McCain Spud Report highlights India’s growing love for fries and late-night snacking

Ahead of International Potato Day on May 30, McCain Foods released the inaugural McCain Spud Report, a global consumer study exploring how people enjoy fries and potatoes in their everyday lives.

Conducted with Pollara Strategic Insights across 11 countries and more than 12,000 respondents, including over 1,000 consumers from India, the report examines evolving snacking habits, comfort eating trends and consumer behaviours related to potato products. 
 

India shows strong preference for fries

According to the report, French fries emerged as the favourite potato dish among Indian consumers, preferred by 36% of respondents.

India also ranked among the leading markets globally for late-night fry consumption, with nearly 74% of respondents admitting to eating fries after 10 p.m. 
Charlie Angelakos, Vice President, Global External Affairs and Sustainability, McCain Foods:

"The McCain Spud Report highlights how fries have become more than just a food item. They are part of shared experiences, comfort moments and everyday rituals across cultures."

Experimental fry pairings in India

The report highlighted a strong tendency among Indian consumers to experiment with fries and flavour pairings. While 19% of respondents globally reported dipping fries in chocolate, the figure reached 38% in India.

Additional findings showed that:

• 37% pair fries with ice cream
• 36% enjoy fries with milkshakes
• 51% share fries with their pets

Fries as a social experience

The findings also showed how fries are associated with social occasions in India. Around 65% of respondents said they would share fries on a first date, while 44% considered refusing to share fries a relationship "red flag."

India was also the only market surveyed where fries ranked ahead of hash browns as a preferred breakfast potato option. 

Shreyashi Keshri, Head of Marketing:

"What stands out in India is the spirit of experimentation and the role fries play across occasions, whether as a late-night craving, a quick snack or something shared with friends and family."

Focus on sustainable potato farming

The report also highlighted McCain Foods’ sustainability targets, including the company’s objective to implement regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of the acreage used to grow its potatoes by 2030.