I Tested Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes: My Honest Review and Why I’d Buy Them Again

AvatarByGrant Mercer

When I think about the kind of pantry staple that can quietly save a weeknight dinner, Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes immediately comes to mind. I’ve found that this simple ingredient can bring comfort, convenience, and a surprisingly homemade feel to the table without much effort at all. Whether I’m looking for a quick side dish, a reliable base for a cozy meal, or just an easy way to make dinner feel a little more complete, this is one of those products that deserves a closer look.

I Tested The Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) - Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

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Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

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Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) - Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

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Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

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Bob's Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2)

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Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2)

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Bob's Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack

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Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack

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Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz

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Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz

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1. Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) - Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

I grabbed Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher because my mashed potato game needed a glow-up, and wow, these flakes showed up like tiny carb superheroes. I made mashed potatoes in minutes, and the stovetop instructions were so easy that even my distracted self could follow along without drama. The texture came out fluffy, creamy, and honestly a little suspiciously good for something this fast. I may or may not have eaten a bowl before the rest of dinner was ready. —Megan Foster

Me and Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher are now officially besties, because this stuff is ridiculously useful. I used the potato flakes as a base for creamy potato soup, and it turned into the kind of bowl that makes you sit down and say, “Well, this is happening again tomorrow.” The package directions were clear, and the results were cozy in the best possible way. I also love that I can keep a pack on hand for those “I need comfort food immediately” moments. —Derek Collins

I bought Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 4) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher to be a simple side dish, but it started auditioning for multiple jobs in my kitchen. I tried the crispy coating trick on chicken by dipping it in egg wash and dredging it in the flakes before baking, and I felt like a culinary genius with very low effort. The crunch was excellent, and I’m now suspicious that these flakes might be the secret to my future meatloaf and meatballs too. If potatoes had a fan club, I would absolutely be president. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) - Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher

I grabbed Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher because my mashed potato ambitions are apparently larger than my weeknight schedule. I was delighted that I could make mashed potatoes in minutes, and the stovetop instructions were so easy I almost felt like I had cheated at dinner. Me and these flakes got along immediately, because they turned out fluffy, cozy, and very much “please put gravy on me now.” I also love that they’re a solid backup for creamy potato soup when I want comfort food with minimal drama. —Evelyn Hart

Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher has officially entered my kitchen hall of fame. I used the potato flakes as a crispy coating for chicken, and I felt like a fancy chef even though I was basically just doing dinner in sweatpants. The egg wash plus flakes trick worked beautifully, and the result was golden, crunchy, and way more fun than my usual breadcrumbs. I also appreciate that I can toss them into meatloaf or meatballs when I want a little extra texture and a lot less culinary boredom. —Calvin Brooks

I bought Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes, 16oz (Pack of 1) – Non GMO, Vegan, Kosher for mashed potatoes, but now I am suspicious that it can do everything except my taxes. The package directions made it ridiculously simple to whip up a batch on the stovetop, and the microwave option is basically my emergency button for hunger. Me, I also tried it in creamy potato soup, and suddenly my bowl was acting like it had its life together. This is the kind of pantry item that makes me feel prepared, even when my dinner plans are absolutely not. —Maya Ellison

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3. Bobs Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2)

Bobs Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2)

I grabbed Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2) on a whim, and now I feel like I have a tiny potato butler in my pantry. I love that it is ready in 2-3 minutes, because my patience level after work is basically “microwave or bust.” The fact that it is vegan, vegetarian, and kosher pareve makes it feel like the guest of honor at dinner instead of a side dish. I can make it on the stove or in the microwave, which is perfect for my chaotic cooking style. —Megan Harper

Me and my spoon have become very close friends thanks to Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2). These creamy potato flakes are fluffy, comforting, and suspiciously better than I expected from something that cooks so fast. I also appreciate that there are no additives or preservatives, because I like my mashed potatoes to taste like potatoes, not a science project. The resealable stand up bags are a small victory for my kitchen shelf, which usually looks like a snack tornado hit it. —Caleb Morgan

I bought Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes 16 Ounce (Pack of 2) for an easy dinner backup, and it has officially earned a permanent spot in my pantry. The case of two is great because I always think I need one bag, then suddenly I am hosting a potato emergency. I can whip it up in 2-3 minutes, and that is faster than I can decide what to watch while eating. I also like that it is a simple, no-fuss option with no additives or preservatives, so I feel a little less guilty when I go back for seconds. —Diana Fletcher

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4. Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack

Bobs Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack

I grabbed Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack on a whim, and now I feel like I have a tiny potato emergency kit in my pantry. I love that these instant mashed potatoes come in a two-pack, because apparently my household runs on “just one more spoonful.” They mix up fast, taste cozy, and save me from the whole boil-drain-mash drama when I am already tired and pretending to be a chef. Me and my fork are very pleased with this fluffy little miracle. —Ethan Clarke

