I Tried 7 Store-Bought Instant Mashed Potatoes — One $3 Box Stood Out As the Closest to Homemade
There are plenty of things in life that we’re happy to make time for: catching up with our sisters on the phone, going on long walks through Brooklyn where food is always the final destination, and watching many episodes of Bob’s Burgers in a row. On the other hand, we’re not so fond of prepping mashed potatoes — washing, scrubbing, peeling, cutting, boiling, draining, mashing, etc. Are you now also overwhelmed?
Allow us to direct you to the solution to your potato fatigue, and one of our most beloved pantry staples: instant mashed potatoes. Instant mashed potatoes are cheap, pantry-friendly, and a surprisingly delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Made from potatoes and endlessly riffable, they’re as welcome on a weeknight (when you need a quick side) as they are on Thanksgiving.
The Best Instant Mashed Potatoes At-a-Glance
- Best Instant Mashed Potatoes: Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes
- Runner-Up: Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes
- Honorable Mention: 365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes
Not all instant mashed potatoes are created equal, though, so we did the arduous work of trying out as many varieties as we could find in order to provide you with the most comprehensive guide we could manage. Read on to see what happened during this epic spud showdown.
The Best Instant Mashed Potatoes: Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes
One taster said that, when she and her four siblings were kids, Idahoan was a go-to for her mom; it was a quick and cheap way to get dinner on the table. She was worried nostalgia might make her taste buds a bit biased, but when she compared all of the potatoes, Idahoan still stood out.
In spite of the fact that six out of seven samples had nearly identical ingredients (one brand contained onion powder, salt, and pepper in addition to the typical dehydrated potatoes and mono/diglycerides), we all agreed Idahoan had the earthiest, most natural-tasting potato flavor.
Following the box’s preparation instructions yielded a bowl full of soft, nicely hydrated potatoes (unlike some brands, whose instructions left me with stiff lumps). Bonus points for the fact that it’s on par with, or even cheaper than, its competitors. And considering the fact that we’ve seen Idahoan mashed potatoes sold in gas stations, you should have no trouble tracking down a box.
What’s So Great
- Strong potato flavor
- Soft
- Most budget-friendly
Good to Know
- N/A
Buy: Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes, $2.99 (on sale!) for 13.75 ounces at Instacart
Runner-Up: Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes
The flavor of Bob’s mashed potatoes was also great — ever so slightly sweet and almost creamy. Perhaps because Bob’s one ingredient is potatoes (no mono/diglycerides here!), the end result was super smooth and had a nice, velvety texture.
Bob’s instructions call for a bit more water than the others, making them smooth, but almost too thin. We think with a slightly different ratio of flakes to water they’d be much better. At $5.99, they’re also a bit more expensive than the rest of the competition (though last we checked, they were on sale for $2 cheaper). And they might be a little harder to find.
What’s So Great
- “Velvety”
- Slightly Sweet
Good to Know
- $$$
- On the thin side
Buy: Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, $3.99 (on sale!) for 16 ounces at Instacart
Honorable Mention: 365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes
You need only a handful of ingredients (water, butter, and milk) to transform these potato flakes into an incredibly silky, smooth and buttery bowl of mashed potatoes. Only a trained eye (and taste palate) could decipher this as an instant box mix!
We also love it because it’s made from just one ingredient: potatoes! We think that’s what yields such a homemade-tasting texture and flavor. Plus, without added emulsifiers, preservatives, and seasonings, these mashed potatoes are great for adding personal touches like garlic, rosemary, chives, and other seasonings.
What’s So Great
- Contains just one ingredient
- Smooth and creamy
- Personalizable
Good to Know
- Only 8 ounces
Buy: 365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes, $2.29 for 8 ounces at Amazon
How We Tested the Instant Mashed Potatoes
There are a few familiar brands you can find everywhere, and we knew this test would not be complete without them. We also got our hands on some private-label brands from some larger grocery stores, plus a handful of what one might consider more upscale options. In the name of fairness, we tested seven plain/original varieties, saving flavors like garlic and herb for another day.
We resisted the urge to cook all of these by eye, as I usually do, starting with an unmeasured amount of water and milk, a hunk of butter, and sprinkling enough potato flakes until it reaches the consistency we like. Instead, we followed the instructions on the box exactly, cooking two portions of each test.
If You’re Making Instant Mashed Potatoes, a Few Tips
- Embrace your inner rule-breaker: Box instructions are not necessarily the most reliable for ensuring the best outcome. Make adjustments that suit your taste and preferences for a smoother or thicker mashed potatoes.
- Get ready to riff: Leftover mashed potatoes are great for making homemade gnocchi, Peruvian causa, fried potato cakes, sculptures of your idols — or all of the above.
Do you have a favorite brand of instant mashed potatoes? Tell us below in the comments!
Did your favorite instant mashed potato mix make the list? Tell us about it in the comments below.