The World Agrees on Fries: McCain Foods’ Spud Report Reveals Global Love for Fries

McCain Foods has released its inaugural Spud Report, revealing how fries and potatoes continue to connect people across cultures, generations, and everyday routines around the world. 

Released ahead of the International Day of the Potato, the global consumer study was conducted in partnership with Pollara Strategic Insights. The survey gathered responses from more than 12,000 adults across 11 countries between January 26 and February 15, 2026.

Fries Ranked the World’s Favourite Potato Dish

The report found that French fries were ranked as the favourite potato dish in every country surveyed, outperforming local and traditional potato-based foods.

According to the study, fries are strongly linked with emotions, comfort, and social connection worldwide.

• 78% of respondents said fries improve their mood 
• 55% said fries make them feel happy 
• 46% associated fries with relaxation 
• One in three respondents said sharing fries feels more intimate than holding hands 
• 67% admitted to eating fries after 10 p.m. Half of respondents said they have placed fries inside a sandwich

The survey also revealed that taking fries from someone else’s plate without asking is considered the most unacceptable fry-related behaviour globally. 

Despite this, 56% of parents admitted they secretly steal fries from their children without getting caught.

Canadians Show Distinct Fry Behaviours

The report highlighted several uniquely Canadian attitudes and habits surrounding fries and potatoes. 

Only one in six Canadian respondents said sharing fries feels more intimate than holding hands, making Canada one of the least emotionally attached countries when it comes to sharing fries.

Other findings from Canada included:

• 68% said double-dipping is unacceptable, although 44% admitted doing it 
• 71% said they become annoyed when someone takes fries from their plate without permission 
• 38% confessed they have taken fries from someone else’s plate 
• 67% of Canadian parents admitted secretly stealing fries from their children 
• 63% selected ketchup as their preferred dipping sauce

The study also showed that fries influence dining choices in Canada. More than half of Canadian respondents said it is important for restaurants to serve fries, while Canadians were among the most likely globally to prefer eating fries at restaurants instead of at home.

McCain Highlights Fries as a Global Connection

Charlie Angelakos, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability at McCain:

"Food has a unique way of connecting people, and fries, are no exception. The Spud Report confirms something we’ve known instinctively for years: fries are more than a side dish – they’re part of everyday rituals around the world. As a company founded in Canada and now operating in more than 160 countries, we’re proud to help bring those shared moments to tables around the world."

The full report is available through McCain Foods Spud Report.

About the Research

The McCain Spud Report was conducted online among 12,079 adults aged 18 and older across 11 countries. According to the research methodology, the Canada-specific data carries a margin of error of ±2.2%, 19 times out of 20.