Knowledge Builders

are sweet potato fries better than regular fries

by Michaela Lubowitz MD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Sweet potato fries make a great alternative and can be just as tasty. They have less calories than regular fries and more fiber. However, sweet potatoes have higher levels of carbohydrates so it’s important to eat them in moderation. Read on for tips about how to prepare both types of fry and which one is healthier!

"With very similar nutrient profiles and the fact that deep frying either type of potato essentially makes both equally unhealthy, there's no real health benefit to choosing sweet potato fries over regular ones," adds Willingham.Feb 23, 2021

Full Answer

Are sweet potato fries healthier than French fries?

Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs but also more nutrient dense than French fries. The greatest nutrient difference is that French fries have no vitamin A, while sweet potato fries are high in this nutrient.

Are sweet potatoes healthier than white potatoes?

"For instance, raw sweet potato contains 100 times more Vitamin A — a nutrient important for vision — than regular white potato. Sweet potato is also higher in potassium, which can help restore electrolyte imbalance and prevent muscle cramping and soreness," explains Willingham.

Why are sweet potatoes so bad for You?

It all comes down to how your potatoes are being prepared. If sweet potatoes are deep-fried in oil like french fries, they aren’t any better than what you’d get at the drive-thru. Both of them will typically weigh in at more than 300 calories per serving after they're fried.

Are sweet potatoes good for diabetics?

However, sweet potatoes are vitamin A powerhouses that contain more fiber, calcium, vitamin C, and potassium. In addition, they have a lower Glycemic Index, making them suitable for people with type-2 diabetes. Although they look similar (and are even named similarly!), sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are from two separate families of plants.

See more

image

Are sweet potato fries or fries healthier?

Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs but also more nutrient dense than French fries. The greatest nutrient difference is that French fries have no vitamin A, while sweet potato fries are high in this nutrient.

What are the healthiest type of fries?

13 Healthier Alternatives to French Fries (Almost) As Delicious as the Real DealZucchini Fries. Zucchini fries are by far the best alternative to french fries. ... Beet Fries. ... Taro Fries. ... Carrot Fries. ... Parsnip Fries. ... Green Bean Fries. ... Avocado Fries. ... Sweet Potato Fries.More items...•

How much better are sweet potato fries than regular fries?

Sweet potatoes contain about 15 grams more carbohydrates per serving, but that's no reason to pass on these tubers; they can also make super-tasty and healthy baked fries. The same 3-ounce serving of frozen sweet potato fries contains 140 calories, 5 grams of fat and typically less sodium than the regular fries.

What should I eat if I crave fries?

Or, if you simply must have a side of golden fries, learn how you can make this food favorite easier on your arteries and waistline.RELATED: Tips for a Heart-Healthy Cookout. Never Miss a Beat! ... Sweet potato fries. ... Kale chips. ... Crispy green beans. ... Roasted parsnip fries. ... Parmesan zucchini fries.

Is there such a thing as healthy french fries?

In moderation and with the right cooking method, the answer is YES baked fries are healthy! While white potatoes often receive a bad reputation, much of that has to do with how we typically prepare potatoes (ahem, deep fried instead of baked), as well as the quantity in which we eat them.

Are frozen sweet potato fries healthy?

Yes, Frozen Sweet Potato Fries Are Healthy! A lot of people wonder about calories when debating whether or not to make frozen sweet potato fries in their air fryer. What is this? You can cut down on calories by using low to no oil.

How healthy are sweet potato fries?

While the most significant sweet potato fries benefits are their low glycemic index, massive vitamin A content, and high fiber, classic potatoes are high in vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Switch up the potatoes you often eat to ensure you're getting the broadest range of nutrients into your body regularly.

Can Diabetics have sweet potato fries?

Like white potatoes, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates. Even so, people with diabetes can eat them in moderation.

What is the healthiest oil to cook fries in?

Olive oil and avocado oil are good choices for deep frying. Peanut and palm oils are less suitable, either for health or environmental reasons.

Which fast food french fries are the healthiest?

Lowest in "Bad Fats" (saturated and trans fats): Sonic Drive-In regular fries (75 g) = 1.5 grams saturated fat + 0 grams trans fat. McDonald's small fries (71 g) = 1.5 grams saturated fat + 0 grams trans fat.

Are onion rings or french fries healthier?

Conclusion. Actually, French Fries are still healthier than Onion Rings. French Fries have relatively lower calories, higher fiber, lower sugar, and lower fat. French Fries also have more vitamins and minerals.

Are frozen fries healthier?

As a general rule, frozen fries are healthier than fast food fries. This is because most fast-food restaurants add more salt and flavoring ingredients and they may be frying in lard or trans-fat oils which can be avoided with frozen french fries by reading the ingredient list.

