In 1951, a mere nine years after the government’s first potato dehydration facility began operations, a group of potato farmers in Lewisville, Idaho, joined forces to start their own dehydration plant, and the Idahoan brand was born.
This article appears in the December 2021 issue of Potato Grower.
Once upon a time, the Earth’s crust stretched and thinned along what is today known as the Teton Fault, forming an incredibly beautiful and dramatic mountain range. The result of the ensuing volcanic activity set the stage for the formation of some of the planet’s most uniquely fertile farm ground, where the most famous potatoes in the world would be grown.
Six million years later, in an effort to find more shelf-stable meals for troops serving in World War II, the U.S. military and USDA collaborated to develop the first potato dehydration process. In 1951, a mere nine years after the government’s first potato dehydration facility began operations, a group of potato farmers in Lewisville, Idaho, joined forces to start their own dehydration plant, and the Idahoan brand was born. From the beginning, the company has strived not only to produce delicious, convenient potato products to consumers, but to showcase the unique beauty and fertility of the state of Idaho.
Company developed a proprietary, innovative dehydration process that better preserves natural potato taste and texture. The company’s innovative leadership has done as much as perhaps anything else to enhance the U.S. dehydrated potato sector. With its résumé of flavorful creativity and its strong manufacturing processes firmly in place, in 1990 the company changed the game again, launching new flavored mashed potatoes in a pouch—Buttery Homestyle, Four Cheese and Roasted Garlic. Since then, Idahoan has added several other flavors that have become popular with consumers—including Loaded Baked, Baby Reds and Bacon Cheddar Chipotle.
Over the years, Idahoan has added a number of convenient products to its portfolio: casseroles in both regular and family size; crispy and savory hash browns; and its famous mashed potatoes in an on-the-go cup, all in an effort to produce delicious, convenient dishes for every consumer. One of the most successful of these is its lineup of Idahoan Hearty Soups, introduced in 2015.
Company fully expects its stated mission of innovation to continue to deliver consumers quality, real Idaho potatoes with its famous homemade in all the ways they love for many years to come.
To spread the love of potatoes across the country one mashed potato cup at a time, Idahoan Foods is embarking on a ‘Mashed in America’ tour, kicking off September 2021, and running through August 2022. Providing sports fans, concert goers and more with the world’s first immersive mashed potato sampling experience, the Idahoan tour will include stops at NASCAR races, NFL events, NCAA football and basketball games, music festivals and grocery stores across the country.
- “At Idahoan Foods, we’re passionate about spreading our love of mashed potatoes,” said Wes Myer, director of retail marketing for company. “When it comes to Idahoan products, tasting is believing! We’re excited to invite both loyal customers and soon-to-be fans alike to enjoy free samples of Idahoan Mashed Potatoes during the Mashed in America tour.”
- Company starts with 100 percent real Idaho potatoes from local growers, and then washes, peels, boils and mashes them like you would at home. After cooking each batch, they simply fresh-dry the mashed potatoes so they’re ready for you to prepare in minutes.
- The Mashed Potato Cups are ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste of Idahoan’s best in an ultra-convenient pack. Serve them as a quick snack or even as a nourishing and tasty side dish for a meal!
