Where You Live Can Impact Your Potato Preference

What is the best way to enjoy potatoes?  The Idaho Potato Commission wanted to find out, so they conducted a survey to get to the bottom of this hot buttoned issue.

Data shows that what we serve at family dinners and potlucks depends on where we live.  The findings came out just ahead of Tuesday’s National Potato Day.

The Idaho Potato Commission partnered with YouGov to ask 3,000 Americans: What is the one potato dish that brings people together in your hometown?  

The responses, the Commission said, revealed regional favorites and how deeply potato dishes are woven into family traditions, holiday celebrations and local culture.

“Potatoes are more than food, they’re part of our traditions,” said Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “From a beloved family casserole to a loaded potato bar at a Sunday football gathering, these dishes bring people together, celebrating both community and culture.”

Higham added, “What is fascinating about this survey is how distinctly regional our comfort foods are. Proof that one ingredient like the Idaho potato, can take on countless delicious identities.”

While mashed potatoes remain the nation’s undisputed #1, the survey uncovered notable differences in taste by region and generation.  Rural respondents leaned toward classics like potato salad (67% rural vs. 54% urban) and au gratin potatoes (39% vs. 29%), while urban residents favored more adventurous dishes such as gnocchi, poutine and potato tacos.

Boomers overwhelmingly chose mashed potatoes (73%) and potato salad (75%), while Gen Z leaned toward potato tacos (11%) and poutine (9%).

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com