French fries are a staple of fast food restaurants and are a popular side dish for many meals. However, they are also known for their high calorie count. One serving of small French fries, which is 140 g, contains around 400 calories. So, if you're trying to watch your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of how many French fries you consume.

While French fries may be a tasty treat, it's important to know their nutritional information. That same 140 g serving of small French fries contains about 20 g of carbs, 4 g of protein, and 17 g of fat. It's important to note that French fries are also low in fiber and high in sodium.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of French fries, as well as some healthier alternatives and potential health risks associated with consuming them.

Calories in French Fries (Small)

As mentioned earlier, one serving of small French fries contains around 400 calories. To put that into perspective, that's about the same number of calories as in a typical fast food hamburger. So, if you're looking to cut down on your calorie intake, it's important to be mindful of how many French fries you consume.

Carbs in French Fries (Small)

One serving of small French fries contains about 20 g of carbs. While carbs are an important source of energy, it's important to keep in mind that consuming too many carbs can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Protein in French Fries (Small)

One serving of small French fries contains about 4 g of protein. While protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair, it's important to note that French fries are not a significant source of protein.

Fat in French Fries (Small)

One serving of small French fries contains about 17 g of fat. Most of the fat in French fries comes from the cooking oil that is used. This type of fat, known as trans fat, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Fiber in French Fries (Small)

French fries are not a significant source of fiber. One serving of small French fries contains about 2 g of fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining gut health and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, so it's important to incorporate fiber-rich foods into your diet.

Sodium in French Fries (Small)

One serving of small French fries contains about 270 mg of sodium. Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure, but consuming too much sodium can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Sugar in French Fries (Small)

French fries are not a significant source of sugar. One serving of small French fries contains about 0 g of sugar.

Vitamins and Minerals in French Fries (Small)

While French fries are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, they do contain small amounts of potassium and vitamin C. It's important to note, however, that there are far healthier sources of these nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables.

Health Risks Associated with Eating French Fries (Small)

Consuming French fries on a regular basis can lead to a number of health issues, including weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, French fries are often cooked in oil that contains trans fats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

Healthy Alternatives to French Fries (Small)

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to French fries that you can enjoy. For example, you could try roasted sweet potato wedges, baked veggie chips, or air-fried zucchini sticks. These options are lower in calories and higher in fiber and other important nutrients compared to French fries.