Best Packaged Potato Side Dishes of 2026

"I'm seriously impressed by how delicious and convenient these meals are. I love that they're shelf stable, so I can keep them on hand without using fridge or freezer space. The portion size is surprisingly filling, and it takes just a minute in the microwave for a hot meal. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a quick, tasty option—definitely worth every penny!"

"As a single mom with autism, raising an autistic daughter, these meals have been a real lifesaver. They're precooked and easy to use, so both my daughter and I can make them ourselves, even without a stove. The long shelf life means I can stock up, and I appreciate how they provide a comforting, home-cooked taste with minimal effort. They’re perfect for people who can’t or don’t know how to cook."

"With these meals, I can eat well on a tight budget. The protein content is great, and they make a nourishing, complete meal that’s easy to buy in bulk. They’re especially helpful during tough times when I want to avoid extra grocery trips. For anyone with limited money or just looking for a convenient, filling meal, I truly believe these are a smart choice."

"These mashed potatoes are a real time-saver—they deliver that rich, creamy, homemade taste without the effort. I appreciate that they're made from real Idaho potatoes and are naturally gluten-free, so they’re a reliable choice for family meals. They go with almost any main dish, and sometimes I even enjoy them as a warm snack. For me, they're an essential pantry staple when I want convenience without losing flavor."

"As someone who cooks for just myself, I find these potato flakes incredibly economical and convenient—one pack lasts me through several meals. The flavor is top-notch, and it’s so simple to prepare. While I sometimes opt for the plain version to watch my sodium, this one is my favorite when I want something quick and delicious."

"Whenever I need a fast, delicious side, these mashed potatoes are my go-to. They’re super creamy and have a rich, buttery taste that isn't overpowering. The texture is always spot-on, making them ideal for busy nights or family gatherings. Definitely a pantry must-have!"

"As a senior who values convenience, I love how simple and fast these mashed potatoes are to prepare. They taste great on their own, but I also enjoy getting creative—my recent favorite was a batch with Parmesan, olive oil, and Puerto Rican adobo. It’s wonderfully easy to make a quick, delicious meal."

"I’m impressed by the smooth texture and rich flavor—they’re just as good as the more expensive brands, but at a much lower price. I added a little butter, but honestly, they were already tasty enough on their own."

"Not only do these work well as mashed potatoes, but I also use them to thicken soups and stews. A small amount goes a long way, and the freshness and affordability make them a pantry staple for me."

"As a working mom, I really appreciate how simple and effortless these hash browns are to prepare—just add hot water, wait, and fry. They always turn out delicious, making them a perfect option for my busy mornings."

"I was surprised by how flavorful and authentic these rehydrated potatoes taste. You honestly wouldn’t guess they weren’t fresh. Super easy to use and cook up perfectly every time!"

"These hash browns brown up beautifully and don’t stick together, plus they’re so much more convenient than frozen or homemade versions. The texture is spot on—crispy outside, tender inside. My only wish is that they came in larger, more affordable containers."

"I find these mashed potatoes to be super convenient and full of flavor. They’re easy to prepare and work perfectly as a quick side or snack. I’ll definitely buy them again and might even get creative with toppings like bacon bits or fried onions."

"These are my go-to for a quick snack or even breakfast. Preparation is effortless and the texture always turns out just right. My only gripe is the missing water fill line on the inside, which makes it a bit tricky, but overall, they’re a staple in my pantry."

"The microwavable mashed potatoes are a hit for both kids and adults. The size is just right, they're fun to make, and the taste is spot-on every time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fast, tasty option."

"I'm usually not a fan of instant mashed potatoes, but these are absolutely delicious and so easy to make. The little butter pieces mixed with real potato chunks make for a really great taste. I was genuinely surprised by how much I liked them!"

"These are the only instant potatoes I buy now. They have that homemade flavor and texture, even with the little lumps! I do pick out the brown pieces because they don't look appealing to me, but that's a minor thing. When I make them with half milk and half water with a bit of butter, you really can’t tell they’re instant."

"I've always made mashed potatoes from scratch, but these are a huge time saver and taste just like homemade. Gluten free and ready in minutes, which is perfect when I’m in a hurry."

"I absolutely love that these mashed potatoes have only potatoes, butter, and salt—no weird additives or chemicals. They're so easy to make, and the texture is incredibly creamy and smooth. I can just add my own seasonings, and they taste homemade every time. The convenience is a huge plus for me."

"I tried these after being let down by other brands, and I'm so glad I did! Following the instructions was a breeze, and the end result was tasty, creamy, and smooth. I added a bit of sour cream and garlic for extra flavor, and honestly, it's the best instant mashed potato I've had in ages. I'm definitely ordering more."

"These are hands down the best instant mashed potatoes I've found. It's just potatoes and salt—so clean and simple. They're not the cheapest, but the taste and texture are outstanding, always smooth and whipped. They're totally worth the price for me."

"I absolutely love how simple and fast these are to make! The flavor is delicious, and with a bit of milk and butter, they turn out even better. Super convenient for busy nights."

"I was really surprised by how authentic and tasty these instant potatoes turned out. I normally dislike instant varieties, but these actually made me a fan. Great value for stretching meals further."

"While the texture is incredibly smooth, I found it can be a little too refined for my taste. You'll probably want to add extra seasoning or toppings because the flavor is on the mild side."

"I love how quick and easy these are to make—just add hot water and you're done! They're the perfect side dish, especially when paired with stuffing. I've stocked up on several boxes because they're just so convenient and tasty."

"These instant sweet potatoes are a great value when buying in bulk, especially for donations. They're simple to prepare and work well as a side dish. My family really enjoyed the flavor, even if it's more on the sweet, brown sugar side."

"While these are easy to keep on hand, the sweet potato flavor is pretty mild. They seem more like mashed potatoes with brown sugar than true sweet potatoes to me. I'll be donating the rest of my packs, since I was hoping for a stronger sweet potato taste."

"I love how delicious and satisfying these Compleats meals are. They're perfect for a quick lunch, and I always look forward to trying the different flavors in this series. Hearty, tasty, and super easy for one person—these are a staple in my routine."

"For me, COMPLEATS Salisbury Steak is the ultimate comfort food hack. I can have a hot, flavorful meal in just a minute—no fuss, no mess. The steak is rich, the mashed potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly, and the whole thing feels like a home-cooked dinner. Ideal for busy days or late-night snacks!"

"I bought the pot roast and chicken rice for my elderly mother, and while the portion size was just right for her, I found the meals a bit too salty and wished there were more vegetables included. The mashed potatoes could have been smoother, but adding some extra seasoning helped. Overall, it's okay for light eaters but not quite a complete meal."