Tater tots, the crispy, bite-sized potato snack, have become a beloved comfort food in the United States. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or main course, their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior have made them a household favorite. But how did this iconic food come to be? Our sub shop is here to dive into the history and invention of tater tots!
The Birth of Tater Tots
The story of tater tots begins in the 1950s with Ore-Ida, a company that revolutionized the frozen food industry. Founded in 1952 by Frank and Harry DePue in Ontario, Oregon, Ore-Ida initially specialized in frozen hash browns. These quickly became popular due to the convenience of frozen foods, especially in busy households.
However, the DePue brothers were faced with a problem: after producing hash browns, they had large amounts of leftover potato scraps. Instead of discarding these scraps, the brothers saw an opportunity. They began experimenting with the leftover potatoes, trying to find a way to turn them into something new.
The Invention Process
In 1953, after some trial and error, the DePue brothers discovered how to repurpose the potato scraps. They chopped the potatoes finely, mixed them with seasonings, and shaped them into small cylinders. After deep-frying the potato cylinders, they had created the first tater tots. This new product provided a solution to their leftover potato problem and opened up an exciting opportunity in the food industry.
Ore-Ida introduced tater tots to the public in 1956. They quickly became popular, thanks to their convenience, crispy texture, and fun bite-sized shape. Families loved them, and they became a go-to side dish or snack.
Tater Tots Take Over
Tater tots became a hit across the United States. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, with fast-food restaurants and school cafeterias featuring them on their menus. By the 1980s, tater tots were firmly entrenched in American culture, showing up at family gatherings, parties, and in countless creative dishes.
Ore-Ida’s tater tots continued to lead the market, but other brands and local restaurants began offering their own versions, adding new flavors and variations. The versatility of tater tots was evident as they appeared in casseroles, nachos, and even gourmet dishes.
A Timeless Snack
Today, tater tots continue to be a popular snack, available in many flavors, from classic tots to loaded varieties with cheese and bacon. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings as a way to use potato scraps, but their simple, satisfying crunch remains unchanged. Tater tots are a reminder of the power of innovation and the lasting impact of a good idea!
Soprano’s Pizza | Nashua Sub Shop
Whether you’re stopping in for some tots or your favorite pizza, rest assured the options are endless here at our sub shop. Stop by today and see for yourself!