to a lower carbohydrate count on the label, but it's crucial to compare portion sizes accurately. For instance, a 3 oz serving of McCain's Crinkle Cut fries lists 17 grams of carbohydrates. Always cross-reference the serving size when comparing products.

Cooking Method: The Crucial Difference

The cooking method is arguably the most significant variable affecting the final carbohydrate and calorie content of crinkle-cut fries. Most fast-food fries are deep-fried, resulting in higher fat and caloric density. Frozen fries can be prepared at home in several ways, and the preparation method you choose can drastically alter the final nutritional value. Baking or air-frying fries, as opposed to deep-frying them, uses less oil and thus reduces overall fat and calorie intake. The potato itself is a good source of potassium and Vitamin C, but the added fats and sodium from heavy processing and deep-frying are what make fries less healthy.

Comparison of Crinkle-Cut Fries (Small Serving)


Source	Serving Size	Approx. Total Carbs (g)	Approx. Calories
Culver's (per Eat This Much)	1 serving	38 g	275
Culver's (per Carb Manager)	1 serving (100g)	26 g	240
McCain Crinkle Cut (Frozen)	1 serving (85g)	17 g	110
Signature Crinkle Cut Fries (3 oz)	3 oz	20 g	120

Healthier Alternatives and Cooking Tips

If you're seeking a lower-carb option, many delicious alternatives exist that can mimic the satisfying texture of crinkle-cut fries. Experimenting with different vegetables and cooking techniques can provide a similar experience with a better nutritional profile.

Healthier Fry Alternatives:

Jicama Fries: Jicama has significantly fewer carbs than potatoes and can be baked or air-fried for a crispy texture.
Sweet Potato Fries: A great alternative that offers more fiber and Vitamin A than regular potatoes.
Zucchini Fries: A simple, low-carb option that can be coated in parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before baking.
Carrot Fries: Carrots are naturally sweet and can be baked with olive oil and spices for a healthy side.

Tips for Healthier Preparation:

Air-Frying: Use an air fryer for a crispy exterior with minimal oil.
Soaking Potatoes: Soaking raw potato slices in cold water for 15-20 minutes removes excess starch, which can help achieve a crispier finish in the oven.
DIY Seasoning: Control your sodium intake by making your own seasoning blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, rather than relying on store-bought mixes.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Crinkle-Cut Fries

The number of carbs in a small order of crinkle-cut fries is not fixed, with fast-food options generally having higher counts than standard frozen servings due to different portion sizes and preparation methods. Cooking method, in particular, plays a vital role, as deep-frying adds significant fat and calories. For those monitoring carbohydrate intake, it's essential to check the specific nutritional information provided by the restaurant or brand and be mindful of portion sizes. Exploring healthier alternatives like jicama or sweet potato fries, along with adopting cooking methods like air-frying, can provide a satisfying and more nutritious alternative. The nutritional data varies, so checking a reliable database like Nutritionix is always recommended.

Authoritative Source

For specific nutrition data, consult resources like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carb count varies by chain, but typically ranges from the high 20s to high 30s for a small order. For instance, a small order from Culver's can have around 26-38 grams of total carbs, depending on the specific data source.

Generally, yes, per serving. However, this is mainly because the standard serving size for frozen fries (e.g., 3 oz) is smaller than a typical fast-food 'small' order. Always check the serving size when comparing.

The shape itself does not change the core carbohydrate content of the potato. However, the increased surface area can absorb more oil if deep-fried, which increases overall calorie and fat content.

Yes, you can use an air fryer or oven to prepare frozen or fresh-cut crinkle-cut fries with significantly less oil, thus reducing the total fat and calorie count.

Excellent low-carb substitutes include baked or air-fried jicama, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots. These offer similar textures with a healthier nutritional profile.

The healthiness depends entirely on the preparation. While potatoes offer nutrients like potassium, deep-frying adds significant fat and sodium. Healthier versions can be made by baking or air-frying.

To reduce carbs and create crispier fries, soak the cut potato strips in cold water for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch.

Net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) in crinkle-cut fries are high because potatoes are mostly starch. For example, a Culver's small order has 36g net carbs, indicating a high glycemic impact.