The 5 Best and 5 Worst Tater Tot Brands (Here’s How They Stack Up)

Tater tots are a crispy, bite-sized comfort food that everyone loves, but not all brands are created equal. Some deliver the perfect golden crunch with a fluffy potato center, while others turn out bland, soggy, or disappointingly dry. Whether you are baking, frying, or air-frying, the right brand makes all the difference. We put several popular tater tot brands to the test to see which ones live up to the hype and which ones fall flat.

Ore-Ida Golden Tater Tots – Best

Ore-Ida practically invented the tater tot, and they still set the standard. These tots have a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy potato center. They cook evenly whether baked, fried, or air-fried, making them a versatile choice. The flavor is rich, with just the right balance of salt and potato goodness. If you want classic, no-fail tater tots, Ore-Ida is the best bet.

Great Value Taters (Walmart) – Worst

Great Value’s tater tots might be budget-friendly, but they lack flavor and texture. They tend to be overly starchy, and they do not crisp up as nicely as premium brands. Some batches come out mushy, while others are weirdly dry in the center. The seasoning is also on the bland side, making them taste like plain mashed potatoes. If you are looking for quality, these might not be worth it.

Alexia Organic Yukon Select Puffs – Best

Alexia takes a gourmet approach to tater tots, using organic Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery taste. The texture is crisp on the outside and creamy inside, giving them a slightly upscale feel. They contain fewer artificial ingredients than most brands, making them a great choice for those who want a cleaner option. The flavor is slightly sweeter than traditional tots, which some people love. They are a solid pick if you want quality without sacrificing taste.

McCain Tasti Taters – Worst 

McCain’s tater tots are hit or miss, with a texture that can turn out soggy even when baked properly. The flavor is underwhelming, with a noticeable lack of seasoning. They also do not hold their shape as well, often crumbling apart after cooking. While they are not the worst option out there, they lack the crunch and potato flavor that makes a good tater tot. If you want better options, it is best to go with a more reliable brand.

Sprouts Farmers Market Tater Bites – Best

Market Pantry Potato Puffs (Target) – Worst

Market Pantry’s tater tots are budget-friendly, but they fall short in quality. The biggest issue is the texture—they often turn out either too hard or too soft with no in-between. The flavor lacks depth, and they taste more like plain fried batter than actual potatoes. They also do not hold their crispiness for long, becoming soggy quickly after cooking. If you want a reliable, crispy tot, there are much better options out there.

365 by Whole Foods Market Tater Puffs – Best 

Whole Foods’ 365 Tater Puffs offer a high-quality, all-natural option with a clean ingredient list. They crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer, giving them a satisfying crunch. The potato flavor is more pronounced, and they do not have that artificial taste some lower-quality brands have. They are slightly less salty than mainstream brands, which can be a plus for those who prefer a more natural taste. If you want a simple but well-made tot, these are a great pick.

Signature Select Tater Puffs (Safeway, Albertsons) – Worst

Signature Select Tater Puffs look like a solid choice, but they lack the crispiness that makes a great tater tot. Even when cooked properly, they tend to turn out either too soft or too dry. The potato filling is under-seasoned, making them taste plain without extra salt or dipping sauce. They also have an inconsistent texture, with some tots crumbling apart while others stay too dense. If you want a reliable, flavorful tater tot, there are much better options available.

Cascadian Farm Organic Spud Puppies – Best

Cascadian Farm offers a great organic alternative to traditional tater tots. These tots have a slightly thicker texture, making them extra crispy when baked. The flavor is rich and earthy, thanks to the organic potatoes and minimal additives. They work well as a healthier option while still delivering that classic crispy potato experience. If you want organic, high-quality tots, these are a strong contender.

Essential Everyday Tater Tots – Worst

Essential Everyday’s tater tots struggle with consistency in both flavor and texture. They tend to be overly dry inside while lacking the crispiness you expect from a good tater tot. The seasoning is minimal, leaving them with a bland taste that needs extra salt or dipping sauce. They also break apart too easily, making them frustrating to cook. Overall, they do not stand up to the more well-known brands in terms of quality.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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