The unassuming mashed potato. To many of us, it’s more than an accompaniment; it’s a hug in a bowl, a creamy, comforting classic that brings to mind warmth, family reunions, and most dramatically, the holidays. While from-scratch mashed potatoes, painstakingly made with whole ingredients, are unquestionably a work of art, sometimes life intrudes. Whether you have a hectic schedule, time constraint, or simply do not feel like peeling, boiling, and mashing, the temptation of store-bought mashed potatoes is overwhelming. Yet with so many varieties jostling supermarket shelves – from chilled tubs to frozen packets and even instant flakes – how can you tell which are worthy of your valuable time, not to mention your hard-earned cash?
That is exactly the question I went about answering. Equipped with a spoon, a critical taste bud, and an absolute dedication to carbohydrate heaven, I went on an epic taste test, sorting through a broad range of premade, refrigerated, and instant mashed potato brands offered by different stores. My task was to sort out the real gems that could actually pose as homemade and heartlessly cut the ones that would be an affront to any plate, and especially one at a holiday table like Thanksgiving. We’re going to discuss the good, the bad, and the downright perplexing in the convenience mashed potato universe.
Come along with me as we dig up the shocking facts about convenience mashed potatoes. We’ll delve into everything from flavor profiles that went completely off-piste to textures that didn’t even make sense, leading you finally to choices that could actually wow your guests. Or at the very least, prevent you from culinary humiliation come that Thanksgiving dinner. Prepare to find out which brands receive a resounding ‘yes’ to quality and taste and those destined for your shelf, far, far from that dinner table. Let’s start the adventure through the land of mashed potatoes, starting with those who, unfortunately, missed the mark.
1. Stouffer’s Frozen Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
Placing last in one comprehensive lineup, Stouffer’s frozen homestyle mashed potatoes truly struggled to impress. The package promises cream and pepper, along with “real potatoes,” but the taste delivered quite a different story. Despite the ingredient list confirming the presence of real potatoes, the actual flavor profile simply didn’t compute with what one expects from mashed potatoes, or even potatoes in general.
Coming in last in one overall lineup, Stouffer’s frozen homestyle mashed potatoes really tried their best to disappoint. The box guarantees cream and pepper, and “real potatoes,” but the flavor that showed up was quite another story. Even though the ingredient list guaranteed the use of real potatoes, the flavor profile that came with it simply didn’t add up to what one would anticipate from mashed potatoes, or potatoes at all.
There was an earthy taste involved, but it surprisingly was not reminiscent of a root vegetable. Rather, the scent even went so far as to become a cauliflower substitute, and that was definitely an unexpected and off-putting departure from the classic potato experience. The texture also missed the mark; while light and airy, it shifted far towards an “instant mashed potato” feeling rather than anything even remotely like a home-cooked meal, which is a major misstep when looking for a convenient but honest side.
In addition, the nutritional value wasn’t so appealing, with 3/4 cup containing 480 milligrams of sodium in addition to 6 grams of protein. In the end, Stouffer’s just didn’t get that signature mashed potato taste, falling short of those essential flavor notes of butter, garlic, and even enough salt, leaving one with merely a straightforward “no” for this pre-prepped choice. This company definitely will not be adorning my Thanksgiving table.
2. Simply Potatoes Garlic Mashed
With their labeling implying “made from fresh potatoes” and an air of “homegrown and made with love,” Simply Potatoes at first glance appeared to be a winner, a presupposition that, alas, turned out to be very inaccurate. The particular garlic mashed variety selected for this review provided an overpowering and inordinate amount of garlic flavor that actually induced a puckered sensation in the cheeks and left a lingering, disagreeable aftertaste. It was as though the potato itself had been fully submerged and drowned in an ocean of overpowering garlic, covering up any inherent potato flavor.
With a brand that implies “made from fresh potatoes” and a perception of being “homegrown and made with love,” Simply Potatoes at first appeared like it was a surefire contender, an assumption which, sadly, turned out to be highly misguided. The particular garlic mashed selected for this sample yielded a tremendous and overwhelming garlic taste that literally puckered the cheeks and resulted in a lingering, nasty aftertaste. It was as though the potato itself was fully immersed and drowned in a world of overpowering garlic, eliminating any inherent potato flavor.
The one noticeable good thing for these mashed potatoes was that they were light and fluffy. Even this, though, was not without defect, as they seemed slightly “over whipped” in texture, which takes away from the preferred mouthfeel of mashed potatoes. While packed with a hefty 450 milligrams of sodium in only a 1/2 cup, though, it was obvious no addition of salt could save Simply Potatoes from their low ranking.
