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Tater Tots

Tater tots are small, cylindrical pieces of grated potato that are typically deep-fried or baked and served as a side dish or snack.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tater tots are small, cylindrical pieces of grated potato that are typically deep-fried or baked and served as a side dish or snack. They were invented in the 1950s by Ore-Ida in Ontario, Oregon, as a way to use leftover potato pieces from French fry production. The name is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida, though it is often used generically for similar potato products.

Origin

Tater tots were developed by Ore-Ida in the 1950s in Ontario, Oregon. The product was created to use leftover potato pieces from French fry production and reduce waste.

Name and trademark

The name "tater tot" combines "tater," a dialect word for potato, and "tot," implying a small size. Although it is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida, the term is often used generically for similar products.

International variants

Similar potato products are marketed under different names in various countries. In Canada, a commonly used name is Spud Puppies, while other markets use names such as Potato Gems and Potato Royals.

Cultural use

Tater tots are a common comfort food in North America and appear in school meals, restaurant dishes, and home cooking. They are also associated with Minnesota’s tater tot hotdish.

Key facts

  • Tater tots are made from grated potato formed into small cylinders and cooked until crisp.
  • They were invented in the 1950s by Ore-Ida in Ontario, Oregon, to use surplus potato scraps.
  • The term "tater tot" is a registered trademark, but it is often used generically.
  • Similar products are sold under different names in other countries, including Spud Puppies in Canada.
  • Tater tots are commonly served as a side dish and are also used in dishes such as hotdish/casseroles.
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Canadian context

Similar products are sold in Canada under names such as Spud Puppies, making tater tots familiar to Canadian shoppers and diners as a frozen potato side dish.

Frequently asked questions

What are tater tots?
Tater tots are small, cylindrical pieces of grated potato that are usually deep-fried or baked and served as a side dish or snack.
Who invented tater tots?
They were invented by Ore-Ida Foods, associated with F. Nephi and Golden Grigg, in Ontario, Oregon.
When were tater tots invented?
They were introduced in the 1950s, with 1953 commonly given as the invention year.
Are tater tots a trademark?
Yes. "Tater Tot" is a registered trademark of Ore-Ida, although it is widely used as a generic term.
What are tater tots called in Canada?
A Canadian name used for similar products is Spud Puppies.
What are tater tots usually served with?
They are commonly served with meals as a side dish, and they are also used in casseroles and other potato-based dishes.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tater_tots
    Supports: Definition, trademark status, and basic description of tater tots.
  2. Oregon Encyclopedia — https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/tater-tots-and-ore-ida-foods-co/
    Supports: Invention by Ore-Ida in Ontario, Oregon; international names including Spud Puppies in Canada; cultural references such as tater tot hotdish.