Life

McDonald's Is Testing This Menu Item

by Erin McKelle

Are you a sweet potato fries fanatic? If yes, prepare for the best news you'll hear all day: McDonald's is testing sweet potato fries as a possible addition to its menu. On top of all-day breakfast and build-your-own burger kiosks, it's just one of many exciting changes the fast food chain has been making — although I don't think I'm alone when I say that sweet potato fries are definitely the best one.

The new offering is planned as a part of the ongoing Create Your Taste campaign, which gives customers more customizable options for their burger than a normal trip to a fast food restaurant might offer. The Twitter account catering to McDonald's restaurants in the Texas Panhandle made the announcement today — which makes sense, given that they're only being tested in locations in Armarillo (so if you want to eat some McD's sweet potato fries, you'll have to head to Texas for the time being). Interestingly, though, these fries have been available in Australian locations since 2014, so they're not a complete newbie item for McDonalds. The Down Under version look a little different from their American cousins, though; billed as "Sweet Potato Wedges," they're a ittle heftier than your average McDonald's matchstick fry.

Not convinced yet? Then take a look at these seven reasons that McD's sweet potato fries (and sweet potato fries in general) are a great idea.

1. Sweet Potatoes Have Tons Of Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are really, really good for you. They're a really healthy source of carbohydrates with benefits ranging from from potential anti-aging benefits to cancer prevention. They're also filled with antioxidants, they can help manage your blood sugar and digestion, and they have anti-inflammatory properties.

2. They Add A Hint of Sweetness To An Otherwise Savory Meal

That hint of sweetness can really help balance your palate. Yum.

3. Sweet Potatoes Are Incredibly Nutritious

Sweet potatoes have a ton of essential nutrients in them that can do wonders for your body. They're a good source of Vitamins A, C, D, and B6; they contain ironm which helps with white blood cell production; and they're packed with magnesium and potassium, which are both known to help regulate organ function and relieve stress. In short, sweet potatoes are very nutritious.

4. They Can Make Your Skin Beautiful

Thanks to their rich orange color, sweet potatoes contain high levels of carotenoids, which are known to help to fight disease, and improve vision. Plus, they'll also will help you to develop a natural glow. If you're already working on your tan for your winter getaway, stock up on sweet potatoes.

5. They Can Make You Feel Good

Sweet potatoes boost seratonin production, giving you a fabulous sense of well-being. Doesn't that feel great?

6. They're So Pretty!

Just look at that beautiful color! Just tell me that sweet potato fries are not more aesthetically pleasing than regular potatoes. I dare you.

7. They Taste Delicious

Isn't the most important part of food that it tastes good? Sweet potatoes have so much flavor in them that they really add a nice touch to many dishes (including french fries, obviously).

Images: jmackinnell/Flickr; Giphy (7)