Despite usually swearing by homemade mashed potatoes, I decided to try out a variety of instant mashed-potato brands and flavors to determine the best option at the grocery store — and to see if ...

Instant mashed potatoes aren't nearly as good as the homemade version, and everyone knows it. Still, considering how simple they are to make, sometimes they're the perfect addition to a quick meal.

From fries and chips to scalloped or mashed, I’ll take a potato any way it comes. As a food stylist, recipe developer, and food writer for the past 20 years, I’ve whipped up all of the above and more.