Higham: Potatoes Are Part Of A Healthy Diet

For a variety of reasons, the potato industry struggled last year, with demand for the spud down.  Consumers habits have changed after the pandemic, and the U.S. is not exporting as many potato products as growers and industry leader would like to see.  On top of that is a growing narrative that potatoes are not healthy for the average American.  Jamey Higham, Executive Director of the Idaho Potato Commission said that’s simply not true.

“[We recently came] to an agreement with the American Diabetes Association that Idaho potatoes, or potatoes in general, can be a healthy source of carbs for those people that are living with diabetes or prediabetes," Higham noted.  "And we're trying to overcome that stigma that potatoes are really bad for you and we all know that they're full of nutrients.”

Higham said from a health and nutrition standpoint, it’s challenging for potatoes right now.

“You know the stuff going on in Washington D.C. where they're trying to classify it as a grain versus a vegetable. And I think we're making some headway there. But I think it's going to be an ongoing challenge moving forward, trying to get that message out to consumers that potatoes can be part of a healthy diet.”

Higham added that not only are potatoes healthy, but they are a great value for consumers, whether that’s at home or at a restaurant.

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