Potatoes are one of the most consumed and versatile foods in the world. They are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, can be boiled, roasted, mashed, fried, and even used in snacks like potato chips.

But how many calories are in potatoes? And are they a healthy choice? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about calories in potatoes.

What Are Calories?

To understand how many calories are in potatoes, we first need to talk about what calories are. A calorie is defined as a unit of energy.

When we eat food, our bodies break it down and extract energy from it, which we use to power our cells and bodily functions. The number of calories in a food item tells us how much energy it contains.

How Many Calories Are in Potatoes?

The number of calories in potatoes varies depending on the preparation method and type of potato. Here are some examples:.

One medium-sized baked potato with the skin on contains approximately 160 calories.
One medium-sized boiled potato without skin contains approximately 120 calories.
One medium-sized roasted potato with olive oil contains approximately 190 calories.
One cup of mashed potatoes contains approximately 200 calories.
One ounce of potato chips contains approximately 150 calories.

As you can see, the number of calories varies depending on the type of potato and how it is prepared. Boiled and baked potatoes are generally the lowest in calories, while fried and mashed potatoes tend to be higher in calories.

Potato chips are also high in calories due to the added oil and salt.

Are Potatoes a Healthy Choice?

Despite being high in carbohydrates, potatoes are actually quite healthy. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients. However, it’s important to note that not all potato preparations are healthy.

For example, mashed potatoes made with milk and butter can be high in saturated fat and calories. Fried potatoes, like french fries or potato chips, are also high in calories and unhealthy fats.

How Can You Make Potatoes Healthier?

There are many ways to make potatoes healthier. Here are some tips:.

Choose healthier potato preparations, like boiled, baked, or roasted potatoes.
Leave the skin on when eating potatoes, as it contains fiber and nutrients.
Avoid adding unhealthy fats like butter or sour cream to mashed potatoes, and instead use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Make your own oven-baked potato chips by slicing potatoes thinly and baking in the oven with a small amount of olive or avocado oil.

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be a healthy and delicious choice when prepared correctly. They are a good source of carbs, fiber, and essential nutrients.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the preparation method and added ingredients to keep the calorie count in check and make sure you’re getting the most nutrition out of your potatoes.