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The Daily Insight

Is there a shortage of French fries?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on March 09, 2026

The US is fighting a french-fry shortage because it's been so cold that farmers are struggling to harvest their potatoes. "French-fry demand has just been outstanding lately, and so supplies can't meet the demand," Travis Blacker, the industry-relations director with the Idaho Potato Commission, told Bloomberg.

People also ask, why is there a shortage of French fries?

Reductions to processing contract volumes in North America due to the pandemic demand drop may cause a french fry shortage, the Aug. 5 issue of North American Potato Market News (NAPM) says. This means the market needed more table potatoes than were grown in 2019.

Similarly, are we running out of potatoes? Probably not. Yes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has predicted that U.S. potato output could drop 6.1 percent—falling to its lowest level since 2010.

Considering this, is there going to be a french fry shortage?

Potato growers in North America may have limited supplies of fry-worthy potatoes, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer french fries in 2020!

How much of the potato crop is turned into French fries?

35%

Related Question Answers

Why are potatoes so expensive now?

Reports show consumer bag prices of fresh potatoes have nearly doubled due to coronavirus-related demand. Potato prices were already strong due to a tight supply, caused by a lower yielding 2019 crop and heavy frost damage.

Why are potatoes in short supply?

Cold weather has led to a potato shortage in North America, threatening the availability of french fries, Bloomberg reported Monday. It said potato production for the 2019 crop year was forecast at 22.4 million tons, down 6% from the prior year.

Where can I buy frozen French fries?

The Best Frozen French Fries In The Freezer Aisle
  • 1 Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries. Ore-Ida target.com.
  • 2 McCain Extra Crispy Crinkle Fries. McCain walmart.com.
  • 3 Alexia Waffle Cut Sweet Potato Fries. Alexia target.com.
  • 4 Ore-Ida Golden Steak Fries. Ore-Ida walmart.com.
  • 5 Crinkle Cut French Fries. wholefoodsmarket.com.

Are Wendy's fries frozen?

Wendy's Natural Cut fries are also frozen like everybody else's, even though it's a big point of distinction for Wendy's that their hamburgers aren't.

Are fries potatoes?

French fries, or simply fries (North American English), chips (British and Commonwealth English, Hiberno-English), finger chips (Indian English), or French-fried potatoes, are batonnet or allumette-cut deep-fried potatoes. Chips can be made from sweet potatoes instead of potatoes.

Are potatoes gone from Taco Bell?

When reached by Thrillist, a spokesperson for the chain confirmed that the beloved potato ingredient will be completely removed from the menu. TACO BELL SWEETIE YOU BETTER NOT BE REMOVING YOUR POTATOES FROM YOUR MENU. DONT DO POTATO LOVERS & VEGANS LIKE THIS. BEANS & POTATOES IS ALL WE GOT.

How many potatoes are used in a year?

Potatoes are definitely America's favorite vegetable. Did you know that every year we consume about 110 pounds of potatoes per person? Europeans have us beat, though. They consume twice as many spuds as American potato lovers!

Is there a potato?

The potato is a root vegetable native to the Americas, a starchy tuber of the plant Solanum tuberosum, and the plant itself is a perennial in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Wild potato species, originating in modern-day Peru, can be found throughout the Americas, from the United States to southern Chile.

Why are potato prices going up?

Potato prices are rising as last year's crop finishes from storage and the new crop gets higher volume into the pipeline. With ups and downs, the total volume continues in the annual range of 2.2 billion pounds.

Which country eats most potatoes?

China

Who produces the most potatoes in the world?

China

Who is largest potato grower in us?

R.D. Offutt Company

Who discovered the potato?

The Inca Indians in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8,000 BC to 5,000 B.C. In 1536 Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, discovered the flavors of the potato, and carried them to Europe. Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland in 1589 on the 40,000 acres of land near Cork.

Where do potatoes grow in the US?

Potatoes in the United States are grown in nearly every state, although about half of the crop comes from Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Colorado, Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, California and Michigan. Most potatoes are harvested in September and October.

What climate do potatoes grow in?

Potatoes grow best in regions where there is a temperate climate with cool growing weather, ample rainfall, and deep fertile soil. Potatoes are a warm-season crop in the North, tender to frost and light freezes, and a cool-season crop in the South and West.

What percentage of potatoes are used for french fries?

The major food uses of potatoes include the following: Fresh (also called table potatoes) potatoes account for 27 percent of the U.S. potato crop and are used primarily for baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes. Frozen french fries account for 29 percent of the U.S. potato crop.

How do potatoes reach the consumer?

Due to the wide diversity in types and high consumer consumption, potatoes are a good enterprise option for many growers. They can be marketed directly to consumers at farm stands, farmers markets, and through other local retail outlets.

Where are red potatoes grown?

The most notable growing area for Red potatoes is the Red River Valley, a fertile growing area stretching across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba, Canada and boasts over 250 potato producing growers. Reds are also important to Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, and California growers.