SHOP BY TEXTURE & SIZE

W i t h p o t a t o e s , i t ' s a l l a b o u t t h e s t a r c h .

Whether a potato turns out fluffy, creamy or crispy comes down to one thing - how much starch it holds. Learn the textures and you'll be able to select a potato suited to what you are cooking.

THE STARCH SPECTRUM

W a x y t o s t a r c h y ( a n d w h y i t m a t t e r s ) .

More starch means a drier, fluffier potato that crisps and mashes well but falls apart when boiled. Less starch means a denser, moister, creamier potato that holds its shape. Most varieties sit somewhere along this line.

Low starch · Waxy Medium High starch · STARCHY

Density and creaminess

Waxy, low starch potatoes are denser and hold more moisture, giving a smooth, creamy, almost buttery bite that stays firm when cooked. Known as ideal salad potatoes.

Fluffiness and crisp

Starchy potatoes are drier inside. That dryness is exactly what lets them fluff up for mash and crisp to a golden crust when roasted or fried.

THE TEXTURES

K n o w y o u r t y p e .

A white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and chopped chives, set on a light marble surface with a spoon and napkin nearby.

Waxy Potatoes (Creamy)

Firm, moist and creamy with a flesh that holds its shape through most cooking styles. The reliable potato for anything that needs to stay intact.

Best for Salads, boiling, gratins, curries

Pink Fir · Nicola · Dutch Cream

Starchy Potatoes (Crispy)

Starchy potatoes are dry and fluffy inside, they break down easily, exactly what you want for a golden roast potato, a cloud light mash or a proper crispy chip.

Best for Roasts, mash, chips, bakes

Maris Piper · Sebago · Gippy Gold

Ready to choose from a waxy or starchy potato?

Or better yet... why not both! If you're new to the differences between starchy potatoes and waxy potatoes we encourage you to select a few varieties and try them for yourself. You'll be surprised at how easy a potato dish can be, when you have the right potato for the job.