Tater tots are beloved bite-sized cylinders of grated potatoes that are formed into small nuggets and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These iconic potato treats have become a staple in American cuisine, particularly in school cafeterias and as a popular side dish.
Quick Facts
When is it?: February 2nd annually
Tagged as: Food holiday, National observance
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalTaterTotDay
When was it founded?: 1953 (when Tater Tots were invented)
Who founded it?: Ore-Ida founders F. Nephi and Golden Grigg
History
The story of tater tots began in 1953 when brothers F. Nephi and Golden Grigg, founders of Ore-Ida, sought a solution to deal with leftover potato scraps from their french fry production. Rather than letting these potato pieces go to waste, they chopped them up, added flour and seasoning, and shaped them into small cylinders. The name “Tater Tots” was trademarked by Ore-Ida, combining “tater” (slang for potato) and “tot” (meaning small one).
Timeline
- 1953: Invention of Tater Tots by Ore-Ida
- 1954: First commercial production begins
- 1956: National distribution across the United States
- 1970s: Becomes a school lunch staple
- Present day: Over 70 million pounds consumed annually
Dates by Next Year (2025-2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 2 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 2 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 2 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 2 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 2 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate National Tater Tot Day by enjoying these crispy treats in various ways, from classic preparations to creative recipes. Restaurants often offer special tater tot dishes, and home cooks experiment with unique toppings and preparations.
Fun Facts About Tater Tots
- Americans consume approximately 70 million pounds of tater tots per year
- The name “Tater Tots” is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida
- It takes about 3.5 pounds of potatoes to make 2 pounds of tater tots
- Tater tots were originally created as a way to use potato waste
- They’re often called “potato puffs” when not made by Ore-Ida
Quiz
- In what year were tater tots invented?
- Who invented tater tots?
- Why were tater tots originally created?
- What company owns the trademark “Tater Tots”?
(Answers: 1. 1953, 2. F. Nephi and Golden Grigg, 3. To use potato scraps from french fry production, 4. Ore-Ida)
FAQs
Q: Are tater tots gluten-free?
A: Traditional tater tots usually contain wheat flour, but gluten-free versions are available.
Q: Can tater tots be made at home?
A: Yes, they can be made from scratch using grated potatoes, flour, and seasonings.
Q: Are tater tots healthy?
A: While they’re made from potatoes, tater tots are typically deep-fried and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Importance of National Tater Tot Day
This day celebrates American food innovation and reminds us how creative problem-solving can lead to beloved culinary discoveries. It also highlights the importance of reducing food waste in food production.
Related Food Days
- National French Fry Day (July 13)
- National Potato Day (August 19)
- National Hash Brown Day (September 9)
- National Potato Month (September)
- National Fast Food Day (November 16)