Today I’m diving into two hot topics in the snack world: Chick-fil-A’s recent waffle fry recipe change and several new Goldfish flavors. I’ve been hearing a lot of over-the-top reactions (some YouTubers are practically screaming about the new waffle fries) so I had to see for myself if the drama is warranted. Plus, I’m always game to check out new snack flavors, especially when they come in the form of Goldfish crisps and grahams. Let’s jump in!
Chick-fil-A’s “Infamous” Waffle Fries
First Impressions
I admit, I was a bit worried when I heard Chick-fil-A decided to tweak their beloved waffle fry recipe. They’ve added a new coating to make them stay crispy longer. In my video I stated that it was “pea starch” but I’ve also read that it’s pea flour or corn starch. The official website does state that it contains pea starch, however. Whatever what the new coating is, the most important thing is how it tastes! Honestly, I never thought anybody was clamoring for a new recipe. Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries were already a favorite of mine – crispy enough, packed with flavor, and totally addictive. Maybe not objectively the best fries out there, but always my favorite menu item when I’m there.
The Taste Test
I grabbed a fresh, hot bag and gave them a thorough taste test. My verdict? They’re not bad, but they’re definitely a little different. They still have some flavor, but it’s subtler. They also feel a bit drier. If you’re a die-hard waffle fry fan, you might notice that the hearty potato taste has shifted closer to a “raw potato” vibe. It’s almost like a frozen french fry that’s been heated up, rather than the rich, savory flavor I was used to before.
The Upside and the Downside
- Upside: They’re still edible, and if you didn’t eat a ton of the old version, you might not even notice. Plus, they do stay nice and crispy, which was presumably the goal.
- Downside: People who cherished the classic flavor are likely to feel let down. There’s less of that salty, comforting potato goodness, and more of a bland dryness.
Overall, it reminds me a bit of the infamous “New Coke” recipe switch from the 80s that no one asked for and most fans hated. The question is whether Chick-fil-A will eventually revert back if enough folks complain. I guess time (and sales numbers) will tell. For me, they’re still worth eating, but a bit less exciting than they were before.
Goldfish’s New Flavors
After that waffle fry test, I moved on to something fun: four new Goldfish flavors (with a fifth I couldn’t track down). I’m reviewing two new crisps: Barbecue and Spicy Dill Pickle, and two new grahams: Cinnamon Roll and Vanilla Cupcake.
Goldfish Crisps
- Spicy Dill Pickle
Right when I opened the bag, the pickle aroma practically hit me in the face. If you love pickles, this is a great sign. The flavor is strong, with a tangy dill punch followed by a nice spicy kick. They’re salty, vinegary, and definitely bold. I enjoyed them, but if you’re heat-averse, you might find that spice a little too aggressive. For me, it’s a winner. - Barbecue
This one’s a bit of a letdown if you’re hoping for a classic smoky barbecue taste. It’s more like a cross between barbecue sauce and ketchup, maybe leaning a bit sweeter than smoky. The flavor isn’t bad, but it’s not something I’d immediately identify as “barbecue.” I could see some people enjoying that mild sweetness, but if you want a real BBQ punch, you might be disappointed.
Goldfish Grahams
- Cinnamon Roll
These deliver a fairly decent cinnamon flavor, although I wish it were stronger. I get a hint of that cinnamon roll icing sweetness, but overall it’s mild. It’s basically a sweet graham cracker with a subdued cinnamon twist. Still tasty, but nothing that knocks my socks off. - Vanilla Cupcake
This one’s the weakest of the bunch. I barely taste vanilla, let alone cupcake. If you gave it to me in an unlabeled package, I’d just guess it was a plain graham cracker. There’s a slight sweetness, but no real “cupcake” flavor comes through.
Ranking the Goldfish
- #1: Spicy Dill Pickle Crisps: Bold, tangy, and exactly what it claims to be.
- #2: Cinnamon Roll Grahams: Nice cinnamon flavor, though mild.
- #3: Barbecue Crisps: Sweet but not really “barbecue.”
- #4: Vanilla Cupcake Grahams: Tastes like plain graham crackers with minimal flavor distinction.
Final Thoughts
After sampling both the new Chick-fil-A waffle fries and these fresh Goldfish flavors, I’ve got mixed feelings. Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries aren’t a total flop, but as someone who loved the old recipe, I can see why hardcore fans are complaining. They still have enough flavor to order, but it’s a step down from the classic recipe. I’m curious if Chick-fil-A will stick with this change or revert back once they get enough feedback from disgruntled fry enthusiasts.
As for Goldfish, the Spicy Dill Pickle is the standout, and you really can’t miss that tang and heat. Cinnamon Roll is pleasant, Barbecue is decent if you’re not picky about the flavor, and Vanilla Cupcake is a miss if you expect something more than a simple graham.
Are the new Chick-fil-A fries really that bad, or are people just overreacting? And have you discovered a new favorite Goldfish flavor in this latest lineup? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
Watch the full video review below.