Common food
Canned potatoes are pre-cooked, shelf-stable tubers preserved in water, offering a soft, slightly waxy texture and a mild, earthy flavor. They are a convenient pantry staple with a notable nutritional profile, providing a good source of dietary fiber (2.4g per 100g) while being virtually fat-free.
Calorie split: 9% protein · 88% carbs · 3% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople appreciate canned potatoes for their unmatched convenience and consistent texture, which holds up well in stews, hashes, and salads. They are a beloved staple for their ability to deliver the comforting, versatile essence of a potato with zero preparation time.
The primary downside is the potential for a softer, sometimes mushy texture compared to fresh potatoes, and they can be high in sodium depending on the canning liquid. To counteract this, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to reduce sodium content and consider using them in dishes where a softer texture is an asset, like soups or mashed preparations.
The canning process for potatoes was perfected during the 19th century as a method to preserve food for long sea voyages and military rations, making them a historic 'space food' before space travel existed.
| Water | 84.0 g |
| Energy | 60.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.20 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 13.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.59 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 5.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 14.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 28.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 228 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 159 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.28 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.1 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.92 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.19 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 6.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 9.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 6.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.05 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Estimated from Snacks, potato chips, made from dried potatoes, reduced fat — USDA does not publish this profile for Potato.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.24 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.25 g |
| Leucine | 0.37 g |
| Lysine | 0.35 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.07 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.26 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.22 g |
| Valine | 0.33 g |
| Arginine | 0.27 g |
| Histidine | 0.13 g |
| Alanine | 0.20 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.94 g |
| Glycine | 0.19 g |
| Proline | 0.20 g |
| Serine | 0.23 g |
Are canned potatoes as nutritious as fresh potatoes?
Yes, the canning process preserves most of the key nutrients like fiber, potassium, and vitamins. The main difference is often in texture and potentially added sodium, which can be rinsed off.
How should I store leftover canned potatoes?
Once opened, transfer any unused potatoes and their liquid to a sealed container and refrigerate. Use within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
Can I use canned potatoes for frying or roasting?
Yes, but they won't crisp up like fresh potatoes due to their pre-cooked, high-moisture state. Pat them very dry and use high heat for the best possible browning.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.70 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.