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Food

Ore Ida fries win test in short order

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published June 28, 2006

My first child ate only homemade baby food. The idea of serving him fast food or something as unhealthy as french fries was out of the question. That was until he had a stomach virus one day and wasn't eating anything. I clearly remember my pediatrician saying, "Go get him some french fries and he'll be fine."

Nearly 13 years later, french fries are one of the basic food groups in my son's diet.

Needless to say, it was a happy day in our household when fries started showing up in the grocery store freezer.

Taster's Choice panelists were as delighted to try them. We sampled seven brands, taking them from the freezer to the oven. Something about baking them made us feel better about eating them, especially because most of the prepackaged fries could be broiled, pan fried or deep fried as well.

The top pick from our panelists was the one I most often grab at the store: Ore Ida $2.59 per bag.

Judges described the Ore Ida fries as "pretty." They had a nice, light golden color and a texture with just enough crunch. All five panelists said they would buy these fries, and they gave the brand 77 out of a possible 100 points.

"These have a soft center and a great shape," said one panelist.

Other panelists liked the size of the fries: longer and thinner than some brands.

The second choice was from Publix ($2.19 a bag). These fries received 65 points.

"These have a nice crunch, a good chew and a great caramel color," said one judge. Four of the five said they would buy the Publix store brand.

Close behind the Publix fries, with 64 points, was the GFS (Gordon Food Service) Marketplace brand of fries ($3.99). They were firm, crispy and nicely colored.

Three of the judges said they would buy these fries. The others said the fries were a bit too boring.

"They are blond and bland, like Nicollette Sheridan," said one.

Also sampled were frozen french fries by Kash n' Karry ($1.50); Albertsons ($5.69); and Wal-Mart ($2.35).

Panelists were: Nan Jensen, registered dietitian with Pinellas County Cooperative Extension Service; Bob Devin Jones, artistic director of Studio@620 personal chef Julie Overton; Gary Kawalec, chef-owner of Tampa Bay Supper Club in Safety Harbor; and Jim Yockey, aesthetician at Indulgence Medical Day Spa in St. Petersburg. All foods were tasted blind.

RANKINGS

No. 1: Ore Ida

No. 2: Publix

No. 3: GFS Marketplace

[Last modified June 27, 2006, 11:39:31]