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By Claire Dodds
Life & Trends Reporter
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Chick-fil-A fans are celebrating after the fast-food chain quietly reversed a controversial change to one of its most recognizable menu items: its waffle fries.
The update surfaced online after customers noticed that the company’s website now confirms its fries no longer contain pea starch, an ingredient that had been added during a 2024 recipe tweak. The change quickly spread online, where fry fans discussed the update and shared reactions ranging from relief to renewed criticism of fast food ingredients.
The original adjustment, introduced late last year, added pea starch to the fries’ coating to help maintain crispiness. But many diners complained the ingredient altered the taste of the beloved side dish. Now, Chick-fil-A’s support page states the recipe no longer includes it, signaling the chain has returned to its previous formula.
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A Chick-fil-A representative confirmed the change publicly, saying the ingredient has been removed from the supply chain.
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Allergy Concerns
“A representative for Chick-fil-A has confirmed… that 100 percent of all Waffle Potato Fries inventory no longer contains pea starch,” Allrecipes reports.
The update comes after months of online discussion about the fries’ texture and flavor. Some customers said the added coating made them harder and less enjoyable, while others raised concerns about potential dietary or allergy issues linked to pea-based ingredients.
Pea starch itself is a common additive used in processed foods to enhance texture. But allergy organizations note that peas belong to a broader plant family that includes other commonly allergenic foods.
“Peas belong to the legume family, which includes peanuts, soy, chickpeas, lentils, beans and lupin,” Allergy UK explains in guidance on pea-related allergies. The group notes that allergic reactions to pea ingredients can occur and may sometimes overlap with other legume sensitivities.
While Chick-fil-A’s fries were never listed among the major allergens, the ingredient change prompted some customers to question whether it might limit who could safely eat the product.
What People Are Saying
The reversal sparked lively discussion on social media, where users debated whether the fries now taste the same as they once did. Many commenters said they had already noticed the difference.
Reactions also spread across TikTok, where users shared their thoughts on the fast-food chain’s decision.
One TikTok user questioned the need for added ingredients, writing: “Why can’t it be potatoes, salt and oil for the frying? Why does it have to have all of these chemicals added?”
Another commenter used the moment to call for additional menu changes, posting: “They need to change the chicken back to how it was too…”
Others were simply happy to see the original recipe restored.
“They used to have good fries, I’m glad they changed it back,” one TikTok critic noted.
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries remain one of the chain’s most popular menu items. According to the company’s menu information, the fries are made from waffle-cut potatoes cooked in canola oil until crisp on the outside and tender inside, then sprinkled with sea salt.
For now, fans appear eager to confirm whether the fries truly taste like they did before the recipe change—something many say they plan to test during their next visit to the restaurant.
Newsweek has reached out to Chick-fil-A's press team for comment via email.
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