Can you take the classic deep fried, golden brown French fry and make it even healthier?  Burger King thinks so with what they are calling “Satisfries.”  I find out exactly how much healthier they are and if you should make the switch.

Burger King, opened their first restaurant known as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida back in 1953.  After the first concept failed, a year later the restaurant was re-launched as simply Burger King focusing on fast food hamburgers, fries, sodas, and milkshakes.

Many people now simply refer to it as BK for short.

French fries have been a fast food meal staple since the launch of the drive thru restaurant concept in the 1950’s.  Before that, they can be traced all the way back to Belgium in the 17^th century, where they were often deep fried alongside fish as a meal for the poor.

French fries eventually made their way to the Americas and were even served at a White House dinner by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802.

Generally regarded as not the healthiest of meal options, the thin sliced potatoes are deep fried in oil or fat, until crisp and a golden brown.  They are then generally seasoned with salt and served with ketchup.  (Yes, I know some people love gravy, cheese, mayonnaise, etc.)

Burger King has decided they want to offer a healthier French fry and have created a version that they advertise as 40% less fat and 30% fewer calories than McDonald’s fries.

BK introduced the Satisfries on September 24^th as part of a end of the year marketing push with a big media blitz.  The restaurant sent hot samples to many TV shows and food critics.   They also gave away free samples at restaurants.

My friend Max, along with several others who seem to be concerned about my terrible eating, gave me the suggestion to give them a try.  For those who’ve read this blog for years, know that I am generally open to trying a new fast food item.

The two level Burger King restaurant located next to the World Trade Center construction site in New York City.

On a recent commute home from work, I stopped by the Burger King restaurant located directly next to the World Trade Center construction site in New York City.  4 World Trade Center now towers high above the two story restaurant.

I went inside a little before 7pm and there were hardly any customers.  I was greeted by two BK employees arguing in the back, while others watched and laughed.  The whole place had an extremely unprofessional feel, but I was promptly greeted at the cash register.

I placed an order for a sandwich and a side of medium Satisfries.  She did the usual, try to get me to buy the value meal speech, but I didn’t want to handle a drink on the train.  I placed my order, paid and then waited… and waited… and waited… and waited.

The idea of being a fast food restaurant, means serving up fast food.  While they had an entire bin of regular fries ready to go, they had to special make the Satisfries.  It took about 7 minutes and multiple times yelling at the back to get my order complete.

An order of Burger King Satisfries.

The first thing I noticed is that these fries are crinkle cut, as opposed to the straight slim cuts of BK’s regular fries.  BK did this on purpose, so employees are quickly able to distinguish between the two.

I took a bite and they are quite good, but nothing special.  The taste honestly reminds me of opening a bag of frozen Ore-Ida fries from the freezer section of my local grocery store.  To me, there is really no difference is taste or shape.

The cost for my medium order of Satisfries was $2.89, while a medium order of regular Burger King fries was $2.59 according to the price posted on the menu board.  That’s a 30 cent markup for health.

And now the health breakdown:

Judging by information provided on both restaurants’ websites, the Satisfries are much healthier than the regular BK fries and it does appear they are 30% healthier than McDonald’s as advertised.  It’s up to you if the extra time and cost are worth it.

Burger King BBQ Rib Sandwich, their take on the McDonald’s McRib.

The Big King, Burger King’s take on the McDonald’s Big Mac.

And Burger King is not done yet.  They’re in the process of dropping a bomb in the fast food war against McDonald’s by adding the new Big King and BBQ Rib sandwiches to their menu.  They are BK’s version of the popular Big Mac and McRib sandwiches.  BK has already scored a victory in the harsh New York City market, by getting their items in the hands of hungry customers, first.  MYC is still patiently waiting for the McRib, while BK is already offering theirs for a $1 bargain.

THE 411

Name: Satisfries

What: healthier French fries served at Burger King restaurants

Cost: $2.59 for medium order in NYC

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

Skip these.  They may be a little healthier, but they’re really no different from frozen fries you can buy in the grocery store.  They are also not worth the wait.  This is fast food, after all.  And if you are a health nut, you’re most likely skipping the fast food fries, anyhow.

And for some fun, flip over the wrapper for the BBQ Rib Sandwich and you’ll find a surprise!  BK restaurants in Wisconsin and Illinois are also serving a Bratwurst Sandwich, which consists of 2 Johnsonville Brats, mustard, onions, and pickle on a long roll for football season.  It is currently not a nationwide promotion.

Inverse side of the BBQ Rib Sandwich wrapper which could also be used for the Bratwurst sandwich.