Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Adding This One Ingredient to Your Mashed Potatoes

TikTok has quickly become the go-to platform for recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and prep hacks that keep us hooked. Creators are sharing clever ideas that are definitely worth trying, but not every TikTok trend is a winner—and some can be downright questionable.

Lately, there's been a viral trend of mixing instant yeast into mashed potatoes after they're cooked. The idea is that it makes the potatoes lighter and fluffier, with a savory, bread-like taste.

Classic mashed potatoes are already a crowd favorite, so the idea of adding a bread-like flavor may leave you thinking, "Is this really necessary?" However, with the yeasted version gaining popularity, Dinogo's culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin decided to give it a try herself.

What’s the Deal with Adding Yeast to Mashed Potatoes?

Yeast is the magic ingredient that makes foods like bread rise. When activated by heat and moisture, it feeds on sugars and releases carbon dioxide, forming bubbles that make the dough expand.

When yeast is combined with milk and stirred into mashed potatoes, the carbon dioxide bubbles work their magic, transforming the texture and flavor, causing the potatoes to fluff up.

In the video, Nicole shows how the mashed potatoes begin to bubble after sitting with the yeast for about 20 minutes, though she notes that the potatoes only puffed up a little bit.

What Do Yeasted Mashed Potatoes Taste Like?

After trying the yeasted mashed potatoes, Nicole remarked, "It definitely brings a tangy note, but if I focus on it too much, I might not enjoy it."

She added, "If you love mashed potatoes for their creamy, buttery richness, this isn't for you. But if you prefer a more earthy flavor, this could be something you'd serve and have people asking, 'What did you do to these potatoes?'"

However, beyond the fact that these potatoes are less creamy, buttery, and rich (which, let's face it, is the essence of mashed potatoes), there's another reason to reconsider this approach.

Is It Safe to Add Yeast to Mashed Potatoes?

While adding yeast to mashed potatoes may not be harmful for everyone, it could pose risks for some. The potatoes and warm milk don't reach a high enough temperature to kill the active yeast cultures, and consuming active yeast can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Healthline advises against consuming raw (activated) yeast, warning that it can cause bloating, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea. It could also increase the risk of fungal infections, particularly in those who are critically ill or have weakened immune systems.

Moreover, some individuals may be allergic or intolerant to yeast. If they're unaware that yeast has been added to the mashed potatoes—a dish they wouldn't expect it in—they could have an allergic reaction.

There are multiple reasons to avoid trying this yeasted mashed potato hack. It didn’t impress our test kitchen team, it could lead to stomach issues, and it may trigger allergic reactions. We’re passing on this trend and saving earthy flavors for dishes that are better suited for them.