November 30/Miami/International Business Times-- Burger King plans to roll out new-and-improved French fries next week, as competition from rival fast-food chains rises.

As part of the comprehensive menu enhancements put into place by the new owner 3G Capital, the new fries offer a thicker cut of potato, which has a “more fluffy, wholesome” flavor on the inside and is golden-brown and crispy on the outside. The added coating ensures that the fries remain hot for a longer time. They also have 20% less sodium than the previous fries. The fries are cooked in trans fat-free vegetable oil and do not contain animal products, Burger King said.

The new fries will be introduced in about 7,000 Burger King restaurants across North America by December 5, the company said. To help promote the debut, the chain is planning to offer a free small value portion of fries to customers on December 16, with no purchase necessary.

"With the launch of our new fries, the home of America's favorite burger now has the best fries in the business," said Leo Leon, vice president, global innovation, Burger King Corp.

The new fries will be available outside the U.S. in 2012.

 From the December 1, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.