A recent survey by AstraRicerche, in collaboration with IIAS – the Italian Institute of Frozen Foods, provides an overview of one of the most beloved foods across all ages (even in its frozen form): potatoes.

In recent years, global potato consumption has continued to rise, with production now exceeding 300 million tons worldwide.

In Italy, research on potato consumption has highlighted interesting preferences and habits, not only regarding popular dishes but also different cooking methods.

The dish that Italians consider the “perfect match” with potatoes is roast chicken, preferred by 56.4% of Italian consumers, especially Baby Boomers. Among younger generations, particularly Gen Z and families with young children (0-9 years old), chicken nuggets are more popular, chosen by 17.8% of respondents. Other favorite pairings include potatoes with pizza (11.7%), an unusual but appreciated choice, and with fish, in the classic Fish & Chips (7.5%). Additionally, 6.6% enjoy potatoes with a mix of vegetables.

As for cooking methods, the oven remains the favorite for 35.5% of Italians, thanks to its ability to deliver a crispy yet healthy result. Air fryers, chosen by 28.2%, are on the rise, appreciated for their ability to replicate the taste of fried potatoes with less oil – a preference reflecting a growing focus on innovative, healthy cooking methods.

A traditional 22.7% still prefers pan-frying, while 13.6% of the sample indicated no specific preference and enjoy potatoes in any form.

These insights into Italian eating habits reveal a strong presence of potatoes in their diets, placing Italy among the top consumers in Europe. Of particular interest is the growing appreciation among Gen Z, who show a strong tendency to consume both fresh and frozen potatoes. This generation is drawn to the product’s versatility, which lends itself to numerous recipes and cooking methods, from fried to baked, that cater even to sophisticated tastes.

Production in Italy

In terms of production, Italy has maintained a stable annual output of just over 1 million tons over the past five years, with the exception of 2023, when harvests dropped below this threshold to 960,000 tons. This decline was due to a combination of adverse weather conditions and water resource management issues, which negatively affected crop yields.