Are Americans Giving up French Fries?

America is eating fewer french fries, according to a recently released data from the consumer market research firm NPD Group.

It doesn't hold true in my universe; I order them whenever I can; if they're cooked in duck fat, as they are at Boca in Novato or Spruce and Orson in San Francisco, I'm always tempted to order two.

According to an article in Nation's Restaurant News, french fry sales have been declining since 2006, but they've taken a huge dive this year. In the first quarter of 2008, sales were down 7 percent. That's a staggering amount when you figure restaurants serve about two billion orders a year.

The story went on to explain that 89 percent of sales can be attributed to quick-service restaurants, particularly hamburger chains such as McDonald's. However, midscale restaurants were down even more: 10 percent. All age groups contributed to the decline, the study shows, but the biggest dip was in the 18- to 24-year-old age group, and children under 6.

What it shows is that the word is out about healthful eating. Parents are watching what their young children eat, and young adults have obviously gotten the message, too.

Yes, and for those quick to criticize, I have, too. I promise not to order them more than three times a week.

[Via SF Gate]