The promotion comes as fries remain one of the biggest reasons customers choose a fast-food restaurant.
McDonald’s is celebrating National French Fry Day by offering customers a free medium order of its iconic fries on July 10, as major fast-food chains prepare promotions around one of the food industry’s biggest unofficial holidays.
The offer is available exclusively to McDonald’s Rewards members who make a minimum $1 purchase through the McDonald’s mobile app at participating restaurants.
The promotion is limited to one redemption per customer.
How to Claim the Free Fries
To receive the offer, customers must:
- Be enrolled in McDonald’s Rewards.
- Place an order through the McDonald’s app.
- Spend at least $1.
- Redeem the offer on July 10.
The promotion applies to a free medium serving of World Famous Fries.
One of McDonald’s Most Popular Menu Items
According to the company, McDonald’s serves approximately 3.6 billion servings of fries every year, making them one of the brand’s most recognizable products worldwide.
The National French Fry Day promotion is part of McDonald’s broader strategy to encourage more customers to use its mobile app and loyalty program, which helps drive repeat visits while strengthening digital engagement.
By requiring only a small purchase, the company lowers the barrier for customers while encouraging app-based ordering.
National French Fry Day Continues to Grow
National French Fry Day began as an unofficial food holiday in the early 2000s.
Originally observed on July 13, it is now celebrated on the second Friday of July, which falls on July 10 this year.
What started as a niche celebration has evolved into a major annual marketing event, with restaurant chains using exclusive offers to attract customers, increase app downloads, and boost store traffic.
Fries Influence Where Customers Eat
Recent consumer research suggests fries play a bigger role in restaurant choice than many people realize.
According to a Checkers & Rally’s National Fry Audit, conducted among more than 2,000 U.S. adults:
- 82% said they have chosen a fast-food restaurant specifically because they wanted its fries.
- 63% said fry quality is either very important or extremely important when deciding where to eat.
The findings highlight how a signature side item can significantly influence consumer behavior and restaurant loyalty.
Other Fast-Food Chains Join the Celebration
Several restaurant brands are also introducing National French Fry Day promotions.
Checkers & Rally’s is offering:
- Buy one, get one free Famous Seasoned Fries (excluding Loaded Fries).
- A $1 sauce trio featuring its signature sauces.
The offers run from July 10 through July 12.
Meanwhile, White Castle is providing customers with free Cheese Fries when they place an order using the promo code “CHEESY” online, through the app, or in participating restaurants.
Chains including Burger King, Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Jack in the Box, which participated in previous years, are also expected to announce National French Fry Day promotions closer to the event.
Digital Loyalty Programs Drive Promotions
The growing popularity of National French Fry Day reflects how restaurant brands increasingly use limited-time offers to encourage customers to engage with their digital platforms.
For McDonald’s, the promotion not only celebrates one of its best-selling menu items but also strengthens customer participation in its Rewards ecosystem, which has become an important part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.
