The Best Thing Jack’s Done In Years? These Chili Crisp Curly Fries

Photo: Jack In The Box

Jack in the Box’s new Flavored Seasoned Curly Fries—specifically the Chili Crisp one, because the BBQ Potato Chip flavor didn’t come close—may be the best thing that Jack’s come out with in years.

Yes, there was the much-hyped campaign around the Smashed Jack burgers. I tried them. And sure, they weren’t bad. The “smash-sear” didn’t quite hit the grill mark like these fries do. Solid swing, but the Chili Crisp Curly Fries are a walk off grand slam in game 7 of the World Series. The Buttery Jack? The Tiny Tacos? Okay—those are a strong 1B.

Never mind the chili crisp oil boom that’s had food folks in a spicy chokehold for nearly a decade. Let’s just look at this objectively. Jack in the Box’s classic Seasoned Curly Fries have always been top-tier. Golden brown, always crispy, and dusted with that signature seasoning that somehow satisfies every kind of craving. Late-night munchies? Curly fries got it. Midday hunger pangs? Handled. They were built to show up. And those tight curls are just so damn fun to behold. You get one of the extra long ones with curls tighter than anything NWA rocked? Consider your day made.

Now imagine coating that already-great base with chili crisp oil—unctuous, spicy, crunchy. That kind of texture and heat combo that makes your brain pause for a second just to appreciate what your mouth’s experiencing. The flavor hits, the textures click, and suddenly you’re not just eating fries—you’re making a memory.

And boom: now you’ve got the best fries in fast food right now. No contest.

It’s been an experimental era for Mr. Box — testing new ideas, seeing what resonates. Chicken wings. Popcorn chicken. Boba (not for everyone—texture folks, you get me). Some have landed, some were swings. But this? This one sticks, and then some. One bite into those crispy, slightly sizzling grooves and I knew—this was it.

These are French fries evolved. A side dish stepping up to sing lead. Jack Box’s latest magnum opus—joining the ranks of the Sourdough Jack, the all-day breakfast menu, and yes, those Tiny Tacos.

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