Do Sweet Potatoes Count As Vegetables? The Definitive Answer

December 31, 2025 •

5 min read

Botanically, the sweet potato is a starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable from the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. This distinction often leads to confusion about how to classify it in our diet, especially when comparing it to other root crops. Understanding its classification is key to integrating it properly into a healthy eating plan.

Quick Summary

Yes, sweet potatoes count as vegetables. They are botanically classified as a root vegetable and are nutritionally placed in the starchy vegetable subgroup, valued for their fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Points

Botanically a Root Vegetable: Sweet potatoes are the edible storage roots of the Ipomoea batatas plant, placing them firmly in the vegetable category.
Nutritionally a Starchy Vegetable: Dietary guidelines classify sweet potatoes as a starchy vegetable, noting their higher carbohydrate and calorie content relative to non-starchy options.
Distinct from True Yams and Potatoes: Sweet potatoes belong to a completely different plant family than both true yams and common potatoes, offering unique nutritional profiles.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber: They are an excellent source of beta-carotene (converted to Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and fiber, contributing significantly to a healthy diet.
Source of Antioxidants: Particularly in purple varieties, sweet potatoes contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins that help protect the body's cells from damage.
Higher Sugar, Lower Starch than White Potatoes: Compared to white potatoes, sweet potatoes contain more natural sugars and less starch, influencing their glycemic index.
Mislabeling Causes Confusion: The common practice of calling orange-fleshed sweet potatoes "yams" is a marketing tactic that has led to widespread confusion between the two distinct vegetables.

The Botanical Classification of Sweet Potatoes

From a scientific perspective, the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is unequivocally a vegetable. It is the enlarged, fleshy storage root of a plant in the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, and is only distantly related to the common potato (Solanum tuberosum), which belongs to the nightshade family. Its status as a vegetable is based on this botanical origin, as it is the root of the plant, not a fruit or a seed.

Unlike fruits, which develop from the flower's ovary and contain seeds, the sweet potato's edible portion is the modified root system. Its young leaves and shoots are also edible and sometimes consumed as greens, reinforcing its identity as a vegetable.

Nutritional Grouping: A Starchy Vegetable

While botanists classify sweet potatoes as a root vegetable, nutritional experts further refine this definition. According to guidelines like the USDA's MyPlate, sweet potatoes fall into the "red and orange vegetables" and "starchy vegetables" subgroups. This classification is based on their nutrient profile, distinguishing them from less-starchy varieties like leafy greens or cruciferous vegetables.

What does 'Starchy' mean?

As a starchy vegetable, sweet potatoes contain higher levels of carbohydrates and calories compared to non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. However, this is not a negative trait. The carbohydrates provide energy, and the fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness. Sweet potatoes are also a significant source of other essential nutrients.

Key nutrients:
- Vitamin A: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function.
- Vitamin C: A good source of this antioxidant, which aids in healing and immune support.
- Fiber: Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, beneficial for gut health and digestion.
- Potassium: An important mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, particularly the purple varieties which contain high levels of anthocyanins that help protect cells from damage.

Sweet Potatoes vs. Other Root Crops: Avoiding Confusion

One of the main sources of confusion surrounding sweet potatoes is their comparison to regular potatoes and, more commonly, true yams. Both are distinct plants with unique characteristics.

Sweet Potato vs. True Yam

Despite the frequent and often incorrect labeling in North American markets, true yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. They belong to entirely different plant families. True yams are tubers from a tropical vine (Dioscorea) and have a rough, bark-like skin and a starchier, drier texture than sweet potatoes. The confusion originated when producers began marketing the softer, orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties as "yams" to differentiate them from the drier, paler varieties.

Sweet Potato vs. White Potato

While both sweet potatoes and white potatoes are starchy and rich in nutrients, they come from different botanical families. They also offer distinct nutrient profiles. For instance, sweet potatoes contain significantly more vitamin A, while white potatoes are higher in potassium. A balanced diet can include both to reap the full range of benefits.

Comparison of Key Tuberous Vegetables


Feature	Sweet Potato	White Potato	True Yam
Botanical Family	Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory)	Solanaceae (Nightshade)	Dioscoreaceae (Yam Family)
Origin	Central/South America	Andes of South America	Africa and Asia
Texture & Flavor	Sweet, moist to creamy flesh	Starchy, fluffy to creamy flesh	Starchy, drier, and less sweet
Appearance	Tapered shape, smooth skin (various colors), flesh is orange, white, purple	Round to oval, thin skin (brown, red, white), white flesh	Cylindrical shape, rough, bark-like skin
Key Nutrient Advantage	Rich in Vitamin A and C	High in Potassium and B vitamins	Good source of Vitamin B6 and Potassium
Nutritional Group	Red/Orange and Starchy Vegetable	Starchy Vegetable	Depends on context; starchy root

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, do sweet potatoes count as vegetables? The answer is a clear yes. Both botanically and nutritionally, the sweet potato is classified as a vegetable, specifically a starchy root vegetable. This doesn't detract from its nutritional value, but rather helps categorize its benefits and differentiate it from other root crops like the true yam. By understanding its correct classification, home cooks and nutrition enthusiasts can better appreciate its role as a versatile and nutrient-dense component of a healthy diet, not to mention use it correctly in recipes. Its rich stores of vitamins, minerals, and fiber make it an excellent choice for a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes. For further nutritional information, exploring sources like the National Institutes of Health can be highly beneficial.