The taste memory of that ubiquitous garlic is, unfortunately, seared into memory in the most unpleasant way, so it is almost impossible to suggest this variety. If you’re in the market for a well-balanced, comforting side dish, this specific offering from Simply Potatoes will disappoint and is absolutely not appearing on any holiday dinner I’m having.
3. Good & Gather Yukon Gold Garlic Mashed
Target’s Good & Gather brand, specifically their Yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes made with whole milk and butter, caught attention with its promising packaging and a notable 470 milligrams of sodium in 1/2 cup. Initial hopes were high, and the visual presentation was surprisingly true to the picture on the box, which is often a rarity in the world of premade foods. When stirred, this choice was distinguished by its thickest texture among various competitors, implying a rich, filling meal.
Target’s Good & Gather line, in the form of their Yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes with whole milk and butter, impressed with its encouraging packaging and a significant 470 milligrams of sodium in 1/2 cup. Early expectations were high, and the visual appearance was surprisingly faithful to the box picture, which is not always the case in the realm of pre-made foods. When stirred, this choice was notable for boasting the thickness of consistency amongst a number of contenders, hinting at a dense, filling meal.
But the promise was soon lost with the first mouthful, as the whole of the taste was noticeably artificial. Although there was a whiff of butter and a strong garlic flavor, neither added to the sense of homemade or “real” quality. It was a sense of flavor that seemed to have been made up rather than cooked genuinely. The texture, though not good, was termed “okay,” and to me had a consistency similar to lumpy mash potatoes, which some people actually prefer to the silky smooth type.
Aside from these small positive aspects, Good & Gather’s product ended up being a disappointment. It only managed to beat the lowest-ranked brands, which says something regarding the general quality of lower-class premade dishes. This product, regrettably, ends up being included in the list of products that I myself would never buy again, revealing the still prevalent difficulty of discovering satisfying premade mashed potatoes.
4. Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
Bob Evans, a widely known brand, offered an oddball experience in the search for a good premade mashed potato. Its performances were inconsistent with different taste tests, tending to place in the middle tier most often but never really earning a “gold medal” ranking. In a review, it was described as having a gritty texture thicker than that of some of its competitors, but as a surprising twist, when it was mixed, the container could gel so that some potatoes were congealed while others were watery – a rather distasteful duality.
Bob Evans, one of the more recognized brands, offered a rather confusing experience in the search for a good premade mashed potato. Its performance was inconsistent from one taste test to the next, frequently finishing somewhere in the middle of the group, but never really reaching a “gold medal” category. In one test, it was criticized for a gritty texture that was thicker than some others, but surprisingly, when blended, the packaging would set, with some potatoes congealed and others still watery – a completely unattractive dichotomy.
For as inviting as it looked compared to some other candidates, though, mouthfeel was not quite up to snuff for a truly compelling experience. The flavor profile wasn’t faring much better, relying heavily on salt with a significant 460 milligrams of sodium in 1/2 cup. While this saltiness sometimes was a welcome respite from battling extremely garlicky competitors, it didn’t really bring the overall flavor up far enough. A mild plus was the noticeable pepper on the back end, providing a lacking element that most other brands did not have.
Another review of Bob Evans’ Original Mashed Potatoes saw them decidedly too “potato-forward,” with barely any traceable notes of butter, cream, or even sufficient salt. This reviewer said they tasted “downright healthy,” which, ironically, is the last thing anyone wants when enjoying the carb heaven of mashed potatoes. This would indicate that although their rich texture may be edible, the absence of richness makes them a lackluster dish on their own. They may be better utilized as a basis for other dishes such as shepherd’s pie, in which other foods can provide contrast and variety to their otherwise flat taste, instead of being presented as a centerpiece side dish. With these mixed but otherwise lukewarm reviews, Bob Evans is usually a brand to think of only “in a pinch,” hardly an outright recommendation for an excellent mashed potato experience.
5. Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes
In the case of instant mashed potatoes, their charm usually rests in how affordable they are, how fast they cook, and how long they last – aspects that Walmart’s Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes do not lack. They are very cheap and readily available, coming in a multitude of flavors and sizes. That being said, all of this convenience notwithstanding, Great Value sadly came very short where it truly counts: taste.
Instant mashed potatoes are usually appealing because of their affordable price, speedy cooking time, and lengthy shelf life – all features that Walmart’s Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes have in spades. They’re very cheap and convenient to access, in different sizes and flavorings. But even with all this ease, Great Value sadly did a miserable job where it counts: taste.
