Nando’s admits to serving McCain frozen chips

They aren't the same variety available on supermarket shelves

Nando’s was founded in 1987 in South Africa and has since expanded into around 30 countries where it has around 1,000 outlets (Nando's)

Nando’s might be one of the nation’s most beloved chain restaurants, but that doesn’t mean it's immune to taking advantage of a little convenience food every now and then.

After a former employee at the popular chain cast doubt over the freshness of the food, Nando’s has now confirmed they do in fact source their chips from McCain, the same brand available in supermarkets and known for its oven chips.

However, the chicken eatery has clarified that while the chips they use are developed with McCain, they are not the same ones available to the public.

“Our hugely popular chips are developed in partnership with McCain Food Services and the specific recipe is exclusive to Nando's," a spokesperson told the BBC.

"They aren't the same as their grocery products such as oven chips.”

Despite the fact that it is still almost impossible to recreate Nando’s chips at home, the news that the chips are not exclusively created by the chain has come as a shock to Nando’s aficionados everywhere.

“Nando's admitting to using McCain chips is the revelation of the year so far,” wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another described the chain as “proper cheeky” in light of the other revelations as told by the former employee in an interview with the Leicester Mercury, in which they claimed that the chicken arrives pre-marinated and the mythical black cards, which entitle diners to free food, are real.

However, some took to praising Nando’s for being savvy and using the popular chips.

“So Nando's using McCain’s chips, calm they are peng anyway.” wrote one person.

“Lol the amount of meals Nando's cook a min even in this UK who has time to be making chips from scratch. McCain chips are the bee's knees anyway,” added another.

The revelation comes days after Nando’s revealed they will start serving halloumi sticks, much to the delight of their fans.

“Nando’s doing halloumi sticks is the best news I’ve ever heard,” one person wrote on Twitter.