Tater Tot Day

Tater Tot Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to this beloved potato treat. With their perfect mix of crispy texture and rich flavor, these bite-sized potato patties are hard for any food lover to resist! The holiday is celebrated on February 2.

History

Tater Tot Day is believed to have started in 2009, after a food blogger highlighted Tater Tots on Twitter. Since then, the dish’s popularity has grown dramatically, and today it’s nearly impossible to discuss potatoes in America without mentioning these tasty bites.

Tater Tots are made from grated potatoes, shaped into small cylinders or patties, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. They’re often served with cheese or ketchup, making them a favorite side dish across the United States.

Interesting Facts

• Potatoes have been cultivated as a food for thousands of years, first by the indigenous peoples of South America. Potatoes arrived in Europe in the 16th century, brought by the explorer and geographer Cieza de León.
• We actually eat the tubers of the potato plant, not its fruit. The fruit of the potato is a small green berry that grows above ground and is highly poisonous, while the tubers are safe and edible.
• The potato was the first vegetable ever grown in space—this milestone was achieved in 1995 aboard the American space shuttle Columbia.

How to Take Part

Celebrate Tater Tot Day by making your own batch at home—there are countless recipes online—or enjoy them at a local restaurant, where professional chefs give them their special touch.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask others if they’ve ever tried Tater Tots and what they thought of this popular American dish.

When is Tater Tot Day in 2026?

Tater Tot Day is observed on February 2 each year.

Observations