Chick-fil-A has announced a significant change to its beloved waffle fries, introducing a new recipe that incorporates pea starch in its coating. The fast-food chain insists that this modification, aimed at enhancing crispiness, retains the same great taste while eliminating all nine major allergens, which has received mixed reactions from customers (source: USA Today).

However, loyal fans of Chick-fil-A have expressed their dissatisfaction with this update. Many consumers who have allergies to peas and pea protein have voiced their concerns. One frustrated customer remarked, “Please go back to the original fries. My daughter has an allergy to peas and pea protein,” indicating that the change has left her family unable to enjoy the restaurant's offerings (source: Salon).

Food reviewers have not held back either. One popular YouTuber, Daym Drops, described the new fries as “basic,” eliciting laughter and agreement from social media users who lamented about the change, with comments suggesting the fries taste like paper. Social media has been abuzz with discussions on the new recipe, with some users urging the company not to alter what they believe was an already perfect product. One user stated, “The people have spoken… why do companies have to mess with what works?”

This adjustment comes on the heels of another controversial move by Chick-fil-A, which last March announced a shift away from its commitment to use only antibiotic-free chicken. The company emphasized that the move would ensure a steady supply of high-quality chicken without compromising their service standards (source: Salon).

As the debate around the new waffle fries continues, it remains to be seen how Chick-fil-A will navigate this backlash from its dedicated customer base.