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French fries are an iconic comfort food, capturing hearts and taste buds worldwide with their crispy exterior, warm, soft interior, and irresistible taste flavour. They’re the kind of snack or side dish that complements nearly any meal, making them a staple in fast-food restaurants, home kitchens, and gourmet establishments alike.
But while their taste is nearly unbeatable, fries can be a significant source of extra calories, saturated fats, and added sodium in our diets. Regularly indulging in them without moderation can be challenging for those striving to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Traditional French fries are typically deep-fried, often in oils that are high in saturated fats, and seasoned generously with salt.
These factors make them a high-calorie option, potentially contributing to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health concerns when consumed regularly. Here are six healthier alternatives to swap your french fries with
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious, low-calorie alternative to traditional French fries, perfect for those seeking a healthier option. Made from naturally sweet, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, these fries offer a unique balance of sweetness and a hint of earthiness. With a crisp exterior and soft interior, they deliver a satisfying texture without the excess calories. Typically seasoned with a pinch of salt, paprika, or cinnamon, sweet potato fries are baked or air-fried which make them a guilt-free snack.
Zucchini Fries
Made by coating zucchini sticks in a light breadcrumb or panko mixture and then baking or air-frying, these fries develop a crunchy outer texture with a tender, slightly sweet centre. Their mild taste pairs well with herbs and seasonings, making them incredibly versatile. With fewer carbs and calories, zucchini fries are a treat for anyone craving a nutritious snack.
Carrot Fries
Featuring fresh carrots, with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like paprika or rosemary, these fries bake up crisp on the outside while staying soft and slightly sweet within. Their natural sweetness brings a unique, earthy flavour, complemented by a gentle, crunchy texture. Perfect for healthy snacking, carrot fries offer all the satisfaction of fries with a fraction of the calories.
Crispy Green Beans
Crispy green beans make for a fantastic low-calorie swap for French fries. Fresh green beans are lightly coated with olive oil, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic or chilli powder, and then baked until they achieve a perfect crunch. These green bean fries are a healthy, snack with a slightly nutty, savoury taste and a tender-crisp texture. Packed with fibre and flavour, they have the fun element of fries without the extra calories.
Kale Chips
Fresh kale leaves, tossed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and your favourite seasonings, are baked until perfectly crisp. The natural bitterness of kale mellows in the oven takes on a mild, savoury taste. With an airy, delicate texture and a delightful crispness, kale chips offer a nutrient-rich, snack option that’s perfect for snack cravings.
Roasted Parsnip Fries
Made with parsnips, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbs, these fries offer a subtly sweet, earthy flavour and a slightly nutty taste. When roasted, parsnips develop a crispy outside and tender, soft inside, giving a satisfying texture with fewer calories. Perfect as a healthy snack or side, roasted parsnip fries bring a unique twist that’s both flavourful and nutritious.
