National French Fry Day

National French Fry Day celebrates one of the world’s most beloved side dishes – crispy, golden batons of deep-fried potatoes that have become a global fast-food phenomenon.

Quick Facts

When is it?: Second Friday in July (changed from July 13th in 2022)
Tagged as: Food Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFrenchFryDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: Origin unclear, likely started as a social media marketing campaign

History

The term “French fries” first appeared in print in 1856 in E. Warren’s “Cookery for Maids of All Work.” Despite their name, French fries originated in Belgium, where locals would fry potatoes in the shape of fish when the rivers froze during winter. The “French” designation likely came from American soldiers in WWI who encountered these fried potatoes while stationed in Belgium, where French was the army’s official language.

Timeline

1680: First documented potato frying in Belgium’s Meuse Valley
1802: Thomas Jefferson serves “potatoes in the French manner” at the White House
1856: First printed mention of “French Fried Potatoes”
2022: Date officially changed to second Friday in July

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month	Day
2025	July	11
2026	July	10
2027	July	9
2028	July	14
2029	July	13

Observed

Major fast-food chains offer special promotions and free fries. People celebrate by trying different varieties of fries and sharing their experiences on social media.

Fun Facts About French Fries

Americans consume over 4.5 billion pounds of french fries annually
McDonald’s uses 7% of all potatoes grown in the US
Belgium has a dedicated French fry museum
The average American eats 16 pounds of fries yearly
37% of women prefer perfect-looking fries compared to 25% of men

Quiz

Where did French fries actually originate?
What year did the date change to the second Friday in July?
Who first served French fries at the White House?
(Answers: 1. Belgium, 2. 2022, 3. Thomas Jefferson)

FAQs

Q: Why are they called “French” fries?
A: Due to American soldiers in WWI encountering them in French-speaking Belgium.

Q: Are French fries French?
A: No, they originated in Belgium.

Importance of National French Fry Day

This celebration highlights the cultural impact of this simple yet beloved food while providing an opportunity for businesses to engage with customers through special promotions and deals.