National French Fry Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National French Fry Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National French Fry Day is observed on July 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National French Fry Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about National French Fry Day.

📅 What day is National French Fry Day 2024?

In 2024, National French Fry Day is on Thursday, July 13th. It is the 2nd Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about July 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Celebrate National French Fry Day on July 13 by enjoying some delicious golden-brown potato slices. Surprisingly, French fries were not actually invented in France, but in Belgium. Different people have different opinions on where to find the best French fries in the world, as each place seems to have its own unique recipe. While French fries are often criticized for being high in calories and fat, it’s hard to resist indulging in a hot batch, even if they’re at the bottom of the bag.

📜 National French Fry Day History

French fries are a popular dish made from deep-fried potato strips or slices. It is uncertain exactly when they first emerged, but they became more widely consumed in the 1700s. Potatoes were introduced to Europe in the 1600s, but it took about a century for them to become a staple food for most people.

There is an interesting folktale surrounding the origin of French fries, with Belgium claiming to be the birthplace. According to Joseph Gerard’s text, people in the Meuse Valley, near Dinant, Belgium, ate a lot of fish because of their proximity to the river. During the winter months when fishing was difficult due to frozen rivers, they sliced potatoes like fish fillets and cooked them in hot oil.

However, it was the French who popularized French fries by introducing street food carts called “frites” in the mid-18th century. Potatoes were fried and sliced into various shapes. There are two theories about how French fries made their way to America. It is widely accepted that Thomas Jefferson, who spent time in France as an ambassador, introduced the dish to the United States in 1802 when he served “potatoes served in the French manner” during a White House supper.

Another hypothesis suggests that troops stationed in Belgium’s Dinant region during World War I developed a liking for the snack called “pommes frites” and brought the concept back to the United States. This marked the true beginning of the growing popularity of French fries in America.

✅ National French Fry Day Facts

🔖 It’s in the skin
When French fries are made, the skin of the potato, which contains valuable minerals and vitamins, is frequently removed or discarded.

🔖 Higher fat content
Steak fries contain lower amounts of fat compared to regular French fries.

🔖 Original name
Originally in the United States, French fries were referred to as “French fried potatoes,” but by the 1930s, the term “potatoes” was dropped.

👍 Why Is National French Fry Day Important

The best way to find free French fries on National French Fry Day is to follow restaurant social media accounts. Several restaurants provide complimentary fries with the purchase of a meal or by utilizing a digital voucher. We’re not sure why people need a reason to eat more, but it works.

Yes, the combination of French fries and hamburgers is deeply ingrained in the American diet. However, fries go well with a variety of foods, including sandwiches, steak, and even eggs. Although most people dip their French fries in ketchup, you’ll also find people dipping their fries in ranch-flavored salad dressing, mustard, and even milkshakes. Some individuals even eat them plain, as weird as that may sound.

The most common type of fry variation is thin French fry sticks, also known as shoestring fries, which are popular in fast food restaurants, but you can’t stop there. Waffle fries, steak fries, curly fries, crinkle-cut fries, home fries, and wedge fries are all available. On National French Fry Day, we don’t recommend trying every variation, but we won’t discourage those of you who enjoy a challenge.

🙂 How To Observe National French Fry Day

⚡ Consider making your own fries at home

⚡ Try them with a new condiment
While many Americans typically pair their French fries with ketchup, it’s worth exploring other cultural sauces on National French Fry Day. In the United Kingdom, malt vinegar is a popular choice to accompany fries. In Vietnam, melted butter and sugar are used as a topping. Trying out these different sauces might lead you to discover a new favorite way to enjoy your fries.

⚡ Try a new seasoning with your fries
It will be difficult to outdo your favorite restaurant’s French fries, but you may utilize National French Fry Day to try to cook some at home. This might be a messy operation, especially the frying stage, but it allows you to experiment with different variants and flavors. Even if you don’t succeed, you’ll have a newfound respect for your favorite local restaurant’s fry chef.

📅 When is National French Fry Day?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Comfort Food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National French Fry Day. So be sure to check back soon.