The Major Rise of Loaded Fries & Sides

Loaded fries and premium potato sides continue to grow in popularity across the quick-service sector, driven by consumer demand for bold flavours, customisable dishes, and street food-inspired menus.

     By Fergus Martin, Senior Development Chef at Major:

For operators, chips and potato dishes offer a cost-effective base that can easily be elevated into premium offerings through creative toppings and sauces.

When it comes to quick-serve menus, sauces are one of the most powerful tools chefs have. They are fast, flexible, and capable of completely transforming a core dish without altering kitchen setup or increasing labour. With just one protein or base dish, chefs can create multiple menu options simply by changing the sauce - turning a classic chicken burger into a Korean-style or Caribbean option or taking loaded fries from fiery jerk to sticky barbecue.

Major’s mari base range has been designed to deliver this versatility. More than a ready-to-use sauce, it can be used as a marinade for proteins and vegetables, a pizza base sauce, a dip, or a finishing drizzle. It can also be blended with condiments such as mayonnaise or ketchup to create customised flavour combinations.

Available in seven globally inspired flavours, mari base allows chefs to quickly personalise dishes across burgers, wraps, wings, loaded fries and hotdogs. Potato dishes in particular can benefit from trend-led flavours, whether that means fiery Piri Piri loaded fries, sticky BBQ wedges, or Caribbean jerk dirty fries topped with crispy chicken. Vegetarian potato dishes can also be elevated with flavours such as Piri Piri, helping operators create more exciting meat-free options.

All seven flavours are gluten- and nut-free, vegetarian-certified, and all but one are also vegan-certified, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

From a commercial perspective, this flexibility helps reduce the need for multiple products, cutting waste, simplifying stock management, and reducing packaging. It also makes it easier to refresh menus, run limited-time specials, or respond to trends without adding unnecessary ingredients to the kitchen.

Potato-based dishes also offer strong profit potential, allowing operators to create premium menu items from low-cost ingredients while delivering the indulgent flavours consumers are seeking. Sauces like mari base allow chefs to elevate everyday dishes into premium or on-trend options while encouraging repeat visits.

With the continued rise of street food, consumers are enjoying a broader variety of internationally inspired flavours. Consistency remains key, and using a quality base product that delivers depth of flavour and uniformity can help dishes stand out and drive repeat business.

Major’s mari base range is water-based and designed for multi-use applications. Each product can be added at any stage of cooking, used in hot or cold dishes, or applied directly as a marinade. The bases contain no added MSG or palm oil, are made using a nut-free recipe, meet the 2024 FSA salt targets, and are allergen-free.

As consumers continue to seek exciting flavours and customisable comfort food, sauces are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for operators looking to maximise menu flexibility while keeping preparation simple. For chips and potato dishes in particular, internationally inspired sauces can turn a familiar side into a standout signature item.

For more information on the range of stocks, sauces and gravies from Major, please visit www.majorint.com or call +44 (0)1908 242424.