The brand’s plain mashed potatoes were called extremely bland, a likely result of the extremely conservative instructions that use a mere ⅛ teaspoon of salt per ⅔ cup of flakes. This being so sparingly seasoned, the product after preparation was not only dry and clumpy but also nauseatingly lumpy, with an almost doughy texture. The strongest criticism was that they had no discernible potato taste and, in a harsh indictment, were more reminiscent of the cardboard box they were packaged in.
With these notable flaws in taste and texture, Great Value Instant Mashed Potatoes clearly take last place among the instant options. They are the best example of what to steer clear of when craving a satisfying mashed potato experience, demonstrating that oftentimes, convenience just isn’t enough to make a purchase worth it, particularly when quality is so decidedly sacrificed. This isn’t even a candidate for any meal, let alone a holiday meal.
6. Amazon Fresh Instant Mashed Potatoes
The ease of shopping for groceries online, particularly with the availability of same-day or overnight delivery in larger markets, presents Amazon Fresh Instant Mashed Potatoes as a compelling option. Logically speaking, they are excellent value and convenient. But does their convenience outweigh their gastronomic detriments? Unfortunately, the response is heavily skewed towards no.
The convenience of online grocery ordering, particularly with the offerings of same-day or overnight delivery available in large markets, makes Amazon Fresh Instant Mashed Potatoes an interesting option. Logistically, from a purely practical perspective, they are excellent value and highly accessible. But the question remains: do practical benefits over their culinary limitations tip the scale? Unfortunately, the response is strongly no.
One immediate limitation is that Amazon Fresh appears to offer only a single variety of instant mashed potatoes. While this technically allows for personalization with added seasonings or cheeses, it also means extra items on your grocery list and additional effort on your part. Furthermore, this brand is exclusively available in a rather large, unwieldy 26.7-ounce package. This huge box not only is very hard to pour and measure accurately for small batch use, but it also takes up a lot of pantry real estate, something that can be a surprising inconvenience.
More seriously, the mixing instructions, which requested the same amount of water, milk, butter, salt, and potato flakes as less highly rated brands, every time produced a wet, grainy, and mostly tasteless product. Though it did have some approximation of potato taste – a step up from the absolute worst – a pot of Amazon Fresh Instant Mashed Potatoes will most certainly need a great deal of “doctoring” to be edible. This particular brand is a dramatic reminder that although convenience shopping via the internet makes purchasing a cinch, it does not necessarily mean a better product for your taste buds.
7. 365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes
The 365 by Whole Foods Market instant mashed potatoes product has a particular value proposition, which is mainly because of its list of only a single ingredient: dehydrated potatoes. Such purity, free from emulsifiers, preservatives, or added spices, makes it a great blank slate for culinary innovation. It appears ideally positioned to add body to soups, or as an element in more involved recipes such as mashed potato rolls, where the lack of pre-added items means that it won’t disrupt the fine balance of a recipe. Its somewhat limited availability, only at Whole Foods or online through Amazon, is a trivial obstacle for some.
The 365 by Whole Foods Market instant mashed potatoes brand has a point of difference that is mostly because of having a single-ingredient list: dehydrated potatoes. This simplicity, free from emulsifiers, preservatives, or extra seasonings, makes it a great blank slate for cooking imagination. It appears ideally suited for helping to thicken soups, or as an ingredient in more sophisticated dishes such as mashed potato rolls, where the lack of pre-added items guarantees that it won’t disrupt the fine balance of a recipe. Its relative unavailability, available only at Whole Foods or online through Amazon, is a slight inconvenience to some.
But the very same quality that makes it so adaptable a blank slate also turns out to be its worst enemy when made strictly from package directions. The instructions for 365 by Whole Foods Instant Mashed Potatoes leave out any mention of salt in the box itself or in the instructional process, using only water, butter, and milk along with the potato flakes. This egregious oversight creates a very dull bowl of mashed potatoes, mostly stripped of any inherent flavor. Although it certainly has a real potato flavor and has a nice texture that could actually fool someone into thinking it was homemade, the absolute absence of seasoning keeps it from reaching higher on the list.
While its potential for customization and good texture make it worthy, the fact that it needs major intervention to be palatable on its own keeps it low on the list. It’s a food for the serious cook who desires maximum control over the seasoning, not for someone who desires an easy, tasty, ready-to-use mashed potato option.
