91³ÉÈË

McDonald's May Be Getting Into Seasoned Fries McDonald's is mixing up its classic fries, testing shake-in seasoning packets.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by 91³ÉÈË contributors are their own.

Updated 5:00 p.m. ET

McDonald's has kept essentially the same fries recipe for as long as anyone can remember. However, the fast food chain may finally be shaking up its fries-game with new seasoning packets.

Following a Twitter-tip-off, that McDonald's is testing seasoned fries in Stockton, Calif. Bags apparently instruct customers to pour fries and seasoning into a bag and mix the two together with some vigorous shaking to enjoy freshly flavored fries.

"We're offering another fun and tasty way to enjoy our World Famous French fries through a test of seasoned fries in Northern California and St. Louis, beginning Friday, May 9," says McDonald's spokesperson Lisa McComb.

Varieties include Garlic Parmesan, Zesty Ranch and Spicy Buffalo.

Related: McDonald's Profit Slips in Chilly First Quarter. Will Yum Brands Fare Better?

Foodbeast reports that Burger King tries out a similar "Shake 'em up Fries" promotion in 2002. More recently, Burger King has tried to establish itself as the top dog in the world of fries, with the much-hyped Satisfries release last year.

However, McDonald's claims to draw its inspiration from somewhere other than Burger King. "The idea came from popular seasoned fries in Asia known as Shake Shake, which first debuted in 2005 in Hong Kong before spreading into other countries including China, India and Australia," says McComb.

McDonald's franchisees have to simplify the menu and boost creativity. Customers appear to be looking for the same – the chain announced in late April that its U.S. first quarter same-store sales decreased 1.7 percent in the first quarter.

Related: Midlife Crisis? Ronald McDonald Gets a Makeover, Joins Twitter

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at 91³ÉÈË. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an 91³ÉÈË Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Fundraising

4 Trends In Fundraising That Will Impact the Future of Philanthropy

Increasing the success of your nonprofit requires you to adapt to changes.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

Founders Obsess Over Cash Flow — But There's a Threat That's Even More Dangerous

There's a silent business risk every entrepreneur underestimates, and it can shut you down faster than a cash crunch.

Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

Growing a Business

Don't Rely on Instinct to Make Hiring Decisions — Use This Smart Strategy Instead

Here's the data-driven hiring playbook every business owner needs.