National Mashed Potato Day – Oct. 18, 2026

Expected National Mashed Potato Day Deals

As National Mashed Potato Day approaches, expect many restaurants and grocery stores to roll out tempting promotions. While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that chains like KFC often feature their famous mashed potatoes and gravy as part of meal deals. Boston Market typically offers family-sized sides, while grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger might run sales on potatoes, butter, and other ingredients for homemade preparations. Keep an eye out for special menu items at local diners and gastropubs, often featuring gourmet mashed potato variations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 18 approaches.

History of National Mashed Potato Day

Human beings have been growing potatoes from as far back as 8000 B.C. The earliest archaeologically verified potato tuber remains were found in central Peru at the coastal site of Ancón, dating to 2500 B.C. Potatoes also appear in the Peruvian archaeological records as a design influence of ceramic pottery. The ancient populations often made potatoes in the shape of vessels. Sir Walter Raleigh is credited with introducing potatoes to Ireland in 1589. After this, it took almost four decades for the tuber to spread to the rest of Europe. In the 1620s, the Governor of the Bahamas sent a gift package containing potatoes to the governor of the colony of Virginia. That’s how potatoes made their way to the colonies.

The humble spuds faced a hard time spreading throughout the northern colonies. It was only until Thomas Jefferson had them served to guests at the White House in 1802 that potatoes became widely accepted. Thereafter, the potato steadily gained in popularity, even more so due to a steady stream of Irish immigrants to the United States. Throughout Europe, the potato became the most important new food in the 19th century because of three major advantages. It had a lower rate of spoilage, it was bulky so it easily satisfied hunger, and it was cheap. The crop slowly spread across Europe and turned into a major staple by mid-century, especially in Ireland.

The tuber continues to gain favor among the American population. Since 2000, more than one million acres of potatoes have been planted and harvested each year, with Idaho being one of the top potato-producing potato states.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Mashed Potato Day