Top Contenders for the Best Instant Mash Potato
Many brands promise a homemade-like taste, but only a few consistently deliver on texture, flavor, and convenience. For those seeking the closest-to-homemade experience, several options stand out, often due to their ingredient list or preparation method. Some brands rely on pure potato flakes, allowing for greater customization, while others include flavorings for a more complete, out-of-the-box taste.
365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes
Repeatedly praised in taste tests, the 365 Whole Foods brand is celebrated for its clean, simple ingredients—often just dehydrated potatoes. This provides a blank canvas, allowing home cooks to add their own butter, milk, and seasonings to achieve a customized, homemade taste. Its light, fluffy, and creamy texture is a major draw for those who find other instant brands to be gummy or starchy.
Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes
A longtime favorite, Idahoan is known for its reliable and consistent quality. It offers an earthy, natural potato flavor that stands up well to taste tests, even when compared to higher-end brands. The preparation is simple, yielding a bowl of soft, hydrated potatoes with minimal effort. This brand is also widely available and often more affordable, making it a great go-to for many households.
Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes
This option appeals to those who prefer minimal processing and single-ingredient products. The flavor is slightly sweeter than other brands and has a velvety texture when prepared correctly. Because there are no added emulsifiers or preservatives, it's perfect for those who want to add their own seasonings from scratch. It may be slightly more expensive and harder to find than mainstream options, but for purity, it's a top contender.
Betty Crocker Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes
This brand excels in creating a creamy, rich, and extra-buttery result straight from the box. The flavorings are well-balanced, and it delivers a satisfyingly smooth mouthfeel that's a comfort food staple. While the ingredients list is longer due to the added flavorings, it provides a very easy and flavorful experience with minimal doctoring required.
Instant Mashed Potato Comparison Table
| Feature | 365 by Whole Foods | Idahoan Original | Bob's Red Mill | Betty Crocker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Closest to homemade, customization | Consistency, widespread availability | Pure ingredients, homemade flavor | Buttery flavor, convenience |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Dehydrated potatoes | Dehydrated potatoes, preservatives | 100% dehydrated potato flakes | Dehydrated potatoes, butter, milk |
| Texture | Light, fluffy, smooth | Soft, hydrated, can be slightly crumbly | Smooth, velvety | Creamy, rich |
| Flavor | Natural potato, requires seasoning | Earthy, mild, natural potato | Mild, slightly sweet, needs seasoning | Rich, buttery |
| Price | Mid to High | Low to Mid | Higher | Low to Mid |
| Availability | Whole Foods Market, Amazon Fresh | Most major grocery stores, gas stations | Specialty food stores, online | Most major grocery stores |
| Best Doctoring | Milk, butter, cream cheese, herbs | Cream cheese, cheese, herbs | Heavy cream, butter, cheese, herbs | Sour cream, chives, extra butter |
How to Elevate the Flavor of Instant Mash
No matter which brand you choose, a few simple tweaks can transform your instant mashed potatoes into a side dish that rivals the homemade version. The key is to treat them as a base and build layers of flavor.
Swap Water for a Richer Liquid
Instead of plain water, use a richer liquid for rehydration. Chicken broth, vegetable stock, milk, or a combination of milk and cream can add significant depth and flavor. For an extra creamy result, half-and-half or heavy cream is an excellent choice.
Embrace Fats for a Creamier Texture
Fats are your friend when it comes to upgrading instant mash. Adding extra butter is a classic move, but you can also incorporate softened cream cheese or sour cream for a tangy flavor and velvety texture. For a luxurious finish, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Add Aromatics and Seasonings
While most instant mixes come seasoned, additional aromatics can make a big difference. Sautéed minced garlic or onion powder, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, and a touch of black pepper can dramatically improve the flavor profile. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.
A Note on Texture
The texture is a common point of contention with instant potatoes. Over-mixing can lead to a gummy consistency. To avoid this, only stir until the flakes are moistened, and then let them sit for a minute or two to absorb the liquid. For fluffier potatoes, use a fork to gently stir after the initial absorption period, and avoid using an electric mixer.
Conclusion: Which Instant Mash Potato is Best?
The best instant mash potato depends on your priorities. For the purist seeking a neutral base to build a homemade-like flavor, the 365 by Whole Foods Market or Bob's Red Mill brands are the top choices due to their minimal, quality ingredients. For the time-saver who wants a satisfying, buttery flavor right out of the box, Betty Crocker Creamy Butter is an excellent and flavorful option. Finally, for an all-around reliable, easy, and affordable choice, Idahoan Original remains a crowd-pleaser and a staple in many kitchens. Whichever you choose, remember that a few simple additions of butter, milk, and seasonings can easily elevate your instant mash to a delicious and comforting side dish. For more tips and reviews, consider checking out food sites like The Kitchn.
