Idahoan Mashed Potatoes Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Lisa Harris
The products:
I was fortunate to be sent the entire packet range to try, which includes:
Classic, buttery, roasted garlic, butter and herb, cheddar cheese, bacon and cheese.
I was also sent the two pot flavours which are bacon and cheese and bubble and squeak.
“Idaho’s rich, volcanic soil and clear mountain water are the perfect ingredients for potato growing. With a light, fluffy texture, you can enjoy real mashed potato that’s perfect in one minute” so the website tells me, so I was looking forward to trying them out.
Ease of use, quality, look and taste :
Instructions were easy to follow, simply measure out the water into a bowl, add the potato from the packet and wait. Or, add the water to the pot. Ready in one minute and needing only a fluffing up, it was very easy to make. Very easy indeed!
Portion size said serves three for a sachet, in fairness I’d say it’s nearer two, or three small portions, alternatively one hungry hiker with another dried sachet portion of something nice perhaps.
I initially thought that the potatoes were going to need more water as it looked a bit thick, but they really didn’t. I would imagine some may purely down to personal taste. I’d say try it before you add more though, as they really do taste great.
We tried the cheddar cheese packet first; it was certainly cheesy yet not overly so. You could certainly smell it was potato as soon as the packet was opened.
It’s recommended you only make them when you are ready to eat them as if you store them in the fridge ahead of time, they may go watery. You may expect the occasional piece of potato skin to make it through the cutting and sorting process, so there may be a dark spot. I didn’t encounter any however, it seems unlikely although I understand why they mention it, it’s made with real potatoes after all.
Over time we have had every flavour and I would say the herby one was our favourite, which surprised us as we had assumed we would prefer the more traditional.
Having childhood memories of instant mash that are not pleasant it has to be said that these sachets are a great game changer. Super easy to use, really tasty (and actually of potato!), combined with the convenience, it is a winner from me.
Practicalities and usage suggestions :
Remember you need to eat the potato straight away, do not make ahead of time, the website says they may go watery if you do.
The best before on the packets are many months so they will store well. As a keen camper myself I am always looking out for items to make this easier. If I wanted potato this would certainly be a simple, quick and easy way of doing so without the faff of carrying the weight of potatoes, peeling and cooking when camping or hiking.
I will be keeping a look out for these to take on colder trips. This would make a great quick addition to a meal, not just for campers, but for those who struggle to use and lift pans or prepare food, or maybe as a standby to make a meal go further, or perhaps for a take to work to have with lunch option. I’d certainly say try it if you think it will work for you.
Pricing & value :
In terms of value for money, each packet or pot costs between £1 and £1.50 depending on where you buy it and current offers at supermarkets. In that regard, around the same price as a bag of ready to heat rice. At around the same price for a 2kg bag of cheap potatoes it’s not cheap in that regard, but this product is made for efficiency.
Company information :
The website has a section for each of the products, which includes reviews, where to buy it online, suggested recipes, suggested parings, product details, preparing instructions, ingredients and nutritional facts.
The company story:
Over six million years ago, stretching and thinning of the Earth’s crust caused movement along the Teton fault forming the most beautiful and dramatic mountain range… the result set the stage to grow the most famous potatoes in the world.
1837 FARMING BEGINS – Henry H. Spalding, a Presbyterian missionary, became the first potato farmer within the borders of what is now known as the State of Idaho.
1872 THE BURBANK RUSSET – Burbank developed the first “Burbank Russet” potato that eventually finds its home in Idaho. The desirable texture of the Burbank Russet makes it the perfect candidate for America’s Favourite Mashed Potatoes.
1890 THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO – Idaho is admitted to the Union as the 43rd state on July 3rd, 1890. With over 83,000 square miles of rugged, beautiful terrain, it truly earns its nick name—The Gem State. To us at Idahoan, the most precious gems of all are Idaho Potatoes.
1942 DEHYDRATION DEVELOPED – In an effort to find more shelf-stable meals for the troops, the first potato dehydration process was developed for the military. While this early, primitive process is still used by many dehydrated potato sellers to this day, Idahoan strives for higher quality.
1960 IDAHOAN IS BORN – A group of local growers from Lewisville, Idaho decided to join forces to start a potato dehydration plant—the Idahoan brand was born.
1990 THE PERFECT MASH PROCESS – Developed an innovative proprietary dehydration process that better preserves natural potato taste and texture
THE FUTURE AND BEYOND – THE mission of innovation will be to continue to bring quality 100% REAL Idaho® potatoes in all the ways you love. From our Perfect Mash sachets to our on-the-go Perfect Mash pots, Idahoan Foods will continue to bring quality homemade taste in a fraction of the time.
Company ethics
I couldn’t see any reference to supporting a charity, however there are links on their site to the Idaho potato commission and Idaho USA so they look a sustainable and responsible company too.
In short – give them a try!
The product: IDAHOAN item bundle
Reviewed by: Lisa Harris
Rating: 5/5
Buy / Read about it here: https://idahoan.co.uk/
RRP: £9.99+ item bundle