The Good Stuff Simple Swaps – Every Wednesday I share a new Good Stuff Simple Swap, one simple change that helps clean up your everyday eats without overhauling your whole pantry. You can find all the past swaps here!
Easter is right around the corner, and let’s be real: sometimes the stovetop is full, the oven is packed, and you just need a quick, reliable mashed potato option without the peeling and boiling.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for a long list of additives just to save time. This week’s Simple Swapis all about finding the “Good Stuff” in the instant potato aisle.
The Good Stuff Ingredient Swaps
While we love a shortcut, here is why I choose specific clean ingredient instant potato brands for my pantry:
- The Emulsifiers: Simple Swap: Many standard brands use mono- and diglycerides to achieve a certain texture. I prefer brands that rely on the natural starch of the potato itself.
- The Preservatives: Simple Swap: You’ll often see sodium acid pyrophosphate or sodium bisulfiteused to maintain color in instant flakes. The “Good Stuff” brands skip these, focusing on pure, dehydrated potatoes.
- The Oils: Simple Swap: Some refrigerated or instant packs contain hydrogenated oils or soybean oil. I swap these for pure potato flakes and add my own butter or milk at home.
My Favorite “Just Potato” Brands
If you’re looking for a clean label this Easter, these are the two I keep in my kitchen. They contain one ingredient: potatoes.
These are incredibly versatile. Because they are just pure potatoes, they have a natural, earthy flavor that doesn’t taste “instant.” They are also my secret weapon for my Crispy Baked Chicken Legs With Potato Flake Crust (Gluten-Free & Easy!)-they create the perfect gluten-free crunch!
365 by Whole Foods Market Instant Mashed Potatoes
A fantastic, budget-friendly option that is also just dehydrated potatoes. These rehydrate into a smooth, creamy texture that plays perfectly with a little added garlic and grass-fed butter.
FAQs: Using Clean Instant Potatoes
Can I use these as a thickener?
Yes! Because these are pure potato, they are an excellent gluten-free way to thicken soups and stews without using flour or cornstarch.
How do I make them taste “Homemade”?
The beauty of “just potato” flakes is that you control the quality of the add-ins. Use high-quality sea salt, cream, and butter to elevate them for your holiday table.
Are they really just potatoes?
Always check the back of the specific bag, but brands like Bob’s Red Mill and 365 are famous for keeping their flakes free from the emulsifiers and preservatives found in traditional brands.
Ingredient information is shared for educational purposes only. Product formulations can change. Always check the label before purchasing.
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