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What are the ingredients in Arby's homestyle fries?

3 min read

While Arby's is famous for its seasoned curly fries, its homestyle fries offer a simpler, classic take on the potato side. The core ingredients in Arby's homestyle fries are straightforward: potatoes, a specific blend of cooking oils, and a simple sprinkle of salt.

Quick Summary

Arby's homestyle fries consist of potatoes, a vegetable oil blend for cooking, and salt. Their ingredient profile is much simpler compared to the chain's heavily seasoned and battered curly and crinkle fries.

Key Points

  • Basic Ingredients: Arby's homestyle fries are a simple combination of potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt, unlike their battered cousins.

  • Specific Cooking Oil: The fries are cooked in a blend of corn, soybean, canola, and hydrogenated soybean oils, which also contains an anti-foaming agent.

  • No Batter: Unlike the curly and crinkle fries, the homestyle fries do not have a flour or starch-based batter coating.

  • Soy Allergen: The use of soybean oil means the fries contain soy, a major food allergen, though it is highly refined.

  • Simple Seasoning: The only seasoning added to the homestyle fries is salt, for a clean, classic potato flavor.

  • Cross-Contamination Risk: Despite their simple ingredients, cross-contamination with wheat and other allergens is possible due to shared kitchen equipment.

In This Article

The Core Components of Arby's Homestyle Fries

Arby's homestyle fries stand out on the menu for their simple, classic preparation. Unlike the batter-coated curly fries or the seasoned crinkle fries, the homestyle version prioritizes the potato's natural flavor. While Arby's does not publish a separate, definitive ingredient list for each fry variant, the components can be determined by their general preparation methods and the information provided in their nutritional guides.

Potatoes

The primary ingredient is, of course, potatoes. For the homestyle fry, the potato is cut into a classic, straight-cut shape and prepared for frying. The goal is a hot, golden-brown fry with a fluffy interior, a stark contrast to the denser, pre-battered alternatives. Arby's prioritizes the quality of their potato products, even for their simpler offerings.

Cooking Oil Blend

All of Arby's fried items, including the homestyle fries, are cooked in a specific blend of vegetable oils. This blend is crucial to achieving the desired crispness and color. As of a recent review, the oil consists of:

  • Corn Oil
  • Soybean Oil
  • Canola Oil
  • Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
  • Dimethylpolysiloxane (an anti-foaming agent)

Seasoning

For the homestyle fries, the seasoning is minimal. A simple sprinkle of salt is applied after frying to enhance the flavor without masking the taste of the potato itself. This is a key differentiator from the complex spice blend found on the curly fries and the specific kosher salt used on the crinkle fries.

Comparison: Homestyle vs. Other Arby's Fries

Understanding the ingredient profile is easiest when comparing the homestyle fries to Arby's other famous fry options. The primary difference lies in the application of a batter and complex seasonings.

Feature Homestyle Fries Curly Fries Crinkle Fries
Potato Cut Straight Cut Spiral Cut Crinkle Cut
Cooking Oil Corn, Soybean, Canola Blend Corn, Soybean, Canola Blend Corn, Soybean, Canola Blend
Batter? No Yes (Wheat flour, corn meal) Yes (Rice flour, corn/potato/tapioca starch)
Main Seasoning Salt Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Spices Kosher Salt
Key Additives Anti-foaming agent in oil Leavening, Paprika coloring Leavening, Color retention, Turmeric

Potential Allergens and Dietary Notes

For individuals with dietary concerns, it's important to be aware of the ingredients in Arby's frying oil. The oil blend contains soybean oil, which is a major food allergen. Arby's notes that items may be cooked in the same oil as other allergens, and they use highly refined soybean oil. While highly refined soy oil is typically exempt from allergen declaration, those with severe soy allergies should consult their doctor. The absence of a wheat-based batter in the homestyle fries is a key difference from the curly fries and makes them a potential option for those with a wheat sensitivity, though cross-contamination is always possible in a shared kitchen.

Sourcing and Preparation

Arby's commitment to quality starts with the potatoes themselves. After being cut, the raw fries are often blanched (partially cooked) and frozen before being sent to restaurants. The final frying step at the restaurant is what gives them their signature golden-brown exterior. This dual-cooking process is a standard industry practice to ensure consistency and a high-quality product every time.

Conclusion

While they may not get the same fanfare as their curly cousins, the simplicity of what are the ingredients in Arby's homestyle fries is its biggest strength. These fries offer a pure, classic potato flavor, seasoned with just enough salt to satisfy. The preparation focuses on the potato itself, cooked in a consistent vegetable oil blend that includes corn, soybean, and canola oils. For those seeking a less complex, un-battered fry option, Arby's homestyle fries are a perfect choice. For the most up-to-date and official nutritional information, including detailed allergy warnings, it is best to refer to the official Arby's ingredients guide.

Arby's Nutrition, Allergen, Ingredients & Gluten Free Guides

References

EWG's Food Scores | Arby's Crinkle Fries. (2022). ewg.org. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/043301612008-ArbysCrinkleFries/ Are Arby's Fries Vegan?. (2022). ZardyPlants. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://zardyplants.com/lifestyle/vegan-101/are-arbys-fries-vegan/ Arby's Sides & Sidekickers. arbysmodesto.com. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://www.arbysmodesto.com/sides.html Arby's Nutrition, Allergen, Ingredients & Gluten Free Guides. arbys.com. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://www.arbys.com/nutrition/ nutrition.pdf - Arby's RVA. (2016). arbysrva.com. Retrieved October 9, 2025, from https://arbysrva.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/nutrition.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Arby's homestyle fries are considered vegan. They are made from potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt, with no animal products used. The cooking oil is also vegetable-based.

The homestyle fries are not coated in a wheat-based batter, unlike the curly fries. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen, and those with severe gluten sensitivity should be cautious.

Arby's homestyle fries are cooked in a blend of corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil, which contains an anti-foaming agent called Dimethylpolysiloxane.

Arby's homestyle fries are a simple, un-battered, straight-cut fry seasoned with salt. The crinkle fries have a batter coating made with rice flour and starches, and are seasoned with kosher salt, annatto, and turmeric.

While the homestyle fries have a simpler ingredient list and lack the additional batter, nutritional values can differ based on serving size. For specific comparisons, you should check the official Arby's nutrition guide.

While Arby's provides comprehensive nutritional and allergen guides on its website, it may not list a specific ingredient breakdown for every single menu item. Details about the cooking oil and potential allergens are usually available.

Yes, Arby's homestyle fries do not contain dairy ingredients. They are made from potatoes and vegetable oil and are a suitable choice for those avoiding dairy.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.