Did the fry die when trans fats got the boot?

J.M. HIRSCH,AP Food Editor

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 30, 2009 at 11:57 AM EST

Story Updated: Jun 30, 2009 at 11:57 AM EST

If you want fries with that, the drive-thru won't be a disappointment even without the trans fats.

Now that nearly every major fast food chain has purged trans fats from their menus, Consumer Reports magazine tested the french fries at the three biggies — Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King — and found they taste about the same as they used to.

The magazine had taste testers sample medium orders of fries from three outlets of each chain. The same testers previously had sampled the fries when trans fats were used.

The fries at Wendy's came out on top with a rating of "very good"; they were described as having a big potato flavor with a light crispy surface and a soft inside.

The fries at McDonald's, also rated very good, came second and were praised as flavorful and crisp, but needed to taste "more potato-y." Burger King's fries came last with a "good" rating. The magazine said they were decent, but tough and tasted more of oil than potato.

Trans fat raises the level of bad cholesterol in the body and can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Lawmakers nationwide are considering — and some have passed — laws regulating or banning trans fats in restaurant food.

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