abstract:Instant mashed potatoes are potatoes that have been through an industrial process of cooking, mashing and dehydrating to yield a packaged convenience food that can be reconstituted in the home in seconds by adding hot water or milk, producing a close approximation of mashed potatoes with very little expenditure of time and effort. Apart from plain mashed potato, they are available in many different flavors, such as onion, chive, garlic, and butter.