Find out which of these popular sides is more waistline-friendly

On its own, the humble potato is not too exciting. But when cut into sticks and deep-fried, the unassuming tuber becomes the lauded french fries, which are perhaps America’s most popular side dish. Since you’ll likely crave fries at some point, we set out to find which is healthier: the regular kind or sweet potato variety.

The Jars From This Healthy Fast Food Chain Are You..

Meal prep these five deliciously Insta-worthy jars from TYME Fast Food.

Nutrition Comparison

Detailed nutrition information is most readily available for store-bought, frozen fries.

Serving Size and Cooking Methods Matter

The table in the previous chapter shows that a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of baked French fries has 125 calories, compared to 150 calories for the same serving of baked sweet potato fries.

Concerns Over Frying

Two issues that have made news headlines over the past few decades are trans fat and acrylamide in fries.

Regular Consumption May Increase Disease Risk

French fries have come under increasing scrutiny due to new studies suggesting that higher intake may raise your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Which Type Should You Choose?

To make the best choice, it would be ideal to have studies that directly compare the health effects of sweet potato and French fries when eaten in the same quantities. However, such studies are unavailable.

The Bottom Line

Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs than French fries but also high in vitamin A — giving them a nutritional edge.

What Is Better, Sweet Potato Or Regular Fries?

The nutritional content of sweet potato and regular potatoes are relatively similar.

Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Fries?

In fact, it is way more time and effort efficient to make up a big batch and freeze them in portions for later use.

Which Is Healthier, A Potato Or Sweet Potato?

While they both have similar nutritional content, sweet potatoes have more vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and fiber.

Difference Between Irish Potato And Sweet Potato

They are a type of white potato that originated from South America and were named such because of the integral role they played in the Great Irish Famine in the 1800s, one of the worst agricultural disasters of all time.

ROUND 1: Macronutrients

In terms of raw nutritional value, the difference between sweet potatoes and white potatoes is miniscule. “Both potatoes clock in around the same calories (100 to 120 calories) and carbs (25 to 30 grams) for a small to medium potato,” says Moskovitz.

ROUND 2: Nutritional Perks

Here’s where they differ. White potatoes contain more iron, potassium, and vitamin C. They also have less natural sugar, says Rumsey.

ROUND 3: Prep

It all comes down to how your potatoes are being prepared. If sweet potatoes are deep-fried in oil like french fries, they aren’t any better than what you’d get at the drive-thru. Both of them will typically weigh in at more than 300 calories per serving after they're fried.

image

1.Are Sweet Potato Fries Really Healthier Than Regular …

Url:https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/feb/are-sweet-potato-fries-really-healthier-than-regular-fries/

1 hours ago  · "Sweet potato fries are often thought of as a healthier alternative to regular french fries. And while sweet potatoes themselves can come with a few extra health benefits, …

2.Are Sweet Potato Fries Better Than Regular Fries?

Url:https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/articles/are-sweet-potato-fries-better-than-regular-fries

8 hours ago Mix together 2 teaspoons each onion powder and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each dried dill and kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cut 3 sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch-thick wedges.

3.Videos of are Sweet Potato Fries better than regular Fries

Url:/videos/search?q=are+sweet+potato+fries+better+than+regular+fries&qpvt=are+sweet+potato+fries+better+than+regular+fries&FORM=VDRE

10 hours ago  · Another reason why sweet potato fries are better than regular potato fries is that they tend to be less greasy. This is because sweet potatoes have a lower starch content …

4.Which Is Healthier: Regular Fries or Sweet Potato Fries?

Url:https://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/which-healthier-regular-fries-or-sweet-potato-fries/

9 hours ago  · May 2, 2021. Sweet potato fries are slightly higher in calories and carbs but also more nutrient dense than French fries. The greatest nutrient difference is that French fries …

5.Are Sweet Potato Fries Any Healthier Than Regular …

Url:https://www.mashed.com/164211/are-sweet-potato-fries-any-healthier-than-regular-fries/

22 hours ago  · Sweet potatoes are likely healthier than regular potatoes. They have a lower GI, more fiber, and large amounts of beta carotene. Are sweet potato fries low carb? Too Much …

6.Sweet Potato vs. French Fries: Nutrition, Calories, and …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-fries-vs-french-fries

2 hours ago Sweet Potato Fries Nutrition [Better than Regular Fries…] Protein 2.04 g. Carbohydrates 26.5 g. Fiber 3.7 g. Sugars 8.58 g. Calcium 40.5 mg. However, the nutritional value of sweet potato …

7.Sweet Potato Fries Nutrition [Better than Regular Fries…]

Url:https://eatforlonger.com/sweet-potato-fries-nutrition/

30 hours ago  · If sweet potatoes are deep-fried in oil like french fries, they aren’t any better than what you’d get at the drive-thru. Both of them will typically weigh in at more than 300 calories …

8.Sweet Potato Fries vs. French Fries: Which One Wins?

Url:https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a19543627/sweet-potato-fries-vs-french-fries/

33 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9