No, KFC's Mashed Potatoes Aren't Made From Fresh Spuds. Here's What They're Made From Instead

The versatility of the mighty potato remains unmatched. Not only are potatoes America's favorite vegetable, but mashed potatoes are their favorite way to eat them, according to the Idaho Potato Commission. It's not a difficult claim to believe, either. Mashed potatoes are comforting, delicious, and a perfect side for almost anything. That's why mashed potatoes with gravy have long been among the best side dishes at KFC. But if you've ever thought that the KFC mashed potatoes were a bit too smooth and creamy to be believed, you weren't wrong. Nobody's in the back of the restaurant mashing those by hand. They're instant mashed potatoes mixed on site.

That they are instant is just one of the facts about KFC mashed potatoes that not everyone knows. The texture of KFC mashed potatoes is your first clue that these are not freshly mashed by hand. Not only are there no lumps, but the velvety smoothness goes beyond anything you could make at home working with actual potatoes, and the flavor lacks variation. Each spoonful is identical to the next. The method has been confirmed in several employee videos that show the process. This is also supported by Reddit AMAs where KFC workers describe how the potatoes are prepared.

KFC mashed potatoes come in a bag called KFC One Step Mashed Potato Mix. The directions are to fill a pitcher with three quarts of water heated to at least 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is poured into a deep pan, and the potato mix is added gradually while stirring. The center is stirred until thickened, and then the sides are whisked in to create a whipped texture. The whole process only takes a few minutes.

Like any brand of instant mashed potatoes, KFC mashed potatoes are mostly made of dehydrated potato flakes. There are other ingredients in the mix, however. The official list includes maltodextrin, salt, mono and diglycerides, canola oil, sunflower oil, lactose, titanium dioxide, sulphites, natural flavor, dipotassium phosphate, modified milk ingredient, BHT, riboflavin, sodium acid pyrophosphate, and citric acid. Just like grandma used to make!

It sounds like a lot of stuff, but for the most part, these other ingredients are there to thicken, whiten, stabilize, and preserve the potatoes. Beyond salt, flavor, and sugar, none of the ingredients significantly changes the overall taste of the mixture. This comforting consistency is a big reason why many people enjoy KFC mashed potatoes. They always taste the way you expect them to. With gravy on top, you have yourself a nice, creamy side dish for some extra crispy KFC chicken.

Even though the mashed potatoes and gravy get some hate online sometimes, the two of them together are our top choice for best KFC side dish for a reason. Instant mashed potatoes really have a clear advantage in texture if you want smoothness. That creaminess, plus the velvety salty goodness of KFC gravy, works perfectly together. So no, KFC mashed potatoes aren't made fresh. But would they be as good if they were?