18 pieces (3 oz) of Restaurant Style French Fried Potatoes contain 130 calories. These crispy and delicious potatoes are popularly served in restaurants and fast food chains around the world.

Despite their popularity, French fried potatoes often get a bad rap as being unhealthy due to their high fat and sodium contents. However, there are some nutritional benefits to these tasty potatoes that can make them a worthwhile indulgence. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profile of French fried potatoes.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for incorporating French fried potatoes into your diet in a healthy way.

Calories in 18 pieces of Restaurant Style French Fried Potatoes

As we mentioned earlier, 18 pieces of Restaurant Style French Fried Potatoes contain 130 calories. This number may seem high, especially for a small serving, but it’s important to keep portions in mind when indulging in these delicious potatoes. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider sharing a serving with someone else or opting for a smaller portion. Additionally, you can balance out the calories by pairing your French fried potatoes with a side salad or some steamed veggies. It’s all about moderation when it comes to calorie-dense foods like these, but don’t be afraid to enjoy them every once in a while as a treat.

Carbohydrate content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are primarily made up of carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 17 grams of carbs, which can vary depending on the thickness and seasoning of the potatoes. While carbohydrates are important for providing energy, it’s important to balance them out with other nutrients like protein and fiber to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Pair your French fried potatoes with a source of protein, like grilled chicken or tofu, and a side of veggies to create a more balanced meal. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can try swapping out the French fried potatoes for a baked or roasted potato, which will still provide you with the satisfying flavor and texture of potatoes without as many carbs.

Fat content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are often criticized for their high fat content, which can contribute to weight gain and heart disease when consumed in excess. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 5 grams of fat, with most of it coming from the oil used for frying. To lower the fat content of your French fried potatoes, try making them at home using an air fryer or by baking them in the oven instead of frying them. You can also use healthier oils, like olive or avocado oil, which contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While French fried potatoes should be enjoyed in moderation due to their fat content, there’s no need to completely cut them out of your diet. By making simple swaps and being mindful of your portion sizes, you can still enjoy this delicious and popular dish.

Sodium content in French Fried Potatoes

Another concern with French fried potatoes is their high sodium content. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 310 milligrams of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems when consumed in excess. To reduce the amount of sodium in your French fried potatoes, try making them at home with less salt or using salt substitutes like herbs and spices. You can also pair them with a low-sodium dip or sauce, like salsa or hummus. It’s important to limit your sodium intake overall to prevent health problems, so be mindful of how much salt you’re consuming from other sources throughout the day.

Protein content in French Fried Potatoes

While French fried potatoes are not a significant source of protein, they do contain small amounts. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 2 grams of protein. To increase the protein content of your French fried potatoes, pair them with a source of lean protein like chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also try adding some beans or lentils to your meal to boost the protein content. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, and can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet can help you meet your daily nutrient needs and prevent cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Fiber content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are not a significant source of fiber, which is important for digestive health and disease prevention. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 1 gram of fiber. To increase the fiber content of your French fried potatoes, pair them with fiber-rich foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains. You can also try swapping out the French fried potatoes for a side of roasted or grilled veggies, which will provide you with more fiber and other nutrients. Incorporating more fiber into your diet can help you feel full and satisfied and prevent constipation and other digestive problems. Aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day for optimal health.

Calcium content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are not a significant source of calcium, which is important for bone health and other bodily functions. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 10 milligrams of calcium. To increase the calcium content of your diet, try incorporating more dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt. You can also get calcium from non-dairy sources like leafy greens, fortified plant milks, and tofu. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and for supporting muscle and nerve function. Aim to consume at least 1000 milligrams of calcium per day for optimal health.

Iron content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are not a significant source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body and preventing anemia. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 0.5 milligrams of iron. To increase the iron content of your diet, try incorporating more iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can also pair your French fried potatoes with some grilled or roasted meat, which will provide you with more iron. Iron is important for maintaining healthy blood and preventing fatigue and other symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia. Aim to consume at least 18 milligrams of iron per day for optimal health.

Vitamin A content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health, immune function, and skin health. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 22 micrograms of vitamin A. To increase the vitamin A content of your diet, try incorporating more orange and yellow foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. You can also get vitamin A from leafy greens, eggs, and dairy products. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy eyes and skin, and for supporting immune function. Aim to consume at least 700 micrograms of vitamin A per day for optimal health.

Vitamin C content in French Fried Potatoes

French fried potatoes are not a significant source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. A serving of 18 pieces contains around 2 milligrams of vitamin C. To increase the vitamin C content of your diet, try incorporating more citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. You can also get vitamin C from veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing a variety of diseases. Aim to consume at least 75 milligrams of vitamin C per day for optimal health.