How Many Carbs Are in One Order of French Fries?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

One small order of McDonald's french fries contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, a figure that can vary dramatically based on the restaurant, serving size, and preparation method. The amount of carbs are in one order of french fries is a key concern for many managing their diet, particularly those on low-carb or ketogenic plans.

Quick Summary

The carb count for a single order of fries varies widely depending on the portion size and cooking method. Homemade and baked fries typically have fewer carbs than those from fast-food chains, which are often deep-fried. The total carbohydrate content consists mainly of starch, with a smaller amount of fiber and naturally occurring sugars.

Key Points

Variable Carb Count: The number of carbs in a single order of french fries is not fixed and depends heavily on the restaurant, portion size, and cooking method.
Fast Food vs. Homemade: Fast-food fries are typically higher in carbs and calories than homemade versions due to portion size and deep-frying methods.
Starch is the Primary Carb Source: The majority of the carbohydrates in french fries come from the potato's starch, with very little sugar.
Cooking Method Matters: Baking or air-frying fries at home drastically reduces the added fat and calories compared to deep-frying, though the base carb count remains.
High Glycemic Index: French fries typically have a moderate-to-high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
Healthy Alternatives Exist: For a lower-carb option, consider alternatives like rutabaga fries or baked sweet potato fries.

The Carbohydrate Profile of French Fries

French fries are a high-carb food primarily due to their main ingredient: the potato. Potatoes are a starchy vegetable, and when they are cut and fried, the cooking process impacts their final nutritional content. Frying in oil significantly increases the calorie and fat content, but the carbs primarily come from the potato itself. The exact carbohydrate count is not a single, fixed number but a range influenced by several factors, including the type of potato, portion size, and the preparation method.

Fast Food vs. Homemade Fries: A Carb Comparison

There's a significant difference between the carbohydrate content of fries from a fast-food restaurant and those made at home. This is largely due to the variation in portion sizes and preparation techniques. Fast-food restaurants often use proprietary cooking processes and fryers that add to the overall fat and calorie count, while homemade fries can be baked or air-fried to reduce both.

Fast Food Carbohydrates: A small order from a major fast-food chain like McDonald's contains around 31 grams of total carbs, while a medium order could have up to 48 grams. A larger, 'family-style' restaurant serving can contain as much as 63 grams. These figures include a small amount of dietary fiber and virtually no sugar.

Homemade Carbohydrates: Homemade fries, particularly when baked or air-fried, generally have a lower carb count per serving. A 100-gram serving of homemade fries might contain around 31 grams of total carbs, which is often for a larger portion size than a fast-food's 'small' size. This provides more control over ingredients and portion size, which is crucial for managing carbohydrate intake.

How Preparation Method Affects Carb Content

Choosing how your fries are prepared is the biggest factor in managing their nutritional impact. While the potato is the main source of carbs, different methods can alter the final product's density and nutritional composition.

Deep-Frying: The traditional method for most fast-food fries. This process adds a significant amount of oil, increasing overall calories and potentially the glycemic impact.
Oven-Baking: A healthier alternative where less oil is used. This method preserves more of the natural potato nutrients and reduces the fat content significantly.
Air-Frying: A modern, low-fat alternative that circulates hot air to create a crispy texture with very little added oil. This can result in a lower-calorie and lower-fat final product compared to deep-frying.
Blanching and Double-Frying: Some recipes involve pre-cooking the potatoes in water before frying. While this adds extra steps, it can affect the texture and how much oil is absorbed.

Navigating the Glycemic Index

Potatoes, and by extension french fries, have a high glycemic index (GI), which means they can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. The GI of french fries typically ranges from the mid-50s to mid-70s, making them a moderate to high glycemic food. For those monitoring blood sugar, this is an important consideration. Interestingly, cooling and then reheating cooked potatoes can increase their resistant starch content, which may slightly lower the glycemic response.

Carb Comparison Table: Fries vs. Alternatives


Food Item	Total Carbs (per 100g)	Net Carbs (per 100g)	Cooking Method	Key Nutritional Points
Fast Food French Fries	~41g	~38g	Deep-fried	High in fat, high calories
Homemade Baked Fries	~31g	~28g	Baked	Lower fat, more controlled ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries	~14.7g	N/A	Baked or fried	Higher in sugar, but more Vitamin A
Rutabaga Fries	N/A	Very low	Baked	Excellent low-carb, keto-friendly option
Baked White Potato	~19g	N/A	Baked	Lower carb count than fries, high potassium

Healthier Alternatives for Your Fry Fix

For those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or simply make a more nutritious choice, several delicious alternatives can satisfy a fry craving. These options offer different flavors and textures while providing more fiber and fewer processed ingredients.

Sweet Potato Fries: These are a popular alternative, offering more Vitamin A than regular potatoes. They are slightly lower in carbs but higher in sugar than white potatoes.
Rutabaga Fries: For a genuinely low-carb option, rutabagas (also known as swede) can be cut into fry shapes and baked. This is a popular option on the ketogenic diet due to its significantly lower carb count.
Veggie Fries: Creating fries from vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or carrots provides an excellent way to get a nutrient boost. Breaded and baked zucchini sticks, for instance, can offer a satisfying crunch.
Air-Fried Potatoes: If you can't part with regular potatoes, using an air-fryer is the next best thing. It delivers a crispy texture without the excess oil used in deep-frying, significantly reducing overall calories.
Oven-Baked Parmesan Fries: For an added layer of flavor and texture, baking potato wedges with a light coating of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan is a great option. It cuts down on the fat while delivering a rich, savory taste.

Conclusion

So, how many carbs are in one order of french fries? The answer is far from simple, as it depends on the preparation and portion size. While a small fast-food order may contain around 31 grams of carbs, a large restaurant portion could easily exceed 60 grams. For those mindful of their carb intake, opting for homemade, baked, or alternative veggie fries is a smarter choice. These alternatives provide a similar experience with added nutritional benefits, making them a more balanced and healthier option for your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade fries, especially when baked or air-fried, often contain fewer carbs and calories per serving than fast-food fries because you have control over the portion size and can use less oil.

The primary source of carbohydrates in french fries is the starch from the potatoes themselves. Frying does not add to the carb count but adds significant calories and fat.

Sweet potato fries have a similar carb count to white potato fries but are generally slightly lower. However, they contain more natural sugars and Vitamin A.

Yes, you can make low-carb or keto-friendly 'fries' using vegetables like rutabaga or turnip. These root vegetables have a much lower carbohydrate content than potatoes and can be baked or air-fried.

No, boiling potatoes before frying does not reduce the carb count, which comes from the potato itself. It can, however, alter the texture and affect how much oil is absorbed during the frying process.

Cooking method significantly impacts the final nutritional value. Baking or air-frying uses less fat and results in a lower-calorie food than deep-frying, though the core carbohydrate content from the potato remains.

No, the sugar content in french fries is very low. Most of the carbohydrates are complex starches, not simple sugars.