McCain Spud Report reveals global consumer trends shaping potato consumption

McCain Foods has released its inaugural McCain Spud Report, providing a global snapshot of how consumers interact with fries and potato products across different markets.

Conducted in partnership with Pollara Strategic Insights, the study surveyed 12,079 adults across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Argentina, Japan, China, India, Brazil and the Netherlands. The report found that French fries ranked as the favourite potato dish in every country surveyed. It also highlighted differences in meal occasions, flavour pairings, late-night consumption and social behaviours connected to fries. 
 

Argentina

Argentina recorded the strongest preference for fries among all countries surveyed and also led global late-night fry consumption. The report found that 49% of respondents selected fries as their favourite potato dish, while 84% reported eating fries after 10 p.m. In addition, 64% said they would share fries on a first date. 
 

United States

The United States ranked second for late-night fry consumption and recorded the highest rate of pairing fries with milkshakes. According to the report, 78% of respondents eat fries after 10 p.m., while 48% enjoy pairing fries with milkshakes. The survey also found that 54% of respondents share fries with their pets.
 

Canada

Canadian consumers showed a strong preference for straight-cut fries and regional dipping sauce variations. The report found that 35% preferred straight-cut fries, while dipping sauce preferences included ketchup, gravy and mayonnaise. In addition, 67% said double-dipping bothers them, although 44% admitted they do it themselves. 
 

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom stood out for fry-sharing behaviour and social dining habits. The report found that 42% of respondents would share fries on a first date, while 46% considered talking with a mouth full of fries a relationship "red flag." Fries also ranked ahead of roasted potatoes and mashed potatoes as the country's preferred potato dish. 
 

France

France recorded one of the highest levels of fry preference among all countries surveyed. The report found that 42% of respondents selected fries as their favourite potato dish, ahead of mashed potatoes and baked potatoes. In addition, 33% considered talking with a mouth full of fries a relationship "red flag." 
 

Netherlands

The Netherlands was the country most likely to make fries the centre of dinner rather than a side dish. According to the report, 41% of respondents reported fries are the main component of their evening meal. The same percentage also selected fries as their favourite potato dish. 
 

India

India recorded some of the most distinctive fry habits in the survey. The country reported the highest rates of double-dipping (75%) and dipping fries in chocolate (38%). India also ranked among the leading markets for late-night fry consumption, with 74% of respondents eating fries after 10 p.m. It was the only country where fries ranked ahead of hash browns as a preferred breakfast potato option. 
 

China

China emerged as one of the strongest markets for snack-based fry consumption. The report found that 49% of respondents consume fries as a snack between meals. Fries also ranked ahead of potato chips and stir-fried shredded potatoes as the preferred potato dish. 
 

Japan

Japan combined one of the highest preferences for fries with the lowest incidence of taking fries from another person's plate without permission. The report found that 48% selected fries as their favourite potato dish, while only 8% admitted taking fries from another person's plate. At the same time, 82% said they are annoyed when someone takes fries from their plate. 
 

Australia

Australia recorded the highest rate of pairing fries with ice cream among all countries surveyed, with 43% of respondents reporting they enjoy the combination. Fries also ranked as the favourite potato dish in the country, ahead of potato chips and mashed potatoes. 
 

Brazil

Brazil recorded the highest percentage of consumers willing to share fries on a first date. According to the report, 73% of respondents said they would do so. The survey also found that 44% selected fries as their favourite potato dish, one of the highest rates among all countries surveyed. 
 

Regenerative agriculture

Alongside the consumer findings, McCain Foods reported that 69% of its global potato acreage has been onboarded into the company's Regenerative Agriculture Framework. The company has committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of the acreage used to grow its potatoes by 2030. McCain also reported that it works with more than 4,400 farmers across six continents and supplies potato products to more than 160 countries worldwide.