McDonald's testing seasoned 'Shakin' Flavor Fries' in the United States

Even the iconic McDonald's french fry, a linchpin to the fast-food giant's multibillion-dollar success, is getting a second look as the company seeks new product hits.

On Thursday, the same day McDonald's announced that domestic sales were flat in April, the company confirmed to USA TODAY that it will begin testing seasoned fries -- dubbed Shakin' Flavor Fries -- on Friday in the Northern California and St. Louis markets.

The seasonings: Garlic Parmesan, Zesty Ranch and Spicy Buffalo. But here's the rub: You don't buy the fries pre-seasoned. Instead, they come with special packets of seasoning that consumers are advised to open, pour and shake into a specially made mixing bag. Imprinted on the bags: "Seasoned fries. Shake your taste buds."

The concept, which debuted in some of its Hong Kong restaurants nearly a decade ago, where it's known as "Shake Shake," has since spread to many McDonald's locations in China, India and Australia, says spokeswoman Lisa McComb.

"As with all tests, we aren't in a position to draw conclusions or make assumptions about the test, since it is just beginning," McComb says.
 

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Here is how McDonald's presented the Shake Shake Fries in India more than 5 years ago.