Idahoan scores high with new tater flavors

We know you probably can’t pass off instant mashed potatoes as homemade on Thanksgiving. But Idahoan makes some pretty tasty taters, according to The Spokesman-Review Reader Food Panel.

Idahoan has always fared well with our tasting panel, so we recently whipped up two new varieties for tasters to consider. Panel members liked both the Baby Reds with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan and the Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, giving them four-and-a-half and three-and-a-half stars respectively.

“Great seasoning and nicely sweet. I like red potatoes and they did these up right,” said Skip Hubbard.

Larry Inman seconded that assessment. He said, “Perfectly seasoned creamy and very tasty. Try them, you’ll love them.”

The Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes didn’t get the high marks the red potatoes received, perhaps because we tasted the potatoes spiked with garlic and parmesan first.

Still, they were fairly well received. “Good, but needs a little seasoning,” said Inman. “Texture is creamy. Not as good as the reds.”

“Looks and smells buttery, but falls short of a five (star rating). Nothing special, but I would buy these,” said Nancy Robinson.

Not everyone was a fan.

Marilyn Moore, who prefers homemade, said she can’t figure out why no one wants to peel spuds anymore.

“The synthetic butter flavor is a negative,” Moore said, of the Yukon golds. “Make that margarine laced with shortening (flavor).”

Gabe Kohler is sticking with homemade, too.

“Very fake tasting. They don’t even taste like real potatoes, it is sorta just like overly buttered plastic,” he said.

Idahoan Baby Reds, Roasted Garlic and Parmesan

Price: $1.50 per 4.1 ounce package

Nutrition per serving: 110 calories, 2 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 8 percent fat calories), 3 grams protein, 20 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 560 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • • 1/2

Value: • • • •

Comments: “Perfectly seasoned, creamy and very tasty. Try them, you’ll love them.” – Larry Inman

“I love instant mashed potatoes.” – Marcia Oranen

“Nice garlic flavor, but they are very salty.” – Gabe Kohler

“Not bad. I can’t tell what the tiny pieces of green and red are, but it adds to the flavor.” – Marilyn Moore

Idahoan Buttery Yukon Gold

Price: $1.50 per 4.1 ounce package

Nutrition per serving: 110 calories, 2.5 grams fat (no saturated fat, 22.5 percent fat calories), 2 grams protein, 21 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 2 grams dietary fiber, 400 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • • 1/2

Value: • • • 1/2

Comments: “I think they tried to make them seem authentic by leaving in some lumps. Too bad they were chewy.” – Skip Hubbard

“Good mouth feel but artificial color and butter flavor are drawbacks … try another variety from this producer.” – Andy Hoye

“Blander. There are still chunks. They have a rich flavor, but no special seasoning. I do like them.” – Marcia Oranen