Potato, hash brown, from fast food
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Fast-food hash browns are golden, crispy-fried potato patties or shredded cakes, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, starchy interior. Nutritionally, they are a calorie-dense source of quick energy from carbohydrates and fat, with a modest amount of fiber from the potato.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 41% carbs · 55% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the irresistible contrast of a deeply crispy, salty exterior with a fluffy, warm potato center, making it a beloved, comforting staple for breakfast or a savory snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and refined carbohydrate content can lead to blood sugar spikes and is calorie-dense, which may be a concern for those managing weight or blood sugar. To counteract this, pair it with a protein source like eggs or sausage and practice portion control.
Key benefits
- Provides quick-release energy from carbohydrates
- Contains potassium from potatoes
- Offers dietary fiber for digestive health
- A convenient and familiar comfort food
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'hash' comes from the French word 'hacher,' meaning to chop, reflecting the original dish of chopped meat and potatoes.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 49.3 g |
| Energy | 272 kcal |
| Protein | 2.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 17.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 28.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.7 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.56 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.60 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 98.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 355 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 566 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.36 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.19 mg |
| Folate, total | 12.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 12.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 17.8 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 | 18.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.6 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 9.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.90 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.14 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.47 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 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 |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
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 |
FAQ
Are hash browns gluten-free?
Typically, yes, as they are made from potatoes. However, cross-contamination or added seasonings in fast-food preparation could introduce gluten, so it's best to check with the specific provider.
How can I make them crispier at home?
Squeeze as much moisture as possible from shredded potatoes before frying, use a hot pan with enough oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
What is the difference between hash browns and home fries?
Hash browns are usually shredded or riced potatoes formed into a patty and fried, while home fries are cubed or sliced potatoes that are pan-fried, often with onions and peppers.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.72 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 2.7 g fiber · 0.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.59 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.