Is 6 Fries the Ideal Serving? Harvard Professor Says Yes, but the Internet Answers Back with Nope

When it comes to fries, I’m a firm believer in more is more. However, a Harvard professor would argue this number is absurd and that the correct serving size of delicious French fries is actually six. Just six lonely fries. While we are all aware that fries don’t fall into the healthy food category, the internet’s reaction to the six fry maximum is deliciously hilarious.

It all started with a New York Times article that discussed how unhealthy the popular side dish really is, and Dr. Eric Rimm, who is a professor at Harvard University's departments of epidemiology and nutrition, weighed in. He suggested we should all exercise portion control so that we can still have a few tasty fries without all of the unhealthy consequences. He says portion control is key — major portion control.

“There aren’t a lot of people who are sending back three-quarters of an order of French fries,” Dr. Rimm said. “I think it would be nice if your meal came with a side salad and six French fries.”

While it often seems that the internet can’t agree on a lot, Twitter users came together to give a big “nope” to Dr. Rimm and his six-fry theory.

Here are a few of our favorite responses:

Dr. Rimm was surprised by the backlash and was quick to respond the fry controversy he created. “[It] hit a vulnerable spot with the Twittersphere,” he said to USA Today. “I hope a few creative chefs and restaurateurs are listening.”

He also added that his portion control idea came from the major calories fry lovers can consume in just one meal because some servings of fries carry the same calories as three to four cans of soda.

Whether you like your fries curly, waffle, straight or even as a tater tot, are you willing to eat just six? Tell us in the comments!