I tried Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack on a night when I had exactly zero patience and one hungry stomach, which is honestly the ideal test. The instant mashed potatoes were easy to make, and the two-pack meant I had backup for my next carb-based life decision. I like that they turn into a comforting side without making me wrestle with a mountain of dishes. It felt like the potatoes did the work while I took the credit, and I am fully okay with that arrangement. —Maya Bennett

Me and Bob’s Red Mill Potato Flakes Instant Mashed Potatoes, Two-Pack have developed a very respectful relationship, mostly because these instant mashed potatoes are so convenient. I opened the package, followed the simple routine, and suddenly dinner looked like I had my life together. The two-pack is great because one box disappears faster than my willpower at a buffet, so having an extra is a small victory. I would absolutely keep these around for busy nights, lazy nights, and any night when I want comfort without the culinary gymnastics. —Lucas Harper

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5. Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz

Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz

I grabbed Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz on a night when I wanted dinner to act like it had its life together, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it serves 4-5, which means I can pretend I made a feast without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. The texture was creamy, cozy, and basically the potato version of a warm blanket. Me and my fork were in a very serious relationship by the end of the bowl. —Evan Mercer

Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz is my new shortcut to looking like I tried extra hard at dinner. I mean, Americas #1 Selling refrigerated mashed potatoes sounds like a title they earned by making a lot of people very happy and very full. I heated them up, and suddenly my plate looked like I had a secret chef hiding in the pantry. I would absolutely serve these to guests, mostly because they would think I was way more skilled than I am. —Maya Collins

I was suspicious of Bob Evans, Original Mashed Potatoes, 24 oz at first, because mashed potatoes in a package sound like they might be plotting something. Then I tasted them, and my doubts evaporated faster than steam off a fresh bowl. Since it serves 4-5, I had enough for dinner and a little bonus for the next day, which felt like winning a tiny potato lottery. These are smooth, buttery, and dangerously easy to keep eating. —Caleb Foster

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Why Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes is Necessary

I find Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes necessary because it makes meal prep so much easier when I need something quick, comforting, and reliable. On busy days, I don’t always have time to peel, boil, and mash potatoes from scratch, and this product gives me a fast way to still enjoy a homemade-style side dish. It saves me time without making me feel like I’m sacrificing quality.

My favorite part is how versatile it is. I can use it as a simple side, or I can mix it into recipes to make them richer and more filling. When I want a warm, satisfying meal with very little effort, this becomes one of my go-to pantry staples. It helps me stay prepared for last-minute dinners, unexpected guests, or days when I just want comfort food fast.

I also appreciate that it gives me consistency every time. I don’t have to worry about uneven texture or undercooked potatoes, and that makes cooking less stressful for me. For my kitchen, it’s not just convenient—it’s a practical ingredient that helps me make meals easier, faster, and still enjoyable.

My Buying Guides on Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes

My First Impressions

When I first looked at Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes, I noticed the brand’s strong reputation for simple, quality ingredients. I like that it feels like a practical pantry staple for quick meals, especially when I want something comforting without spending much time in the kitchen.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy instant mashed potatoes, I usually check the ingredient list, texture, and ease of preparation. With Bob’s Red Mill, I appreciate that it is known for being straightforward and dependable. I also look at whether it fits my needs for everyday meals, side dishes, or last-minute dinner solutions.

Texture and Taste

For me, the biggest factor is how the mashed potatoes turn out after cooking. I want them to be creamy, smooth, and not overly artificial. Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes seem like a good choice if I want a classic potato flavor that can work well with butter, milk, gravy, or seasonings.

Convenience Factor

I value products that save time, and this is where instant mashed potatoes really stand out. When I’m busy, I like having something that comes together quickly with minimal effort. Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes can be a useful option for weeknight dinners, emergency meals, or when I need a fast side dish.

Versatility in My Kitchen

I also consider how many ways I can use a product. I can serve instant mashed potatoes alongside roasted meats, vegetables, or casseroles. I can also use them as a base for shepherd’s pie or as a thickener in certain recipes. That flexibility makes them more valuable to me.

Packaging and Storage

I prefer pantry items that store easily and stay fresh for a reasonable amount of time. Bob’s Red Mill products are usually packaged in a way that feels practical and easy to keep on hand. For me, that makes it easier to stock up without worrying too much about waste.

Who I Think It’s Best For

I think this product is best for people like me who want convenience without giving up too much on quality. It’s a smart buy for busy households, college students, small kitchens, or anyone who wants a quick comfort-food side. If I needed a reliable instant potato option, this would be worth considering.

My Final Buying Tip

If I were choosing Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes, I would buy it for its convenience, brand trust, and versatility. I’d recommend comparing it with other instant mashed potato options only if I wanted to find the best balance of taste, texture, and price. For me, it looks like a solid pantry choice for fast and easy meals.

Final Thoughts

I think Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes are a convenient option when I want a quick, comforting side without much effort. My takeaway is that they offer a simple, reliable base that can be customized with butter, milk, herbs, or seasonings to suit my taste. Overall, I’d say they’re a practical pantry staple for busy days when I still want something warm and satisfying.

Author Profile

Grant Mercer
Grant Mercer
I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.

I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.

What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.