The Popular Potato Brand That Invented Modern Tater Tots

Updated 1/30/25; an old version of this article incorrectly stated that the invention of Tater Tots was accidental.

Whether it's mealtime or snack time, Tater Tots are a crispy form of potato that can spark comfort and nostalgia. While the fact that they've been around for 70 years now doesn't sound so surprising, what's more interesting is that the founders of the Ore-Ida brand were the ones who made this beloved potato product.

In 1952, Ore-Ida Potato Products was established by the Grigg brothers – Nephi and Theodore Golden – who had an existing frozen corn business. They soon started making and selling frozen french fries, which were mechanically separated from the scraps of potatoes. The leftovers were initially added to cattle feed in 1953, but wanting a better use for them, the entrepreneur duo experimented with mixing the potato slivers with flour and seasonings then molding them into nuggets that they named and trademarked "Tater Tots." The first bag was served as breakfast samples at the 1954 National Potato Convention in Florida, and the first grocery store bags appeared in 1956.

By 1960, Ore-Ida had secured 25% of the frozen potato market, and Tater Tots have continued to grow in popularity ever since. They became the go-to topping for many hot dishes and a unique, quintessentially Midwestern food.

Plus, other companies started making their own versions and selling them under various names around the world: Tasti Taters in Canada, Oven Crunchies in the U.K., and Potato Gems in Australia and New Zealand. These crispy potatoes have become so popular that the term "tater tot" has become a common noun, and hundreds of homemade tater tot recipes have popped up over the years.

Heating up Ore-Ida Tater Tots in the oven is pretty foolproof, but you don't have to follow the instructions on the package to a tee. In fact, adding five to 10 minutes to the suggested cook time is the secret to making the best frozen Tater Tots. If you know how long to air fry Tater Tots, you can stray from the bag directions further. Additionally, you can apply various seasonings beforehand, such as garlic and onion, to make frozen Tater Tots taste restaurant-worthy.