Now that we’ve braved the minefield of mashed potato disasters, it’s time to change the subject. Here’s where we reveal the real contenders, the hidden treasures and instant miracles that really took me by surprise. These are the brands that broke through my cynicism, providing a quality that easily could be confused with homemade, maybe even deceiving your most finicky Thanksgiving guests. Prepare to find out which of these options really deliver and could be in your holiday cooking lineup for good, saving you time and effort while not compromising that much-loved creamy, comforting taste.
8. Reser’s Main Street Bistro
I went into Reser’s Main St. Bistro with a pretty healthy level of curiosity, never having come across the brand before. I particularly picked up their steakhouse Yukon gold mashed potatoes, thinking of them as the perfect side to go with a perfectly grilled steak. That being said, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’d purchase them for any ordinary occasion, but they did manage to rise above the downright disappointing ones we talked about earlier, relegating them themselves to the top of the list by a great distance.
I visited Reser’s Main St. Bistro with a good deal of interest, never having had the brand before. I actually bought their steakhouse Yukon gold mashed potatoes, picturing them as the perfect side for a perfectly grilled steak. Although I wouldn’t go so far as to say I would repurchase them for an ordinary occasion, they did at least manage to rise above the actually disappointing ones we touched on earlier, positioning themselves up the rankings by a clear distance.
Notable was the balanced flavor of the garlic, a nice touch after some of the overpowering garlic attacks from other brands. But the overall taste was over-reliant on salt and pepper, with a whopping 480 milligrams of sodium in only a 1/2 cup. Not good, but not the worst I’d had that day, even though the inherent flavor of the potato was somewhat overpowered by milk, butter, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
The texture, I have to say, was the saving grace. They were dense and had a little bit of lumpiness to them, which actually made them feel more like they were made at home, like someone really made them that morning. While they may not be the headliner, these instant mashed potatoes from Reser’s can definitely help make a good meal, acting as a consistent base.
9. Haddar Instant Idaho Mashed Potatoes
Haddar Instant Idaho Mashed Potatoes kept popping up throughout my research, and I made the judgment that this well-known Kosher-certified brand was worth a taste. I’m glad I did. One obvious benefit that places Haddar above the rest is the absolute simplicity of measurement; filled in an easy-to-use canister, it avoids the typical messy splatters commonly incurred from pouring flakes out of a box. Even this minor detail already places it a step above in the instant potato market.
Haddar Instant Idaho Mashed Potatoes was a name that kept cropping up in my investigations, and I thought this Kosher-certified favorite was worth trying. I’m really glad I did. One instant benefit that tips Haddar ahead is the absolute convenience of measurement; contained in an easy-to-handle canister, it avoids the classic sloppy spills that all too often come with pouring flakes from a box. This little touch already gives it a head start in the world of instant potatoes.
The aroma and flavor were impressive. The recipe calls for a liberal ½ teaspoon of salt for each ⅔ cup of potato flakes, more salt than the other instant products that I compared, which is a commendable higher ratio of salt to potato flakes. This yielded seasonably delightful potatoes that filled the air with a tasty aroma while they waited for the taste test. Although they might have enjoyed a tad more butter since the recipe requested only 2 teaspoons, the end result was smoothly consistent, light, and pleasantly dense.
The primary limiting factor that hindered Haddar from reaching the top two positions was its cost and accessibility. Although easily found on Amazon, verifying its availability in physical stores was difficult. In addition, Haddar Instant Idaho Mashed Potatoes were significantly pricier than the vast majority of other varieties I tried, often running two to three times higher on average. If a Kosher-certified variety isn’t absolutely necessary, the price and wider availability of the top two brands may make them an overall better option.
10. Betty Crocker
Betty Crocker actually surprised me by taking the number two position in my instant mashed potato list. This brand has an enormous selection, with nine various flavors in addition to the unflavored, 100% Real version that I tested for this piece. Varieties such as Butter & Herb, Roasted Garlic & Cheddar, and even a specialty Sweet Potato mix using Russet and sweet potatoes with brown sugar speak to the versatility of the brand.
Betty Crocker really took me by surprise and landed in the number two position in my ranking of instant mashed potatoes. The brand features a huge range of options, with nine varieties of flavor beyond the unflavored, 100% Real option that I sampled for this story. Flavors such as Butter & Herb, Roasted Garlic & Cheddar, and even a distinctive Sweet Potato variety blending Russet and sweet potatoes with brown sugar reflect the brand’s versatility.
