Which Fast-Food Chain Has The Best Fries?

While allowing that taste is "subjective and subject to change," a Business Insider columnist had the tough gig of ranking French fries from eight fast-food chains -- and Irene Jiang says the crinkle cut fries from Shake Shack earned the crown.

She rated the offerings from that boutique burger joint, pitting them against those from McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's, Dairy Queen, Five Guys, Wendy's, and Chick-fil-A. Jiang rated each restaurant's fries on factors including appearance, mouth feel, structural integrity and, of course, taste.

Given these, Jiang concluded, "It's definitely plausible that Shake Shack had extraterrestrial help to perfect its fries," noting each, "is coated in a layer of golden crisp that gives way to a soft, welcoming interior." Going deeper, she notes, "They hit savory and umami with a hint of sweetness and they taste like potatoes, oil, and just the right amount of salt. There is a slight metallic aftertaste, but the first bite is so overwhelmingly delicious that this flaw is easily forgiven."

Arby's and Burger King were a close second, Jiang noted.

In the end, Jiang concludes diplomatically, "A hot fry is a hot fry, and that's a sentiment that can unite a fast-food nation."