Common food

Photo: Wikipedia
Creamy, fluffy, and comforting, mashed potatoes made with milk are a staple side with a smooth, rich texture and a mild, buttery flavor. At 114 kcal per 100g, they offer a good balance of carbohydrates for energy, with a modest amount of protein and fat from the milk. This classic preparation transforms the humble potato into a velvety, satisfying dish.
People love them for their ultimate comfort food status—warm, creamy, and incredibly versatile as a canvas for butter, gravy, or herbs. They are a nostalgic, universal side dish that pairs perfectly with roasts, stews, and grilled meats.
The main downside is their high glycemic index, which can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, especially for those managing diabetes. To counteract this, pair a moderate portion with a source of protein (like chicken or beans) and non-starchy vegetables, or stir in a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to slow digestion.
The world record for the largest serving of mashed potatoes was set in 2017 at a festival in the U.S., weighing over 3,700 pounds—enough to fill a small swimming pool.
| Water | 74.8 g |
| Energy | 114 kcal |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 17.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 25.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.28 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 58.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 330 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 210 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.30 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.17 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 10.1 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Niacin | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.27 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.04 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 37.0 ug |
| Retinol | 36.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 12.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.25 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.5 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.33 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.39 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.42 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.36 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 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 | 10.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Are mashed potatoes from a mix less nutritious?
Instant mashed potato mixes often contain added sodium, preservatives, and sometimes artificial flavors. Making them from fresh potatoes with milk gives you more control over ingredients and retains more natural nutrients and fiber.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or soy) and use olive oil or vegan butter for richness. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Why do my mashed potatoes turn gluey?
Over-mashing or using a food processor ruptures potato starch cells, releasing too much starch and creating a gluey texture. Use a ricer or mash gently by hand just until combined for the fluffiest result.