Potato tots, frozen, fried
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Golden-brown, bite-sized nuggets of grated potato, flash-fried to a shatteringly crisp exterior that gives way to a fluffy, steaming interior. They deliver a satisfying, savory crunch with a mild, comforting potato flavor. Nutritionally, they are a calorie-dense, high-fat food, with over 15g of fat per 100g serving.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore their perfect textural contrast—the crispy, salty shell against the soft, pillowy center. They are a nostalgic comfort food and a universally easy-to-love side or snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat content and refined carbohydrates can lead to blood-sugar spikes and are less ideal for those monitoring calorie or fat intake. To counteract, pair a controlled portion with a protein-rich food (like grilled chicken or Greek yogurt dip) and non-starchy vegetables to improve satiety and blunt the glycemic response.
Key benefits
- Quick and convenient source of energy and calories
- Provides a small amount of dietary fiber (2.3g per 100g)
- Highly palatable, encouraging consumption of potato-based nutrients
- Versatile base for various seasonings and dipping sauces
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Tater Tot' was invented in 1953 by the Ore-Ida founders as a way to use up leftover potato slivers from their french fry production line.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 56.5 g |
| Energy | 237 kcal |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 24.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.28 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 13.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.47 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 63.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 243 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 421 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.26 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 6.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.19 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 16.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 24.5 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 | 3.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 15.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 9.4 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.3 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 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.43 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 6.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.53 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 |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Are tater tots and hash browns the same?
No. Hash browns are typically shredded or diced potatoes pan-fried into a patty or loose form. Tater tots are grated potatoes formed into small cylinders and deep-fried, giving them a distinct shape and texture.
Can I make tater tots healthier at home?
Yes. You can bake or air-fry them to reduce added oil. For more nutrition, mix in finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots, and use whole-grain breadcrumbs in the coating.
Why do frozen tater tots sometimes get soggy?
Sogginess is usually caused by improper cooking. They need high, dry heat (like in a preheated oven or air fryer) to crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which creates steam.