Why Potatoes are Statistically the Best Food in the World
The Universal Power of Potatoes
- Over 1 billion people worldwide eat potatoes daily.
- Potatoes are grown in over 125 countries — more than any other major crop.
- The average person eats 33 kg (73 lbs) of potatoes per year.
- Declared by the UN as the “Food for the Future” (2008: International Year of the Potato).
Potatoes Provide the Most Efficient Nutrition
- A single medium potato contains 110 calories, 0g fat, 3g protein, and 45% of daily Vitamin C needs.
- They have more potassium than a banana — crucial for heart and muscle health.
- Cost per nutrient: Potatoes are among the most affordable sources of key vitamins and minerals (USDA).
- They’re naturally gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, fitting nearly every diet.
Ever Seen Mars?
In the The Martian, Mark Watney gets stranded on Mars and survives off of only potatoes for almost two years. While this is a fictional story, there have been reports that people have lived off of only potatoes for months at a time and even up to a year.
Potatoes Are the Most Versatile Food on the Planet
- Over 4,000 potato varieties exist worldwide (CIP – International Potato Center).
- Can be baked, mashed, fried, roasted, or boiled — used in countless cuisines (from Peruvian causa to Indian aloo to American fries).
- The global fries market alone exceeds $24 billion annually (Statista, 2024).
Potatoes Sustain the World Economically and Historically
- Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, potatoes fueled population booms and reduced famine.
- They yield more food per acre than any other major crop (FAO).
- Still today, potatoes support millions of farming families in developing countries.
- Countries that adopted potatoes early saw 30% faster population growth between 1700–1900 (Harvard Economic Review).