There’s been a slight update to the Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe, and it didn’t take people long to catch on. There’s a new ingredient in town, but it looks like these parts don’t take kindly to strangers.
Here’s what the chicken chain has done, as well as what people have to say about it.
Why Did Chick-fil-A Change Its Waffle Fries?
Chick-fil-A is looking for a way to make its fries “stay crispier, longer” and if I’m being completely honest, I think it’s long overdue. In my experience, the waffle fries everybody loves so much from this place are almost always soft and crunch-less. If there’s a way to make them crispier, I’m here for it.
What Did Chick-fil-A Change About Its Waffle Fries?
To solve the problem, Chick-fil-A has deployed a new ingredient: pea starch. The ingredient is famous for creating a thin coating when fried as well as reducing oil absorption. This all helps things to stay crispy and moist.
What Is Pea Starch?
Pea starch comes from yellow peas and is a common ingredient in things like glass noodles and gummies. According to American Key Food Products, “peas contain 40% starch and the native starch form is a white powder that is neutral in taste and color.” This makes it an easy ingredient to add without people noticing.
Unless they do.
Does the Change Affect Allergens?
Though it’s not one of the most common allergies out there, this still creates a risk for people that might be allergic to peas and pea protein, a growing concern as food producers increasingly look to peas as an alternative protein source. On Instagram, one parent wrote that her daughter has “has an allergy to peas and pea protein,” so that’s at least one kid they just kicked out of the waffle fry family.
What Has the Reaction Been?
In a word: bad. Very, very bad. People are incredibly upset, because that’s what happens in the age of the internet. The comments section of Chick-fil-A’s social media has been a war zone, with people demanding they change back the recipe.
Comments like “we are begging you” and “bring back the soggy fries” are all over Instagram, with some people going so far as to vow never to return. One comment even called for a riot. Why don’t people want the crunch? Chick-fil-A may have New Coked themselves on this one.
