McDonald’s to test flavored fries in Northern California

Fast food chain McDonald’s is testing out french fries with new seasonings in three Northern California cities.

McDonald’s restaurants in Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto on Friday began serving Shakin’ Flavor Fries in garlic parmesan, spicy buffalo or zesty ranch, the company said in a statement. The fries are also being tested in St. Louis.

Customers who order get regular fries and a bag of seasoniong, which they mix together in a separate fry bag.

The Shakin’ Flavor Fries have been popular for several years in Asia, where they are known as “Shake Shake,” McDonald’s said. The fries first debuted in 2005 in Hong Kong before expanding to other countries including China and India.

“This has been such a huge hit in Asia markets so we lobbied to bring this to the Sacramento market specifically so our guests can enjoy customizing their french fries,” McDonald’s restaurant owner Steve Ramirez said in a statement.

Starting Friday and running through the weekend, customers in the test markets will get a free bag of seasoning with any purchase of of french fries. The packets will later be available for purchase for 25 cents each.