Tater tots are a beloved American snack made of deep-fried grated potatoes. They were invented in the 1950s by the Ore-Ida company and have become a staple side dish, especially at school cafeterias and diners across the United States. But what is the equivalent snack in the UK?
The Origin of Tater Tots
Tater tots were invented in 1953 by Nephi Grigg, a scientist working for the Ore-Ida frozen potato company in Oregon. Grigg was trying to find a productive use for leftover slivers and fragments of cut-up potatoes. He came up with the idea to combine the potato pieces with flour and spices, shape them into small cylinders, and deep fry them.
The potato nuggets were a big hit, especially in school cafeterias where they were an easy-to-serve side dish. Ore-Ida eventually trademarked the name “tater tots” and they took off across America as a beloved potato snack, especially for kids.
What Makes Tater Tots Unique?
Some key features of classic American tater tots include:
- Made from grated potato scraps and potato starch/flour
- Seasoned with salt, pepper, onions, and other spices
- Molded into small cylindrical shapes
- Deep fried until golden brown and crispy
- Served as a side dish, topped with cheese, chili, etc.
The cylindrical shape maximizes the crispy outer texture that makes them so irresistible. The soft, fluffy interior soaks up whatever toppings they are served with.
How Popular Are Tater Tots in Britain?
Tater tots are not nearly as ubiquitous in Britain as they are in America. They are sometimes found in larger supermarkets or on the menus at American-style diners, but they are not a common staple side dish by any means.
Some key reasons tater tots never gained mass popularity in the UK include:
- They are seen as more of an American novelty snack than a common potato side dish.
- Chips (french fries) already occupy the space of popular deep-fried potato snack.
- School meals traditionally rely more on roasted/boiled potatoes and vegetables.
- Shorter history and availability from UK supermarkets and food brands.
However, some Brits who have spent time in the US develop a taste for tater tots and all their crispy, starchy goodness. So they do have a small fan base in the UK.
What is the Closest British Equivalent to Tater Tots?
While the tater tot craze never took off in the UK, there are some British snacks that are probably the closest equivalent:
Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are made of mashed potatoes mixed with eggs, flour, and seasoning that are shaped into logs, breaded and deep fried. The interior tastes similar to tater tots with a soft, fried exterior. They are sold in supermarkets or on pub and takeaway menus.
| Tater Tots | Potato Croquettes |
|---|---|
| Made from grated raw potatoes | Made from mashed potatoes |
| Small cylindrical shape | Oblong, log shape |
| Crispy, crunchy exterior | Breaded, crunchy exterior |
| Fluffy potato interior | Smooth mashed potato interior |
| American snack | Common in UK pubs/takeaways |
Hash Browns
Hash browns are another potato snack that is beloved in both America and Britain. They are made of shredded potatoes fried into patties and served as a breakfast side. The crispy potato flavor profile is similar to tater tots, though the texture is not as fluffy on the inside. However, they satisfy a similar craving for deep-fried potato goodness.
| Tater Tots | Hash Browns |
|---|---|
| Made from grated potatoes | Made from shredded potatoes |
| Cylindrical shape | Flat, patty shape |
| Fluffy interior | More dense interior |
| Side dish | Breakfast side dish |
| American favorite | Beloved in both UK and US |
Potato Waffles
Potato waffles are a uniquely British snack – waffles made from potato instead of flour. The crispy, fried squares have ridged edges for extra crunch. They are a popular convenience food that you heat up in the toaster. The potato flavor and tender interior surrounded by crispy edges makes them somewhat similar to tater tots.
| Tater Tots | Potato Waffles |
|---|---|
| Made from grated potatoes | Made from mashed potatoes |
| Small cylinders | Square waffle shape |
| Crispy exterior | Crispy, ridged exterior |
| Soft interior | Tender potato interior |
| American favorite | Beloved British snack |
Other British Potato Snacks
While no British snack is a perfect substitute for American tater tots, there are plenty of other beloved potato snacks enjoyed in the UK:
- Chips – Thick cut french fries, the quintessential British potato snack.
- Roast potatoes – Crispy, roasted potato wedges or cubes, often served with roasts.
- Potato farls – Griddled potato cakes popular in Northern Ireland.
- Potato scones – Triangle fried potato bread served at breakfast.
- Potato cakes – Mashed potatoes patties coated in breadcrumbs.
While tater tots may always remain an American classic, the British certainly have no shortage of delicious fried and roasted potato snacks in their culinary repertoire.
Conclusion
Tater tots are practically an institution in America, especially as a cafeteria side dish. But across the pond in the UK, they never gained the same widespread popularity outside of some American-style restaurants. The closest British equivalents are potato croquettes, hash browns, and potato waffles – all delicious in their own right. While the crispy, potatoey, starchy craving can certainly be satisfied with these UK alternatives, tater tots will likely always remain a uniquely American snack.