Fun Facts About Sweet Potatoes

Not a Potato: Despite the shared name, sweet potatoes are not a botanical relative of the white potato, belonging to the morning glory family instead.
High in Antioxidants: Purple sweet potatoes get their vibrant color from anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body's cells.
Leaves are Edible: The young shoots and leaves of the sweet potato plant can be eaten as a leafy green vegetable.
Versatile in Cooking: Sweet potatoes can be prepared in both savory and sweet dishes, from baked goods and pies to fries and mashes.
Excellent Vitamin Source: A single medium-sized sweet potato provides over 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, converted from its beta-carotene content.
Natural Transgenic Crop: The genome of cultivated sweet potatoes contains sequences of DNA from a type of bacteria, making it the first known naturally transgenic food crop.
Different from Yams: True yams are a separate species with different texture, appearance, and flavor, despite common mislabeling in grocery stores.

What are the key differences between sweet potatoes and yams?

Sweet potatoes and true yams are different vegetables from distinct botanical families. Sweet potatoes (family Convolvulaceae) have smoother skin and a sweeter, creamier interior, while true yams (family Dioscoreaceae) have rough, bark-like skin and a starchier, drier flesh.

Why are sweet potatoes called 'yams' in some parts of the US?

The mislabeling of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes as "yams" began in the 1930s by Louisiana farmers to distinguish their product from the paler-fleshed varieties grown elsewhere. The term was adopted from enslaved Africans who saw a resemblance to true yams from their homeland.

Is sweet potato a root or a tuber?

Botanically, the sweet potato is a tuberous root. This differs from the common potato, which is a stem tuber. Tuberous roots are enlarged fleshy roots, while stem tubers are thickened portions of the stem.

Do sweet potatoes provide the same nutrients as regular potatoes?

While both are nutritious, they offer different nutrient profiles. Sweet potatoes are an outstanding source of Vitamin A and also provide more Vitamin C and fiber, while white potatoes are significantly higher in potassium.

Is it healthier to eat sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Not necessarily. Both are healthy and provide different benefits. The best approach is to include both in a varied diet to take advantage of their unique nutrient compositions. Preparation method also matters; baking or roasting is healthier than deep-frying.

Why are sweet potatoes classified as a starchy vegetable?

Sweet potatoes are classified as a starchy vegetable because they are higher in carbohydrates and calories compared to non-starchy vegetables. This does not mean they are unhealthy; they are still rich in fiber and essential vitamins.

Are sweet potatoes and purple sweet potatoes the same?

Purple sweet potatoes are a specific cultivar of the sweet potato species, just like orange-fleshed and pale-fleshed varieties. Their primary difference is their antioxidant content; purple varieties are rich in anthocyanins, which provide their color and offer additional health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sweet potatoes are definitively counted as vegetables. Both botanically and nutritionally, they are classified as root vegetables and specifically placed in the starchy vegetable subgroup by nutritional guidelines like the USDA's MyPlate.

No, sweet potatoes and regular (white) potatoes are not the same and belong to different plant families. While both are starchy vegetables, they have different nutritional profiles and come from unrelated plants.

No, sweet potatoes are entirely different from true yams. True yams are tubers with rough, bark-like skin and a drier, starchier flesh, while sweet potatoes have smooth skin and a sweeter, moist texture. The terms are often confused in US markets due to mislabeling.

According to the USDA's MyPlate, sweet potatoes belong to both the 'red and orange vegetables' and 'starchy vegetables' subgroups. This classification reflects their high content of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and carbohydrates.

Yes, sweet potatoes are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health, promoting regularity, and contributing to feelings of fullness.

The glycemic index (GI) of sweet potatoes varies depending on the cooking method. While some baked preparations can have a medium-to-high GI, boiling tends to result in a lower GI. Their fiber content helps moderate blood sugar spikes.

Yes, the young leaves and shoots of the sweet potato plant are edible and are often prepared as greens in various cuisines around the world. They are a source of vitamins and minerals.

Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are nutritious and can be part of a healthy diet. The 'healthier' choice depends on your nutritional goals, as they offer different key nutrients. Sweet potatoes provide more Vitamin A, while regular potatoes contain more potassium.

Purple sweet potatoes contain high levels of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that is responsible for their distinctive purple color. These compounds may also provide additional health benefits.