Potato to Perfection

The beloved chip is a classic comfort food that has maintained its popularity over the years,

from French fries to waffles fries, chunky chips and more.

While chips have always been a fast food staple, right now they’re doing more heavy lifting on menus than ever before. Chips are no longer just a side, they’re becoming a great way for operators to drive spend, stand out, and tap into demand for bigger, more indulgent meals.

A big part of that shift is the rise of loaded fries. Customers aren’t just looking for a portion of chips anymore; they want something that feels like a treat. Loaded fries tick that box perfectly. They’re filling, customisable, and ideal for sharing (or not). For operators, they’re also a smart upsell. You’re starting with something already on your menu and turning it into a premium dish with just a few extras. That’s where easy to use pre-mixes come into play. Middleton Foods manufactures flavour-packed toppings that make it easy to upgrade chips without slowing things down in the kitchen. Rooster’s range of gluten free chip seasonings lets operators add bold flavours like Piri Piri, Smokey, Salt and Chilli or our new Salt and Vinegar. It’s a simple topping, but it instantly elevates loaded fries with just a sprinkle.

And why not add some mouthwatering fried chicken to the mix? Fried chicken is increasingly popular with 87% of consumers saying they buy it at least once a month – according to our What the Cluck Report. Adding delicious crispy chicken on top of fries is a natural next step. Using Rooster’s Chicken Breading, whether that’s original or our new Louisiana Style Breading, helps deliver that crunch and flavour customers expect, turning a portion of chips into a full meal.

Sauces are just as important. They’re often what bring everything together and keep customers coming back for more, with 90% of consumers buying sauce to dip their fried chicken into. Classics like cheese sauce and gravy still do the job when it comes to comfort and indulgence, but there’s also a big push towards heat. Rooster’s Hot dipping sauce is a must-have now, giving customers that spicy kick they’re increasingly craving.

Chips have become an excellent blank canvas. Whether it’s through seasonings, fried chicken and/or sauces, there are loads of delicious ways to build something that feels new without reinventing the whole menu. Chips aren’t just popular; they’re one of the easiest ways for fast food operators to stay on trend and grow sales.

To find out more about Middleton Foods, please call +44 (0)1902 608122 or visit www.middletonfoods.com.

To find out more about Rooster’s, please visit https://www.roostersbreading.com/