It is official -- McDonald's is testing sweet potato fries at select locations. Customers in Amarillo, Texas will be able to try the french fry alternative at McDonald's restaurants that have the Create Your Taste custom menu.
The Golden Arches chains are offering the new side dish as part of a trial. Depending on how the trialling period goes, other stores outside the Texas area could also see sweet potato fries. This regional approach to testing sweet potato fries is one the brand has used before to see customer reactions.
McD's isn't the first fast food chain to offer sweet potato fries. In 2012 Burger King also briefly served them for a limited time at participating locations, but has since pulled them from their menu.
Fast Food Fry Alternatives
McDonald's is Testing Sweet Potato Fries in Some Texas Restaurants
Trend Themes
1. Regional Testing of Sweet Potato Fries - McDonald's is testing sweet potato fries in select locations to gauge customer reactions, providing an opportunity for other fast food chains to also trial this alternative side dish.
2. Revival of Sweet Potato Fries - Fast food chains like McDonald's may bring back sweet potato fries to their menus, creating a comeback trend for this popular alternative to traditional french fries.
3. Customer Preferences for Healthier Options - The introduction of sweet potato fries by McDonald's highlights the growing demand for healthier alternatives in the fast food industry, encouraging other chains to explore similar options.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - The fast food industry can explore the potential of offering sweet potato fries as an alternative side dish, catering to customers seeking healthier options.
2. Casual Dining - Casual dining establishments can take inspiration from the sweet potato fry trend and introduce it as a popular side option, aligning with the rising demand for healthier choices in the restaurant industry.
3. Food Manufacturing - Food manufacturers can capitalize on the sweet potato fry trend by developing innovative, healthier fry alternatives for both the fast food and retail markets.