DENVER — Potatoes have a solid presence on 82.9% of restaurant menus in the U.S., and Datassential predicts them to grow another 1.6% in the next four years.

Fast-casual restaurants are projected to experience the most growth of potatoes, 5%, over the next four years, followed by midscale restaurants. Regional and independent restaurants continue to menu potatoes more often than chains.

The lunch daypart has experienced a decline at the lunch daypart over the past four years, pointing to an opportunity for future growth.

The top five potato dishes on menus are fries, mashed potatoes, potato salad, hash browns, and baked potatoes. A variety of cuisines use potatoes including African, Steakhouses, Burgers, and BBQ, all of which have over 99% penetration. Cuisines with the lowest penetration of potatoes include Japanese, Chinese, and Coffee & Bakery, all seen on less than 51% of restaurant menus.

The top five trending potato dishes include tater drums, breakfast potatoes, curly fries, waffle fries, and loaded fries, all showing the strongest growth rates.

Potatoes USA commissions the Datassential Menu Trends study. Datassential provides data and market research services for the foodservice industry.

— Potatoes USA via NPPGA