Availability is another huge plus for Betty Crocker; you can get this instant mashed potato product at just about any big-box grocery store, and it’s impressively cheap. While the unflavored type may be slightly harder to find than the more popular packages of flavored potatoes, I can say with good confidence that this specific flavor is well worth searching out. As I made my batch at home, I noted that the unflavored flakes were significantly smaller than the other brands. This slight variation led to a finished product that was incredibly soft, creamy, and divinely fluffy.
Granted, Betty Crocker instant mashed potatoes would be improved by a slightly higher seasoning than indicated on the box in order to achieve optimal flavor. But that’s exactly where their value is: the Betty Crocker 100% Real Mashed Potatoes give you a great, neutral start, inviting you to readily add additional cream and butter to taste. You can even get creative and turn a batch into rich loaded mashed potatoes, topped with cheese and crispy bacon. My spud-loving taste testers and I are in complete accord, placing Betty Crocker a very close second to the winner, calling it an unqualified runaway winner in tandem with the highest-rated instant mashed potato brand.
11. Idahoan
Though Idahoan is not the only instant mashed potato brand available, when you are traversing the shelves at some grocery stores, it can feel very much like it overpowers the landscape. This brand has been a pioneer in dehydrating potatoes since 1951, which means there’s a very high probability you’ve already enjoyed their mashed potatoes at some point. What sets Idahoan products apart is their commitment to quality; every single one is crafted using 100% real Idaho potatoes.
Although Idahoan isn’t necessarily the only instant mashed potato brand out there, when you’re wandering the shelves of some grocery stores, it’s easy to feel like it’s overwhelming the place. The company has been dehydrating potatoes since 1951, so there’s a pretty good chance you’ve already had their mashed potatoes at some point. What distinguishes Idahoan products is their dedication to quality; each and every one is made from 100% actual Idaho potatoes.
For those who don’t know, the difference of an “Idaho potato” isn’t simply place-based; it’s a designation like how Champagne has to come from its particular French area. In order for it to be called an Idaho potato, it really has to be cultivated in Idaho, so there is a certain guarantee. Idahoan offers an impressive selection, boasting nearly 20 different flavors of instant mashed potatoes. They also provide convenient microwavable single-serving cups of their most popular flavors, a truly smart choice if you’re not looking to feed a large crowd and just need a quick, comforting side.
The fluffy texture of this product was immediately apparent upon preparation. The mashed potatoes were consistently soft and smooth, yet they never felt heavy. Of all the instant brands that I put through my test run, Idahoan came the closest to mimicking the sensation of consuming real, homemade mashed potatoes. If what you’re craving is an actual potato taste, with a light feel and precisely the right dryness, you just can’t make a mistake with the Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes. Through my thorough test run, you simply will not find a better instant brand on the market.
12. Signature Select Mix + Match garlic mashed potatoes
Entering the highly desired top three, and with a product I would personally endorse, were Signature Select Mix + Match garlic mashed potatoes. This variety includes a well-thought-out combination of red bliss and Idaho potatoes, masterfully whipped with garlic, milk, and butter. Notably, no microwave instructions were included in the package, so those went directly into the oven, and I found myself wondering if this oven-baking process was part of what gave them their clearly superior quality over so many others.
Busting into the highly sought-after top three, and providing a product that I would actually be willing to endorse, were Signature Select Mix + Match garlic mashed potatoes. This option included a considerate mix of red bliss and Idaho potatoes, carefully whipped together with garlic, milk, and butter. Surprisingly, the package did not include microwave instructions, so they went directly into the oven, and I was wondering if this oven-baking technique added to their significantly higher quality than most others.
Signature Select impressed me with consistency. At first, they felt slightly gooey, but after they’d been mixed well and given a quick minute to sit, they firmed up in such a manner that it appeared much more natural-looking and desirable than the other brands. Perhaps most importantly, I could really taste the butter in this brand, with soft touches of garlic quietly making themselves known, instead of an overwhelming, nasty garlic attack. This well-balanced flavor profile was a much-welcome relief and a testament to good workmanship.
Maybe the best thing about these mashed potatoes, and something that really says it all, is their nutrition profile: in a 1/2 cup of these mashed potatoes, there is only 325 milligrams of sodium. This is considerably less than many of its rivals at no expense to taste. While I don’t have a whole lot else to say, good or bad, that reduced sodium content for a pre-prepped, frozen product is an enormous plus. If you ever find yourself in a bind and happen to be shopping at such chains as Shaw’s, Albertsons, or Safeway, picking up their Mix + Match option is a great pick for a fun, easy side.
