Burger King is trying to make its french fries more enticing by making consumers feel less guilty about eating them, reports ABC News.  The franchise, currently the second leading burger chain, is releasing “Satisfries,” a lower calorie version of its current fries.  A standard order of small fries has 340 calories and its new, lower calorie counterpart has only 270.  The other difference between the two types of fries is that the lower calorie one is also crinkle-cut.

When asked how the calories have been reduced, Burger King says, that it has adjusted the proportions of different ingredients for the batter to block out more oil.  The company has declined to be more specific than that.  The other difference, the crinkle-cut shape, was largely put in place so that workers would be able to easily distinguish them from the regular fries when deep frying both types of fries together.  The Burger King Chief Marketing Officer noted that this was to make things as simple as possible.

The head of North American operations at Burger King said that the chain worked with one of its potato suppliers, McCain Foods, to develop the new, lower-calorie fries.  McCain Foods is not allowed to sell the fries to other fast food clients.  Also, other suppliers and fast food chains will likely have a tough time imitating the secret recipe.  Burger King focused on keeping the launch of “Satisfries” away from public attention.  Last week, select reporters were invited to preview a “top secret new product” at a hotel in New York City.  Once there, they were required to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to participate in the tasting.  Attendees were each served a carton of the fries that look and taste like any other fries, even leaving the familiar grease stains in their paper cartons.

Identifying lower calorie or healthier options at fast food chains can be a challenge.  Resources like Men’s Health provide a guide for options that should be selected at popular restaurants.  For example, at Taco Bell, the guide suggests choosing Fresco Soft Tacos, and at McDonald’s, people should select a Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich.  “Satisfries” follows a trend of offering lower calorie versions of existing products, much like the 100-calorie snack range.  By giving consumers options, they can continue to take advantage of the convenience of fast food restaurants without jeopardizing their health.  It is up to consumers to make healthier choices from the options offered.