Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes – What’s the Real Difference?

Potatoes are a common food in homes around the world. People bake them, mash them, fry them and add them to many meals. When shopping for potatoes, two names often appear: Idaho potatoes and russet potatoes. Many shoppers believe these are two different kinds of potatoes, but that is not fully true.

The confusion comes from how the names are used. Russet refers to a type of potato, while Idaho refers to where the potato was grown. Understanding this difference can help you choose the right potato for cooking, especially when texture matters.

This article explains what each name means, why the difference exists and when it actually affects your food.

Did You Know?

Idaho grows approximately 30% to one-third of all potatoes in the United States and the name “Idaho potato” is legally protected.

What Is a Russet Potato?

A russet potato is a type of potato known for its rough, netted brown skin and light-colored flesh. The most common and best-known variety is Russet Burbank, although several other russet varieties are also grown.

Russet potatoes are generally high in starch and dry matter. This makes many russet varieties suitable for baking and frying. They are commonly used for baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and French fries.

Russet potatoes are grown in many states across the United States. When a bag says “russet potatoes,” it tells you about the potato type, not where it was grown.

Also read: Idaho Potato Industry: Production, Varieties & Market Outlook

What Is an Idaho Potato?

An Idaho potato is not a separate potato variety. Idaho refers to the place where the potato was grown. Russet is the best-known type grown in Idaho, but Idaho farms also produce many other varieties, including Yukon Golds, red potatoes and fingerlings.

The “Idaho® potato” name and “Grown in Idaho®” seal are certification marks used to identify potatoes grown in Idaho. The Idaho Potato Commission says the seal helps consumers identify genuine Idaho-grown potatoes.

So, not every Idaho potato is a russet, and not every russet potato is from Idaho. This is the main difference between Idaho potatoes and russet potatoes.

Why the Difference Matters

The difference between Idaho potatoes and other russet potatoes is mainly about origin, variety, growing conditions and the characteristics of the individual potato.

Growing Conditions

Idaho has growing conditions that are well suited to potato production. The Idaho Potato Commission points to the state’s volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and irrigation as factors associated with Idaho-grown potatoes.

These conditions can contribute to the characteristics of Idaho-grown russets. The Idaho Potato Commission notes that Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes have high solids and low moisture, which can produce a dry, fluffy texture when baked and good frying performance.

Label and Standards

The Idaho name is connected to a protected certification mark. The “Grown in Idaho®” seal identifies potatoes grown in Idaho, and the Idaho Potato Commission administers licensing and use of its certification marks.

For buyers, the label therefore provides information about origin, while the variety name provides information about the specific potato type. A package can identify both, such as an Idaho-grown Russet Burbank.

Texture and Cooking

Both Idaho-grown russets and russets grown in other states can contain high levels of starch and dry matter, but characteristics can vary by variety and growing conditions.

Russet Burbank is particularly well known for its high solids and low moisture. The Idaho Potato Commission says this combination helps it produce a dry, fluffy baked potato and crisp, golden fries.

If a recipe calls for a baking potato, a russet is generally a suitable choice. If you specifically want an Idaho-grown potato, look for the “Grown in Idaho®” certification mark.

Also read: Top 10 Highest Potato Producing States in the US

Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes: Key Differences

Feature	Idaho Potatoes	Russet Potatoes
Meaning	Potatoes grown in Idaho	A type of potato
Growing area	Idaho	Many U.S. states and other regions
Potato type	Includes russets, reds, golds and fingerlings	Includes several russet varieties
Well-known varieties	Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah and others	Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah and others
Certification	“Grown in Idaho®” certification mark	No equivalent geographic certification
Main cooking uses	Varies by variety	Commonly baking, frying and mashing

Nutrition at a Glance

Most russet-type potatoes have a similar basic nutritional profile, but the exact values depend on potato size, variety and preparation method.

For example, USDA nutrient data for a large baked russet potato lists about 284 calories, 7.9 grams of protein and 64.1 grams of carbohydrates. A medium baked potato contains less because the serving size is smaller. Potatoes are also a source of potassium and vitamin C.

The main nutritional difference between an Idaho potato and a russet potato cannot be determined simply from the word “Idaho.” Idaho is an origin designation, while russet is a potato type. If you want to calculate potato calories, see this potato calories calculator.

Best Uses for Idaho Russet Potatoes

Some dishes benefit from the characteristics of high-solids russet varieties:

1. Baked potatoes – Dry, fluffy interior
2. French fries – Crisp exterior and good fry performance
3. Mashed potatoes – Light, fluffy texture

Russet Burbank is widely recognized for these characteristics, while other Idaho-grown varieties may be better suited to different fresh or processing applications.

Also read: Why Idaho Potatoes Are So Famous

When Regular Russets Work Fine

For many meals, russet potatoes from other growing regions can work well:

• Soups and stews
• Roasted potato dishes
• Everyday home cooking
• Mashed potatoes
• French fries

The choice depends on the variety, size, solids content, storage condition and the cooking method. Not every russet has exactly the same characteristics.

For potato salad, waxy potatoes often work better than russet types because they tend to hold their shape during cooking.

How to Pick and Store Potatoes

Choosing Potatoes

When buying potatoes:

• Pick ones that feel firm and solid.
• Avoid green patches under the skin.
• Look for the “Grown in Idaho®” seal if you specifically want certified Idaho-grown potatoes.
• Check the package for the potato variety when the variety matters for your application.

The Idaho Potato Commission recommends looking for the “Grown in Idaho®” seal when buying genuine Idaho potatoes.

Storing Potatoes

To keep potatoes fresh:

• Store them in a cool, dark, dry place.
• Do not wash them before storage.
• Keep them protected from light.
• Check stored potatoes regularly and remove any that show signs of decay.

Conclusion

Idaho potatoes and russet potatoes are related terms, but they do not mean the same thing. Russet refers to a type of potato, while Idaho refers to where the potato was grown.

Idaho grows many potato varieties, with russets among the best known. Russet Burbank is particularly associated with Idaho and is valued for its high solids and cooking performance.

For most recipes, the right choice depends on the potato variety and the desired cooking result. If origin matters, look for the “Grown in Idaho®” certification mark.

Also read: Top 10 Potato Producing Countries in the World

FAQs:

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Image credit: Potato Insights
Sources and references:

• The Idaho® Potato Difference — Idaho Potato Commission, current information.
• Frequently Asked Questions — Idaho Potato Commission
• Idaho Grows More Than Just Russets — Idaho Potato Commission 2026.
• Potatoes — University of Idaho current educational resource.
• Total Kcal, USDA National Nutrient Database.
• Potassium, Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
• Vitamin C, Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

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