How many WW points are in red potatoes?

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the most recent Weight Watchers (WW) program updates for 2025, potatoes have been added to the ZeroPoint food list. This means that prepared red potatoes, as long as they are cooked without added oils or fats, have zero WW points.

Quick Summary

Red potatoes are zero points on the Weight Watchers plan, provided they are prepared without added oils or fats. This zero-point status applies to many varieties of potatoes when cooked appropriately. The points are added by the cooking method, not the potato itself, and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Key Points

ZeroPoint Status: Red potatoes are a ZeroPoint food on most current WW plans.
Preparation Matters: This zero-point value is only valid if the potatoes are cooked without added oils, butter, or fats.
Cooking Methods: Boiled, baked, and air-fried red potatoes using minimal to no oil are zero points.
Zero-Point Additions: Mashed potatoes can be zero points if prepared with fat-free milk or broth instead of butter and cream.
Points for Toppings: The points come from high-fat toppings, not the potato itself.
Nutritional Value: Red potatoes are rich in potassium, Vitamin C, and fiber, especially when the skin is eaten.
Diabetic Plan Exception: The ZeroPoint rule does not apply to potatoes for members on the Diabetic Plan.

Why are red potatoes zero WW points?

For many Weight Watchers members, potatoes previously counted toward their daily point total, so the shift to a ZeroPoint food in the latest program has been a significant change. This update is based on nutritional science that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods that are difficult to overeat. Red potatoes are a naturally nutrient-dense and satiating food, packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, particularly in their skin. The WW program now encourages eating these healthy, whole foods without having to track points.

The key to this zero-point classification lies in the preparation. As long as the red potatoes are baked, boiled, or roasted using methods that do not add extra fat or points, they remain on the ZeroPoint list. The moment you add high-fat ingredients like butter, oil, sour cream, or cheese, the points accumulate based on those additions, not the potato itself. This empowers members to build filling, healthy meals around naturally wholesome foods like potatoes, without compromising their point budget.

What types of potato are ZeroPoints?

This ZeroPoint status isn't limited to just red potatoes. WW has expanded this to include all types of potatoes, providing they are cooked without additional fats or sugars.

White Potatoes: Standard white potatoes are included on the ZeroPoint list.
Sweet Potatoes: A popular and nutrient-rich option, sweet potatoes are also ZeroPoints.
Yukon Gold: Known for their buttery texture, these are also zero points when prepared correctly.
Purple Potatoes: These colorful potatoes, rich in antioxidants, are also on the list.

The zero-point classification is part of a broader list that also includes oats, certain lean meats, and starchy vegetables, allowing for more dietary flexibility and satisfaction.

The difference between zero and not-zero point potatoes

The main distinction comes down to what is added during the cooking process. A plain boiled potato is zero points, while that same potato loaded with toppings is not. The points come from the add-ons, not the potato.


Preparation Method	Example	WW Point Value	Reason for Points
Boiled	Plain red potatoes	0	No added fats or oils.
Baked	A medium potato baked in foil	0	Cooked without added fat.
Mashed	Potatoes mashed with fat-free milk or broth	0	Uses zero-point or low-point liquid.
Air-Fried	Potatoes air-fried with cooking spray	0 or low	Cooking spray adds minimal to no points.
Mashed (with butter)	Potatoes mashed with butter and whole milk	Varies	High-fat dairy and butter are point-heavy.
Roasted (with oil)	Red potatoes roasted in olive oil	Varies	Oil adds points based on quantity.
French Fries	Deep-fried potatoes	High	Cooked in large amounts of oil.
Potato Salad	Potatoes mixed with mayonnaise	Varies	Mayonnaise is high in fat and points.

Health benefits of red potatoes

Beyond their zero-point status, red potatoes offer significant nutritional value. They are an excellent source of potassium, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation. They also contain a good amount of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and supports the immune system. The skin, which is often consumed with red potatoes, is particularly rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps promote feelings of fullness. The red skin gets its color from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may offer additional health benefits. To maximize these benefits, it is best to leave the skin on when cooking.

Simple zero-point red potato ideas

For those on the WW plan, incorporating red potatoes is simple and delicious. Here are a few ideas:

Boiled and Seasoned: Simply boil red potatoes until tender, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley.
Smashed Potatoes: Boil baby red potatoes, smash them lightly, and bake or air fry with a spritz of cooking spray until golden.
Potato Salad (WW-Style): Combine boiled red potatoes with fat-free Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, and red onion for a creamy, zero-point alternative to traditional potato salad.

Navigating the diabetic plan

It's important to note that the ZeroPoint list can differ for members on the Diabetic Plan. For this specific version of WW, starchy vegetables like potatoes and oats do have a point value assigned to them. Always consult your specific plan details within the WW app to ensure you are tracking correctly based on your personalized program.

Conclusion

For most WW members on the current program, red potatoes are a ZeroPoint food, offering a filling and versatile option for meals. The key is in the preparation—as long as they are cooked without adding fats or oils, they do not need to be tracked. The point value only comes from high-fat additions like butter, cheese, and oil. Enjoying red potatoes boiled, baked, or air-fried with simple seasonings allows you to harness their nutritional benefits while staying on track with your weight loss goals. Always double-check your personal plan for any specific exceptions, such as the diabetic program, to ensure accurate tracking. Enjoy your healthy spuds guilt-free! For more details, consult the official WW zero point food lists directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, on the latest WW plans (excluding the diabetic version), all types of potatoes—including red, white, sweet, and Yukon gold—are ZeroPoint foods when cooked without added fat.

Yes, cooking method is crucial. To keep them at zero points, prepare them by boiling, baking, or air-frying with cooking spray instead of oil or butter. Deep-frying or roasting in oil adds points.

This is likely due to confusion with older WW programs or the diabetic plan. The ZeroPoint list has changed over the years. Some members on the special Diabetic Plan also count points for starchy vegetables.

Yes, while the plain red potato itself is zero points, any additional ingredients like butter, oil, cheese, or sour cream must be tracked and counted toward your daily point budget.

For a simple zero-point recipe, try boiling baby red potatoes until tender, then tossing them with fresh dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Canned potatoes are generally low in points. Some members have noted that specific canned potato products may carry a low point value, so it's always best to scan the barcode in the WW app for the most accurate information.

Mashed potatoes can be zero points if prepared with zero-point ingredients, such as fat-free milk or vegetable broth, and seasoned without added butter. Using full-fat milk or butter will add points.