Read more about: Unlock the Secret to the World’s Best Roast Potatoes (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
13. Whole Foods
Now, we’re really getting down to business, hailing the second-place winner in my ultimate premade mashed potato competition: Whole Foods. The label boldly stated that this product was “made with real potatoes,” and having tasted them, I can positively, unequivocally attest to that assertion. This specific type also contained whole milk, butter, and salt, each of which was beautifully incorporated and recognizable in each richly equilibrated bite, adding to a symphonic flavor.
Now, we’re really getting down to the nitty-gritty, feting the second-place finisher in my ultimate premade mashed potato competition: Whole Foods. The box prominently stated that this product was “made with real potatoes,” and having tried them, I can wholeheartedly, unambiguously verify that assertion. This specific variety also contained whole milk, butter, and salt, all of which were well incorporated and distinguishable in each expertly balanced mouthful, adding to a cohesive flavor.
The uniformity of these mashed potatoes was truly pretty comforting and homey, having the feel of what you would find in a high-end cafeteria situation – thick, nicely soft, and perfectly textured. They managed to hit the perfect balance, neither landing in the watery trap nor in the dry pasty textures typical of other pre-made versions. Most importantly, Whole Foods’ mashed potatoes were the first thing I tried that actually tasted like actual potatoes, offering that all-important earthy base perfectly enhanced by delicate hints of butter and just the right level of salt.
Nutritionally speaking, these are also a wise option, boasting only 400 milligrams of sodium in a 1/2 cup serving. You may ask yourself why they didn’t take the number one spot if they were that good, and the plain fact is that the top choice was just incrementally superior in some areas. But if you are a Whole Foods customer or suddenly need quality mashed potatoes, you really can’t go wrong with this one. Their neutral taste is also a great canvas to customize; think of taking them to the next level with a drizzle of garlic butter, a pat of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crunchy bacon bits and cheese. Whole Foods passed my stern premade mashed potato test conclusively.
14. Trader Joe’s frozen mashed potatoes
I have so much to say about Trader Joe’s frozen mashed potatoes. Being the sole frozen bag selection I grabbed, I actually laughed to myself while I headed to the checkout line, suspicion percolating. But I should have been better informed, particularly when it comes to TJ’s freezer-aisle innovations. Their reputation for quality frozen fare is always top-notch. Although my guard was already up, my trepidation only grew when I opened the bag. Upon opening, I found what can best be summed up as 1- to 2-inch tubes of solid frozen mashed potato – a site I had never before seen in my entire life.
I have a vast array of things to say about Trader Joe’s frozen mashed potatoes. Being the sole frozen bag product that I brought home, I literally laughed out loud to myself as I proceeded to the checkout line with skepticism in tow. However, I should have known better, particularly when one is dealing with freezer-shelf innovations from TJ’s. Their reputation for high-quality frozen fare is always top-notch. Although my guard was already up, my skepticism was only heightened after opening the bag. Within, I found what can only be called 1- to 2-inch tubes of frozen mashed potato – something I had never seen before in my life.
All the same, I carefully read the instructions for cooking, and I was completely amazed at the outcome. Prepared, these at first bizarre, frozen tubes became something that most resembled homemade mashed potatoes I have ever had from a ready-made source. I was delighted to find light hints of garlic wonderfully complemented by an authentic real butter flavor, genuinely making me feel as though I had crafted these from scratch right in my own kitchen.
When it came to taste, there was simply nothing else on this entire list that could rival Trader Joe’s. Although the texture wasn’t *quite* ideal – there was a mild, almost clay-like mouthfeel as opposed to Whole Foods’ silky smooth one – the unmatched flavor made it impossible for me to keep these in second place. The taste was far too excellent to be a runner-up. And here’s the most amazing, most shocking thing: a whole 1 cup of these frozen mashed potatoes has a whopping 250 milligrams of sodium. No joke, Trader Joe’s, I have no idea how you did it, but kudos to you. This is squarely the brand I’d use for Thanksgiving, and possibly even dupe the most pickiest palates into believing they were the real deal.
There you have it – a journey through the often-misunderstood world of premade mashed potatoes, from the truly forgettable to the surprisingly sublime. My mission was to sift through the convenience options and find those that truly deliver on the promise of comfort and flavor, worthy of a place on your holiday table. While some brands fall disappointingly flat, there are genuine stars that shine brightly, proving that sometimes, convenience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. So, the next time life gets a little too hectic for a full mashed potato marathon, know that there are excellent ready-to-serve options out there that truly do justice to this beloved classic. Happy mashing, or rather, happy serving!”
