Are Costco Reser’s Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes worth buying? Based on my experience, no. Excessive salt ruins the overall quality despite its convenience and initial appeal.
The mashed potatoes have a commendable creamy and smooth texture, typical of restaurant-style dishes. However, the overwhelming saltiness overshadows what could have been a great side dish. Unfortunately, I won’t be repurchasing this product.
Other products from costco are Tasty Bite Protein Bowl Citrus Cilantro, Sous Vide Egg Bites Uncured , Organic Salsa Medium, Strawberry Spread, Brats Original Bratwurst, Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream, Super Smoothie, and the Costco Ham And Cheese Pastry
Costco Reser’s Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes
Taste Test
I was initially excited about the mashed potatoes, noting that the preparation and ingredients seemed promising. The texture was chunky and creamy without big clumps, indicating a well-prepared product. However, my mom and I found the product excessively salty. Mom said the salt level “destroys it,” making it challenging to enjoy despite the excellent texture.
The saltiness from the first bite was overwhelming and left a lingering taste. Although the creaminess and chunkiness showed potential, the saltiness overshadowed these positive aspects, making it hard to enjoy. Mom compared it unfavorably to Bob Evans’ mashed potatoes, which she considers the best-prepared mashed potatoes we’ve tried.
Nutrition Analysis
When looking at the nutrition facts for Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes, a few things stand out. There are about 15 servings per container, each 1/2 cup (124g), providing 170 calories. Each serving contains 9 grams of total fat, 6 grams of which are saturated fat—relatively high.
There’s no trans fat, which is good. Each serving also has 25 milligrams of cholesterol and a concerning 540 milligrams of sodium. The high sodium content contributes to the very salty taste we noticed during our taste test.
On the plus side, each serving offers 2 grams of dietary fiber, 1 gram of total sugars, and 3 grams of protein. While the product has a good texture, the high sodium content significantly affects the overall quality and enjoyment.
The excessive salt makes this product difficult to recommend for those who prefer a more balanced and less salty flavor profile.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredients list for Costco Reser’s Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes is quite simple. The main ingredient is potatoes, as expected. Whole milk and butter (made from sweet cream and salt) give it a creamy texture that I enjoyed during the taste test. However, the separate addition of salt likely causes the overpowering saltiness that detracts from the dish.
Black pepper adds a mild spice, enhancing the flavor but not enough to counteract the excessive saltiness. Nisin preparation (a natural antimicrobial that includes salt) is used for preservation but also increases the sodium content.
These mashed potatoes could be a comforting, creamy side dish based on the ingredients. Unfortunately, the excessive salt ruins the overall experience. If the salt levels were reduced, this product could compare more favorably with other well-prepared mashed potatoes, such as those from Bob Evans.
How I Prepare
Mom followed the package instructions to heat the mashed potatoes in the microwave. She stirred them to ensure even heating and consistency.
While stirring, she noticed the potatoes were chunky, which she liked since we prefer some texture in our mashed potatoes. She also mentioned they had a creamy and thick consistency, showing they were well-prepared in texture.
Convenience
I appreciated how convenient it was to prepare the mashed potatoes by heating them in the microwave. This straightforward process is a big plus, especially when making mashed potatoes from scratch.
Mom liked the idea of a ready-to-eat product that skips steps like peeling, boiling, and mashing potatoes. This convenience was a key reason we were excited about the product. Despite being disappointed with the taste, the easy preparation makes it an attractive option for those who value time-saving solutions in the kitchen.
Price Analysis
The product costs $7.99 for a twin pack, which is $3.99 per 32-ounce tray. This is a reasonable price for the quantity and convenience. Mom was thrilled with the deal, finding two tubs for $7.99 to be a great bargain.
She appreciated the cost-effectiveness, especially with the convenience of ready-made mashed potatoes. Although we were disappointed with the taste, the competitive pricing and time-saving benefits make this product valuable for busy households.
Review Score
- Taste: 6/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Nutrition: 7/10
- Price: 8/10
- Convenience: 8/10
Overall
Not Recommended!
Costco Reser’s Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes were disappointing due to their overwhelming saltiness despite the appealing texture and easy preparation. While they are convenient and cost-effective as a side dish, the high sodium content significantly reduces enjoyment.
Reducing salt levels could make this product much more enjoyable and comparable to other high-quality prepared mashed potatoes like Bob Evans. Until then, I wouldn’t recommend this product if you prefer a balanced and less salty flavor profile.
FAQs
How do you prepare Costco Reser’s Main St Bistro Restaurant Style Mashed Potatoes?
Follow the package instructions for heating the mashed potatoes in the microwave. Stir them to ensure even heating and consistency. The process is quick and convenient, making it a time-saving option compared to preparing mashed potatoes from scratch.
Are these mashed potatoes suitable for people on a low-sodium diet?
These mashed potatoes are unsuitable for a low-sodium diet due to their high sodium content. Each serving contains 540 milligrams of sodium, contributing to the overly salty taste noted during the taste test.
How many servings are in each container?
There are about 15 servings per container; each serving size is 1/2 cup (124 grams).
What are the main ingredients of these mashed potatoes?
The main ingredients include potatoes, whole milk, butter (made from sweet cream and salt), salt, black pepper, and nisin preparation (a natural antimicrobial that provides salt).
How much does the product cost?
The product costs $7.99 for a twin pack, which is $3.99 per 32-ounce tray. This is considered a reasonable price for the quantity and convenience offered.
Is this product comparable to other brands?
While the texture and convenience are on par with other brands, the high sodium content makes it less enjoyable than other well-prepared mashed potatoes like Bob Evans. Reducing the salt levels could improve its comparability.
How did you find the texture of these mashed potatoes?
The texture was chunky and creamy, without big clumps. This was a positive aspect noted during the taste test, indicating a well-prepared product in terms of texture.
Would you recommend this product?
Based on the overwhelming saltiness and high sodium content, I would not recommend this product if you prefer a balanced and less salty flavor profile. However, if convenience and cost-effectiveness are your priorities, it may still be worth considering.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Costcoverdict solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Costcoverdict and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Costcoverdict ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes
