Tater Tots — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Tater tots nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 160 kcal
| Nutrition per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 20 g | 7.27% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7.14% |
| Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
| Glycemic Index | 70 | - |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% |
| Sodium | 280 mg | 12.17% |
| Total Fat | 8 g | 10.26% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
1 g
🍏 Low Sugar Content
Tater tots facts & tips
Health benefits
- Provides quick energy due to their carbohydrate content.
- Enhances enjoyment and satisfaction as a savory snack or side dish, contributing to emotional well-being.
Health risks
- High fat content particularly in fried tater tots, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed frequently.
- High sodium content in most commercial or restaurant-prepared tater tots, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large portions, particularly as a snack or side dish.
- Low nutrient density as tater tots are typically made from refined ingredients and offer limited vitamins or minerals compared to whole, unprocessed vegetables.
- Potential for acrylamide formation during the frying process, a chemical that forms in starchy foods when cooked at high temperatures and is considered a potential carcinogen.
How to choose tater tots
Tater tots should be golden and crisp when cooked, with a uniform size and shape that ensures even cooking. The packaging should be intact, preserving the tots' freshness and preventing freezer burn.
Avoid tater tots that are pale or have ice crystals on them, as this can indicate they have been thawed and refrozen, potentially affecting their texture and taste. Packages that are ripped or have been resealed should also be avoided, as the tots may be stale or contaminated.
How to store tater tots
Tater tots should be stored in the freezer in their original packaging or a freezer-safe container. Proper storage keeps them crispy and fresh for up to six months. Keeping them frozen is essential.
Air exposure can cause freezer burn, affecting their quality. Avoid leaving the package open and always reseal tightly. Cooking from frozen helps maintain their texture, ensuring they remain delicious and ready to serve.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Tater tots can last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator once cooked. For longer storage, tater tots can be frozen for up to 6 months. Proper storage helps maintain their texture and flavor, making them convenient for quick meals. Reheat them to enjoy their original crispiness.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover tater tots can be used in a variety of savory and fun dishes. Reheat them and serve as a side for burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs, or chop them up and mix into a breakfast scramble with eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Tater tots are also great when used as a topping for casseroles, baked dishes, or pizzas.
Use tater tots in a tater tot casserole by layering them with cheese, meat, and vegetables, then baking until bubbly. If you have a lot of tater tots, consider making a batch of tater tot nachos by topping the tots with cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings. Tater tots can also be crumbled and used as a coating for fried chicken or fish, or mixed into a stuffing with breadcrumbs, herbs, and vegetables. For a quick snack, enjoy tater tots with a side of ketchup or ranch dressing, or serve them with a plate of fresh veggies for a light and satisfying treat.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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