Mashed potatoes are a popular and beloved dish that people often make at home by steaming and mashing potatoes. And there are easier ways to do it, you can also make delicious mashed potatoes using potato flakes or mashed potato powder by simply mixing them with hot water or hot milk.
Many people asked me if potato flakes and mashed potato powder are the same thing. If not, what are the differences between them? How do their uses differ? OK, besides the basic information about these two products, I will talk about it more from a manufacturer’s perspective.
Are Potato Flakes and Mashed Potato Powder the Same?
Strictly speaking, I do not think they are the same product, because people use them for different purposes. We normally use potato flakes as a food material and use mashed potato powder as an instant food or snack.
The key difference is that we consider potato flakes an ingredient or raw material used in many food processing applications, such as making potato chips and other snack food. however, you can not use mashed potato powder in the same field.
About mashed potato powder, we make them using potato flakes and other additives. Therefore, you can see that potato flakes are one of the ingredients of mashed potatoes. But you also can directly use potato flakes to make mashed potatoes at home, there is no big difference for most of us.
Potato Flakes vs. Mashed Potato Powder: What Are the Differences?
Appearance Differences
Potato Flakes:
- Potato flakes look like snowflakes, thin like paper, and are usually pure white or slightly yellowish. The diameter of flakes is around 3mm normally.
- The color variation is mainly due to the different potato varieties used in processing. We use the white-color potato flakes in the most production.
- Because they are flake-like, potato flakes have low density, so even a large bag won’t be very heavy. A 20kg potato flakes bag can carry 25kg mashed potato powder.
Mashed Potato Powder
- Mashed potato powder is processed from potato flakes.
- It is a fine powder, usually between 80 to 100 mesh.
- Mashed potato powder often contains other ingredients mixed in, even plain versions usually have a bit of salt or sugar added.
- There are two types of raw materials used to make mashed potato powder: potato flakes and potato granules.
- Potato flakes are more commonly produced in China, while potato granules are more commonly produced in Europe and America.
Price Differences
- Potato flakes are relatively cheaper than mashed potato powder. Mashed potato powder is about 50%-80% more expensive because of the extra processing.
- Mashed potato powder, especially the flavored kinds, involves more production steps and ingredients, making it more expensive.
- If you enjoy DIY, potato flakes are a more cost-effective choice. If you prefer a particular flavor of mashed potato powder, you’ll need to spend a bit more.
- Sometimes, creating your own unique mashed potato flavor can be a fun experience.
Production Process Differences
- The production of potato flakes is relatively complex as it involves processing potatoes into dehydrated flakes.
- The production of mashed potato powder is simpler, mainly involving mixing the necessary ingredients with finely ground potato flakes and packaging the mixture.
- Manufacturers of potato flakes are typically large-scale operations due to the need to ensure profitability.
- Mashed potato powder can be produced by smaller companies because the processing steps are fewer and simpler.
Different Customs Declarations and HS Codes When Purchasing from China
- The customs declaration name for potato flakes is “Potato flakes,” with HS code 1105200000.
- The customs declaration name for mashed potato powder is “Mashed potato powder,” with HS code 2005200000.
Application Differences
- Potato flakes have a broader range of applications beyond making mashed potato powder. They are used in making potato chips, baked goods, and many snack foods.
- Mashed potato powder is an end product mainly used for instant mashed potatoes.
Which Is Better for You: Potato Flakes or Mashed Potato Powder?
- If you enjoy innovation, such as developing new baked goods, potato flakes are the better choice due to their versatility.
- If you prefer quickly making mashed potatoes without the hassle of preparing many ingredients, mashed potato powder is the way to go.
- Beyond food, potato flakes are an important material in fish bait because of their excellent and quick rehydration properties, allowing them to disperse quickly in water.
- Potato flakes are relatively cheaper but are usually sold in large packages (over 10 kg), making them harder to buy directly at retail.
- Mashed potato powder made from potato granules has a different texture compared to those made from potato flakes; you might want to try it out. Mashed potato powder made from potato granules tends to be smoother.
Where to Buy Potato Flakes and Mashed Potato Powder
- Mashed potato powder is easier to purchase, often available in supermarkets and online.
- Buying small packages of potato flakes can be more challenging, but you can contact me directly.