French fries are a universal comfort food, and a new report from McCain confirms just how much the world loves them. The company's inaugural Spud Report surveyed over 12,000 people across 11 countries, including Canada, to uncover global fry habits and preferences.
Fries Boost Mood Worldwide
According to the survey, more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents say that eating fries improves their mood. Specifically, 55% report feeling happy when they eat fries, while 46% feel relaxed. This sentiment spans cultures and continents, making fries a rare source of global agreement.
Canadians' Potato Preferences
Among Canadians, fries are the most popular way to prepare potatoes, with 27% choosing them as their favorite. Mashed potatoes come in second at 14%, and poutine is loved by 12% of respondents. Across all countries surveyed, including the United States, France, Brazil, the Netherlands, India, Japan, and Australia, fries topped the list as the preferred potato dish.
The classic straight-cut fry is the favorite style for 35% of global respondents, proving that simplicity often wins.
Sharing Fries: A Sign of Intimacy
The report also delved into the social dynamics of fry consumption. One in three respondents worldwide said that sharing fries feels more intimate than holding hands. In Brazil and China, that number rises to one in two, while in Canada, one in six people feel the same way.
When it comes to dipping, Canadians overwhelmingly prefer ketchup (63%), but regional variations exist: those in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada favor gravy (45% and 42%, respectively), and 30% of Quebecers opt for mayo. Interestingly, 29% of Canadians enjoy dipping fries in a milkshake.
Double-dipping is a contentious issue. In India and Brazil, 75% and 69% of respondents admit to double-dipping, respectively, while only 20% of Japanese fry-lovers do so. In Canada, 68% say double-dipping is unacceptable, yet 44% confess to doing it anyway.
Fry Theft and Meal Timing
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of Canadians are annoyed when someone steals fries from their plate, but 38% admit to being fry thieves themselves. The survey also explored when people eat fries: globally, 41% have them with dinner, 27% as a lunchtime side, and 18% as a daytime snack. Only 5% consider fries a late-night snack, and 4% eat them for breakfast. However, in India, 51% eat fries for breakfast, making it the only country where fries beat hash browns as a morning meal. In the Netherlands, 34% also enjoy fries for breakfast, while just 13% of Canadians do.
Whether as a main dish or a side, fries are a beloved staple. The International Day of the Potato on May 30 is the perfect occasion to celebrate this global favorite.
