Idahoan Instant Mashed Potato Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

I love mashed potatoes and they are a good side dish for many main meals., however they are quite labour intensive and I don’t always have the time for all that peeling, chopping and boiling.  There have been times when I’ve not mashed them properly, they are a bit lumpy and not creamy enough and I don’t always get the additions of milk and butter correct.  They are edible but the end result is inconsistent.  Open the pack, put into a bowl, add boiling water and stir with a fork.  Leave for one minute.  Very quickly have beautiful creamy, smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes that taste better than any I’ve made myself.  .A perfect addition to any meal or use as a pie topping. Made from 100% potato they are full of important vitamins, fat free, cholesterol free, gluten free, suitable for vegetarians and a good source of fibre.

Idaho potatoes are simply potatoes grown in the American state of Idaho.  The area has the perfect soil, water and climate for growing russet potatoes.  They are grown all year round and shipped all over the world.  They even have their own “grown in Idaho” seal and a special potato growers commission to promoted and protect the brand.

These packets of instant potatoes are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.  The pack’s size is 109g and they make enough for three servings.

I also tried the potatoes in a one serving grab and go style pot which was super easy to prepare.  Just peel off the foil lid and fill with boiling water to the mark on the pot, fluff up with a fork and you have lunch !

The plain buttery potatoes are really delicious, but I also tried some with added flavours: roasted garlic, butter and herb, cheddar cheese and bacon and cheese.  The pot I tried was the bubble and squeak variety, but it is also available in bacon and cheese flavour.  It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite. I enjoyed them all. They all had the lovely smooth buttery potato and the added flavours are all very subtle and not at all over powering or artificial tasting.
As we approach the holiday season these would be perfect to take on a camping or caravan trip as they are quick to make with minimal equipment.

If you know anyone going away to university or leaving home for the first time these would make a good leaving gift, even someone not used to cooking could manage to make these and you don’t even need a pan.

These are one of those store cupboard essentials I know that I will now make sure I always have a supply of.
Available from major supermarkets Morrisons, Asda and Tesco priced at £1.00 per pack.  Please note that not all shops sell all the varieties I have mentioned.  Some varieties are also available in packs of 12 priced from £11.40 on amazon.co.uk.

Rating: I would rate this product 5/5 for taste and convenience