Here’s everything you need to know about Five Guys fry bags—and why this change makes your fresh-cut fries even better.
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We’re switching to fry bags to ensure your fries stay fresh. Here’s everything you need to know about Five Guys fry bags—and why this change makes your fresh-cut fries even better.
Why is Five Guys switching from fry cups to fry bags?
This decision wasn’t made lightly. At Five Guys, we’re obsessed with serving you the best possible fries, and that means constantly evaluating every detail of how we prepare and serve them. This change is being made to cut down on waste and preserve the freshness and quality of our hand-cut fries.
“The fry bags provide better quality over a longer period of time compared to the cups. This especially benefits our takeout and delivery customers.”
Nick McDuffee, Five Guys’ Purchasing Manager and Fry Bag Expert
The bags allow air to circulate better, which means fresher fries, especially for delivery and takeout customers. Same portions, same great fries—just a smarter package that’s also better for the environment. The grease-resistant paper actually wicks excess oil away from the fries. You may see more oil on the bag, but that means less oil on your fries.
What are Five Guys fry bags made of?
Five Guys fry bags are made from biodegradable natural kraft paper. They’re food-grade, grease-proof, and completely free of BPA and PFAS, meet all regulatory requirements in the US and Canada and use less material compared to our fry cups.
Bottom line: they’re safe for your food!
How did Five Guys test the new fry bags?
We first tested these bags during our expansion into Korea, where packaging waste laws required us to rethink our fry containers. And here’s what we discovered: the bags not only reduced waste, but they also kept our fries fresher.
The increased air circulation prevents steam from making fries soggy, and the tear-resistant material holds up better than cups during delivery. We loved the results so much, we decided to bring them to the U.S.
“We went to our stores, worked with our crews, and tested in real conditions. Dine-in, carry-out, delivery—we covered everything because we needed to know these bags would work for all our customers. It was a lot of work, but when you care about quality the way we do, you don’t cut corners on testing.” -Cesar Ordonez, Five Guys Initiative Rollout Director
How do fry bags improve the quality of Five Guys fries?
It’s all about airflow and oil management. Five Guys fry bags are lightweight, durable, which helps prevent your fresh-cut fries from becoming soggy during transport.
The paper absorbs excess grease while maintaining its structure. You might notice more oil on the bag—this is actually a good thing since the bag is pulling oil away from your fries, keeping them fresher and crispier. When you’re eating hand-cut potatoes fried in pure peanut oil, every fry should be consistent.
Will my Five Guys fry portions change with the new bags?
Absolutely not. You’re getting the exact same portions, just in a bag instead of a cup. A regular fry is the same size as always—and yes, we still throw in those extra scoops. That’s just who we are.
Here’s how serious we were about getting this right: Our Fry Bag Expert, Nick McDuffee, and the team went in-store with paper, scissors, and tape to create a replica of our fry cup. They took that prototype to vendors to ensure the bags would hold the exact same volume as our cups. We ensured the bags hold the exact same volume, accounting only for the natural stretching once fries are added.
Rest assured that our portion sizes haven’t changed as part of this switch. Same generous portions you know and love.
What sizes do Five Guys fry bags come in?
Five Guys fry bags come in the same sizes as our fry cups: Little, Regular, and Large. Nothing changes except the container.
Can I use Five Guys fry bags in the microwave, freezer, or oven?
No. Five Guys fry bags should not be used in microwaves, freezers, or ovens. The bag should be discarded after use and should not be used when reheating fries at home. (Though let’s be honest—leftover Five Guys fries never last long enough to reheat anyway.)
Are fry bags reusable?
No, Five Guys fry bags are not reusable. They’re designed for single use to maintain food safety and quality standards.
When will Five Guys fry bags arrive at my location?
We’re rolling out fry bags gradually at Five Guys locations nationwide over the coming months. This phased approach lets us ensure a smooth transition while maintaining our quality standards at every single restaurant.
Some stores may already be using bags. Others will transition in the weeks and months ahead. Visit your local Five Guys to see if they have made the switch.
What else is changing about Five Guys fries?
Nothing. Same fresh potatoes, hand-cut in-store every day. Same pure peanut oil. Same boardwalk-style double-frying technique. The only thing changing is the container. Everything else about your Five Guys fries experience stays exactly the same: made fresh to order, every single time.
What if I have more questions about Five Guys fry bags or menu changes?
We get it—people are passionate about their fries. If you have questions, you’ve got options:
Check out our FAQ page for answers to common questions about our food, ingredients, and cooking methods.
Ask your crew the next time you visit—they know our fries inside and out.
