Chick-fil-A Quietly Makes Long-Awaited Change to Waffle Fries and Fans Couldn't Be Happier

Most people would agree that when it comes to a tried-and-true favorite, it should probably just be left alone. The saying goes, “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” for a reason. Not everything needs to be new and improved or amped up with extra protein. Sometimes the original is just better. Sure, some change is inevitable and maybe even necessary, but why reinvent the wheel if you really don’t have to? Especially when it comes to things we’ve grown accustomed to, like Twinkies or the Big Mac, any subtle change to the recipe can have a dramatic impact on the overall taste and experience. 

Imagine if Reese’s decided to replace their creamy peanut butter centers with various flavors of nougat or if In-N-Out decided to change the recipe for their famous spread. It would be pure pandemonium that could potentially tear a hole in the fabric of the space-time continuum as we know it—just saying. OK, maybe we are being just a touch dramatic, but the point still remains. Some things are just better the way they were. 

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Chick-fil-A Removes Pea Starch From Waffle Fry Recipe

Case in point, Chick-fil-A has always received rave reviews from fans who praise the chain for its unmatched consistency and steadfast commitment to quality. Those perfectly fried chicken sandwiches, that deliciously tart lemonade, and of course, those mouthwatering waffle fries. But in 2024, the beloved Atlanta-based chicken chain decided to add pea starch to its iconic waffle fry recipe, and the backlash from fans was immediate. For years, customers have begged the brand to return the fries to their original recipe sans pea protein, and it looks like the fans are finally getting their way. 

Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Chick-fil-A quietly updated its website with a new FAQ page that answers the question “Does your waffle fry recipe contain pea starch?” with a very succinct “No.” Cue the confetti! The chain also updated the ingredient list to reflect the change as well. Although the news was confirmed on the hush, fans on Reddit were quick to weigh in on the update, with several saying, “I noticed they taste so much better again!” A few people noted not being able to tell much difference between the two, but the apprehension to pea starch goes well beyond flavor for some fans. 

Related: Starbucks Is Making Changes to This Core Menu Item for the First Time in 25 Years—Here’s What to Know

Fans React to the Quiet Reversal with Fanfare

“I hope so. My wife is deathly allergic to peas,” commented one person. Because peas are considered legumes, they can cause a severe allergic reaction in people who may also be allergic to peanuts. That means that until now, customers either had to risk it or settle for choosing a different side altogether. Although the reversal doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear if you have a severe allergy, it significantly reduces the risk of a potential allergic reaction. And it doesn’t hurt if the fries taste better in the long run.

While Chick-fil-A does fry its breaded chicken in 100 percent refined peanut oil, it uses canola oil to cook its waffle fries and hash browns, which makes it easier for fans with allergies to trust those items. Not to mention, there was never anything wrong with the waffle fries to begin with. We’ll take this one as a win for the fans (and the space-time continuum).

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