McDonald's French Fries (Medium): Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (117g (4.1 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
McDonald's French Fries are the world's most recognizable fast food side. Made from Russet Burbank potatoes, they are blanched, partially fried, frozen, then fried again at each restaurant to achieve their signature thin, crispy texture. A Medium serving contains 320 calories. The fries contain a small amount of beef flavoring (natural flavor) in the US, which contributes to their distinctive taste. Sizes range from Small (220 cal) to Large (480 cal), with Medium being the most commonly ordered. The majority of calories come from carbohydrates (43g) and fat (15g) from the double-frying process.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 16% |
| Fat | 15g | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 260mg | 11% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's French Fries (Medium)?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 190 | 5g | 43g | 0g |
| Frying Oil (absorbed) | 120 | 0g | 0g | 14g |
| Salt and Natural Beef Flavor | 10 | 0g | 0g | 1g |
Daily Intake
16% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1680 calories remaining.
Burn Off 320 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: French Fries (Medium) Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's French Fries (Medium) with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 large russet potatoes (about 450g / 1 lb total)
- •4 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
- •1 tablespoon white sugar (dissolved in soaking water)
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for color)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin matchsticks about 0.5cm (1/4 inch) wide. Place them in a bowl of cold water with the dissolved sugar and let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- 2
Drain the fries and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is critical for achieving crispiness.
- 3
Heat the oil to 300F (150C) in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Par-cook the fries in batches for about 5 minutes until they are soft but not browned. Remove and drain on a wire rack. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes.
- 4
Reheat the oil to 375F (190C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove, drain briefly, and salt immediately while hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in McDonald's fries?
McDonald's French Fries come in three sizes: Small (220 cal), Medium (320 cal), and Large (480 cal). The Medium is the most commonly ordered and contains 5g of protein, 43g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. A Medium serving weighs about 117g (4.1 oz).
Are McDonald's fries vegan?
In the US, McDonald's fries contain natural beef flavoring derived from hydrolyzed wheat and milk, so they are not considered vegan or suitable for strict vegetarians. In other countries like the UK and Australia, the recipe differs and the fries may be vegan-friendly. Always check the specific ingredients for your region if you follow a plant-based diet.
Why are McDonald's fries so addictive?
The combination of the double-fry method, beef flavoring, sugar (dextrose) added before frying, and the precise salt application creates a unique flavor and texture profile that is difficult to replicate at home. The thin cut maximizes the crispy surface-to-potato ratio, and the specific Russet Burbank variety is chosen for its high starch content, which produces a fluffy interior.
How do McDonald's fries compare to other fast food chains?
At 320 calories for a Medium, McDonald's fries are comparable to Wendy's (350 cal medium) and slightly lower than Burger King (380 cal medium). Five Guys fries are significantly higher at about 950 calories for a regular order due to much larger portions. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries (Medium) come in at about 420 calories with a thicker cut and different texture.
Track Your Own French Fries (Medium)
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual french fries (medium) and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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