How many calories are in 200 g of Cooked potatoes?

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

A 200g serving of plain boiled potatoes contains approximately 156 to 174 calories, depending on whether the skin is included. Understanding how many calories are in 200 g of cooked potatoes requires considering the preparation method, as this significantly impacts the final nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 200g portion of cooked potatoes varies by preparation, with plain boiled or baked potatoes being lowest in calories, while mashing with butter and milk adds considerably more.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 200g of cooked potatoes depends on the cooking method and any added ingredients.
Lowest Calorie Method: Boiled potatoes with the skin on are the lowest in calories, at approximately 156 kcal per 200g.
Highest Calorie Method: Preparing mashed potatoes with butter and milk or roasting with oil adds significant calories, potentially exceeding 250 kcal for a 200g serving.
Nutrient-Dense Food: Plain potatoes are a healthy, nutrient-dense food, providing Vitamin C, potassium, and B6.
Glycemic Index Effect: Cooling cooked potatoes increases resistant starch, which can lower the glycemic index compared to eating them hot.
Mindful Toppings: Healthy potato preparation is key, as toppings and heavy additions are the main source of extra calories.

Calorie Count by Cooking Method

Potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable, but their calorie density is heavily influenced by how they are cooked. A 200g serving is a moderate portion size, often equivalent to one medium to large potato. The key factor is what, if anything, is added to the potatoes during cooking.

Boiled Potatoes (without additions)

For a 200g portion, boiled potatoes are one of the lowest-calorie options. If you boil them with the skin on, the calorie count is around 156 calories, alongside high fiber content. Boiling them without the skin slightly increases the calorie count to about 174 calories, with less fiber. Boiled potatoes are also rich in potassium and Vitamin B6.

Baked Potatoes (without additions)

Baking a potato also results in a relatively low-calorie dish, assuming no butter, cheese, or sour cream are added. A 200g baked potato with its skin contains roughly 186 calories. This preparation method preserves many nutrients, including a significant amount of fiber from the skin.

Mashed Potatoes

This is where the calorie count can increase dramatically. Simply mashing a potato with milk and butter can increase the calories per 200g serving. For example, a home-prepared mashed potato with added whole milk and margarine can reach up to 226 calories per 200g. The specific type and amount of milk, butter, or cream will cause further variation.

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes involve using oil, which raises the total calorie content. While the exact figure depends on the amount of oil used, a 200g portion of frozen roasted potatoes (with added salt during processing) contains approximately 260 calories. Home roasting with generous amounts of oil can push this number even higher.

Cooking Methods Comparison


Cooking Method (per 200g)	Approximate Calories	Macronutrient Breakdown	Key Takeaway
Boiled (with skin)	156 kcal	85% Carbs, 14% Protein, 1% Fat	High in fiber, lowest calorie option.
Boiled (without skin)	174 kcal	91% Carbs, 8% Protein, 1% Fat	Still low in calories, but less fiber.
Baked (with skin)	186 kcal	88% Carbs, 10% Protein, 1% Fat	Nutritious, especially with the skin left on.
Mashed (with butter/milk)	~226 kcal	60% Carbs, 7% Protein, 33% Fat	Significant calorie increase from fat additions.
Roasted (with oil)	~260 kcal	81% Carbs, 7% Protein, 13% Fat	Calorie content rises with added fats and oils.

The Role of Additives in Calorie Content

The primary driver of increased calories in cooked potatoes is not the potato itself but the ingredients added during preparation. Potatoes in their plain form (boiled, baked) are nutrient-dense and relatively low in calories and fat. The issue arises when high-fat additions are introduced. For instance, a medium potato with skin provides around 110 calories, but loading it with sour cream, cheese, and bacon can turn it into a high-calorie meal.

Nutrient Density and Health Benefits

Despite some concerns about carbohydrates, potatoes are packed with important nutrients. A medium potato is an excellent source of Vitamin C and a good source of potassium and Vitamin B6. The skin is particularly rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. This makes plain cooked potatoes a healthy and satisfying food choice.

Reducing the Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) of a potato can be high, particularly when baked. However, boiling and then cooling potatoes significantly increases their content of resistant starch, a form of carbohydrate that behaves more like fiber and reduces the GI. This makes a chilled potato salad, for example, a better option for blood sugar management than hot baked potatoes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 200g serving of cooked potatoes can range from roughly 156 to 260 calories or more, depending on the cooking method and added ingredients. For a healthy, lower-calorie option, plain boiled or baked potatoes are best. If you add fats like butter, oil, or cream, the calorie count will rise considerably. By being mindful of preparation, potatoes can remain a highly nutritious part of a balanced diet, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates.

For more information on the nutrient content of different foods, consult official resources like the USDA's food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain potatoes are healthy, fat-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and potassium. However, their healthiness decreases with high-fat additions like butter or sour cream.

The cooking method is crucial. Boiling and baking add minimal calories, while frying, mashing with butter and milk, or roasting with a lot of oil will significantly increase the calorie count.

Yes, potato skin contains a significant amount of fiber and other nutrients. Cooking potatoes with the skin on is a great way to boost your fiber intake.

Both sweet and white potatoes are nutrient-dense. While sweet potatoes are known for Vitamin A, white potatoes often have more potassium. The nutritional differences are minimal, and both are healthy choices.

Yes, you can include potatoes in a weight loss diet. Plain, cooked potatoes are relatively low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel full. The key is to be mindful of portion size and toppings.

The glycemic index (GI) of a potato depends on the cooking method and variety. A plain boiled potato has a GI of around 82, while a baked one can be higher. Cooling the potato after cooking can increase resistant starch and lower the GI.

From a blood sugar perspective, yes. When potatoes are boiled and then cooled, they develop more resistant starch, which lowers the GI. This makes cold potato salads a better option for managing blood sugar levels.