Fast-food chains have been trying for years to satisfy customer needs for healthier menu items, now Burger King may have hit the jackpot.
According to USA Today, the fast-food chain unveiled their new lower-calorie fries with 30 percent less fat and 20 percent fewer calories than their current fries. The new invention is also 40 percent less fat and 30 fewer calories than McDonald's fires.
The chain said a small order of the new "Satisfries" clocks in at 270 calories and 11 grams of fat because the new batter does not absorb as much oil. A small order of the chain's regular fries, san crinkles, has 340 calories and 15 grams of fat.
"It's not realistic to ask people to replace French fries with carrots or celery sticks," said Keri Gans, a registered dietitian hired by Burger King. "This is like meeting people halfway."
Satisfries are not the only addition to the Burger Kings menu and is not a replacement of the chain's current fires. The low-calorie and low-fat fries will cost 20 cents to 30 cents more per serving, except in Kids Meals, where there is no price difference. All Burger King locations in North America have began selling the new creation Tuesday.
"Small changed create a big impact," Alex Macedo, president of Burger King North America told USA Today. "This will grow, just like diet soda grew over time."
Burger King executives said people will not be able to tell that Satisfries are lower in calories. Besides a change in batter, another difference is the crinkle-cut shape, so workers will be able to easily distinguish them from the regular fires when they are deep frying them together.
"You need to make things as simple as possible," said Eric Hirschhorn, Burger King's chief marketing officer.
The concept of taking an indulgent food and removing some of the guilt is not something new. Supermarkets have baked Lay's potato chips, 100-calories packs of Oreos and other less fattening versions of popular treats.
