We Found The Only Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes Worth Serving This Thanksgiving

The test limited entries to refrigerated, factory-made pre-mashed potatoes sold in small black plastic packages with a cardboard sleeve, typically near the deli counter. Instant (boxed) mashed potatoes were excluded as distinct from pre-made refrigerated varieties. Frozen mashed potato products were also excluded. Store-prepared mashed potatoes from grocery delis and prepared-food operations such as Costco and Whole Foods were excluded. The focus remained on nationally available, factory-produced refrigerated mashed potato products that require gentle reheating in a microwave or conventional oven. Some household reheating techniques, such as adding butter and cream, were acknowledged but did not alter inclusion criteria.

"Do instant (aka boxed) mashed potatoes count? OK, but what does "pre-made mashed potatoes" mean... No. And no shade to instant mashed potatoes - I love them - but they're not the same. For this test, we stuck to "pre-made mashed potatoes." No frozen varieties, either...sorry, Trader Joe's. Oh, like the Costco mashed potatoes! Here, they're the refrigerated, pre-mashed potatoes that just need to be gently reheated in a microwave or conventional oven."

"Normally, you'll find them in those small black plastic packages, wrapped in a cardboard sleeve, near the deli counter. No, but my mother-in-law makes (aka reheats) those for Thanksgiving every year with extra butter and cream, and I swear they're the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. For this one, we decided to exclude brands that make store-prepared mashed potatoes - such as Costco, Whole Foods, and other grocers with prepared food operations."

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