Del Taco's crinkle-cut fries have been recognized as the best in the United States, according to USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for 2026. The California-born Tex-Mex chain also secured the top spot for the best fast food chain overall, surpassing national competitors.
The ranking was determined by a combination of site editors, a panel of French fry enthusiasts, and public reader votes. Del Taco's fries were specifically praised for their ability to maintain saltiness and crispiness, distinguishing them from what some perceive as soggy alternatives from other chains.
Customers highlighted Del Taco's generous portion sizes, with one noting that "they don't skimp on the fries, even for a small." The fries are available plain or with toppings such as chili, queso, or carne asada.
In the french fry rankings, Del Taco's offering beat out those from established burger giants, including McDonald's, which placed fourth, and Five Guys, which came in sixth. In-N-Out, another prominent California-based burger chain, ranked tenth.
Beyond its fries, Del Taco's overall recognition as the best fast food chain also drew attention. It notably ranked above Taco Bell, a Tex-Mex competitor that came in sixth. Online discussions among fans often compare the two chains, with some expressing a preference for Del Taco after trying both.
Americans consume a significant amount of french fries annually, estimated to be nearly 30 pounds per person, according to National Geographic. This makes the competition for the best fast food fries a closely watched category by many consumers.
The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards are an annual event that polls readers on various travel and lifestyle categories, including food and dining.