Chick-fil-A Reverts Waffle Fry Recipe After Customer Backlash Over Pea Starch

Chick-fil-A has removed pea starch from its Waffle Potato Fries following months of complaints from customers who said the ingredient altered the taste of the popular side dish. The change marks a reversal of a 2024 update intended to improve the fries’ texture.

The Initial Change and Customer Response

In late 2024, Chick-fil-A added pea starch to its waffle fry recipe, stating the adjustment was designed to aid the fries remain crispier for longer. However, the change was met with significant backlash from customers who claimed it negatively impacted the fries’ flavor. Some even likened the taste to that of dog food [1].

Customers took to social media platforms like Reddit and TikTok to voice their dissatisfaction. A Change.org petition demanding a return to the original recipe garnered 931 signatures as of March 4, 2026 [1]. Some customers even reported allergy concerns, as peas and peanuts are both legumes and can sometimes cause similar reactions [1].

The Reversal and Recent Recipe

Chick-fil-A has now quietly removed pea starch from the waffle fry recipe. The fries are now coated with a blend of modified starches derived from corn, potato, tapioca, and rice flour [3]. A customer support page on Chick-fil-A’s website confirms the updated recipe [3].

Many customers have already noticed the improvement. Social media posts indicate that the fries now taste closer to the original recipe [1].

Recent Menu Updates

This change comes after Chick-fil-A introduced new menu items to celebrate its 80th birthday, including the Frosted Soda, a blend of soda and Icedream. The company also recently unveiled Daybright, its first drinks-focused café, in the greater Atlanta area [1].