Mashed potatoes top regional favorites on National Potato Day

A comfort food favorite

Tuesday, Aug. 19, marks National Potato Day, and a new survey highlights just how much Americans love the versatile vegetable. The Idaho Potato Commission partnered with YouGov to ask 3,000 Americans which potato dish brings people together in their hometowns.

Mashed and unmatched

Across the country, mashed potatoes were the undisputed No. 1 choice. For residents in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, 67 percent said mashed potatoes were their top dish, followed by potato salad and baked potatoes.

‘Potatoes are more than food, they’re part of our traditions,’ said Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. ‘From a beloved family casserole to a loaded potato bar at a Sunday football gathering, these dishes bring people together, celebrating both community and culture.’

A-peel-ing by generation

The survey revealed differences based on location and age:

1. Rural residents leaned toward classics like potato salad and au gratin potatoes.
2. Urban residents preferred adventurous dishes such as gnocchi, poutine and potato tacos.
3. Boomers overwhelmingly chose mashed potatoes and potato salad.
4. Gen Z respondents leaned toward potato tacos and poutine.

Rooted in tradition

According to the International Potato Center, more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes are grown worldwide. The Idaho Potato Commission says its state’s unique growing conditions make Idaho potatoes stand out for their texture and flavor.