Eagle, Idaho – February is the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) favorite month. Why? It’s American Heart Month and Potato Lovers Month, making it a great time to celebrate Idaho® potatoes.
In a recent national survey conducted by Kelton Global, consumers were asked to pick their favorite vegetable, and Idaho® potatoes topped the chart! More than a quarter of Americans (26%) — or nearly 68 million — say Idaho® potatoes are their favored choice over broccoli (19%), corn (14%) or leafy greens (14%).
“Every few years we survey folks on their vegetable preferences, and I’m pleased to report that Idaho® potatoes continue to rank number one,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, IPC. “What’s not to love about the superfood? They’re nutritious and can be enjoyed hundreds of different ways.”
If you’re wondering how folks prefer to eat their spuds, mashed was the hands down winner (27%) followed by French fries (23%) and baked (22%).
Interestingly…
- More millennials than older generations (29% vs. 24%) claim mashed potatoes are their most chosen way to eat spuds.
- Close to two in five (37%) Northeasterners say mashed is their favorite way to consume potatoes compared to far fewer (24%) Americans in other regions.
However, many folks are still in the dark when it comes to the potato’s impressive nutritional profile.
- Less than three in ten Americans (28%) are aware that spuds are chock-full of potassium, a nutrient that plays an important role in heart health.
- More women than men (30% vs. 25%) are in the know that potatoes contain potassium.
The survey was conducted by Kelton Global Research Company for the Idaho Potato Commission with a sample of 1,005 Americans aged 18+ between Jan. 7 – Jan. 11, 2019.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
