Fries Still No. 1, but Microwaving Helps Baked Potato Steam Into Second Place

STAMFORD, Conn. — French fries are still king of the spuds but baked potatoes have surpassed mashed in a recent study of the most popular potato side dishes.

MRCA Consumption Information Services, which conducted the survey, credits the microwave oven for the increased popularity of baked potatoes. “Baking a potato, which once required up to an hour in baking time, now uses just 10 minutes in the microwave,” said Edmond Mozes, vice president and general manager of the firm. Mozes says concern about nutrition probably also contributed to the baked potato’s popularity among 2,000 American households interviewed for the survey on side dishes.

But neither lower nutritional value nor greater preparation time can keep Americans from their French fries, which still rate No. 1.

Other findings of the study:

--Corn is America’s favorite side dish for dinner.

--Potato chips are the top lunch side dish choice.

--The popularity of fruit as a side dish has risen by 10% in per capita consumption over the last five years.

--Per capita consumption of commercial stuffing mixes and pasta salad soared 45% and 25%, respectively, over the past five years.