Forget chocolate bars and lollipops, this Halloween, the humble potato is taking centre stage. Across the US, Canada, and even parts of the UK, trick-or-treaters are swapping sugar rushes for spuds in a viral trend dubbed “Trick-or-Tater.” What started as a quirky joke has turned into a heartwarming, healthy, and downright hilarious Halloween movement. Videos of delighted kids choosing potatoes over sweets have flooded TikTok and Instagram, proving that in 2025, carbs are officially cooler than candy.
How it all started: From prank to phenomenon
The “Trick-or-Tater” tradition began more than a decade ago with former NBC correspondent Kevin Tibbles, who jokingly handed out potatoes to kids returning for second rounds of candy. What started as a lighthearted gag slowly gained traction, eventually snowballing into a full-fledged Halloween trend.
Fast forward to now, and Pat Foy of Pennsylvania, affectionately known as the “Potato Man,” has turned the idea into a community event. He famously asks each visitor, “Candy or potato?” and, surprisingly, most kids grin and shout “Potato!” as parents laugh from the sidewalk.
Social media made it spud-tacular
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have done more for potatoes this year than any cookbook could. Viral clips show excited kids holding up their new “treats” like trophies, some even decorating their spuds with markers or googly eyes. The hashtag #TrickorTater has racked up millions of views, with comments ranging from “Finally, a Halloween I can snack guilt-free!” to “Potatoes are the new candy corn.”
The trend’s appeal is universal. It’s funny, wholesome, and entirely unexpected. In a sea of candy wrappers and sugar crashes, the potato is the surprise hero no one saw coming.
Healthy, allergy-friendly, and oddly wholesome
Turns out, this viral sensation has a surprisingly practical side. Parents love it because potatoes are allergy-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free, all things that make Halloween easier for families managing food restrictions.
And while they might not satisfy a sweet tooth, potatoes are packed with nutrients:
- A medium spud has more potassium than a banana.
- It’s a natural source of vitamin C.
- And unlike most candies, it doesn’t cause a sugar crash.
Add to that their versatility, you can mash them, bake them, or turn them into spooky snacks, and it’s easy to see why this trend stuck.
The official nod: Potatoes get their moment
Even the industry has joined the fun. Potatoes USA, the country’s national potato marketing organisation, has launched its own Halloween campaign promoting “spooky spud” recipes like Devilish Potatoes, Franken Fingers, and CharBOOterie Boards.
Their social media accounts are filled with creative takes on potato-based Halloween dishes, turning a simple vegetable into a festive favourite. According to the group, “The Trick-or-Tater trend brings joy, laughter, and community, everything Halloween should be.”
A root with history
Believe it or not, the potato’s link to Halloween goes way back. Before pumpkins became the norm, Irish and Scottish children carved faces into potatoes and turnips as part of the ancient Celtic tradition of “guising.” When Irish immigrants brought Halloween to America in the 19th century, the pumpkin replaced the potato because it was easier to carve and bigger for showing off.
So, in a way, Trick-or-Tater isn’t new at all, it’s a modern revival of an old-world Halloween tradition with a side of humour.
What began as a prank has become one of the most delightfully unexpected traditions of 2025. The potato has gone from pantry staple to viral superstar, proving once again that social media can turn anything, even a root vegetable, into a cultural icon.
So this Halloween, when someone asks “Candy or potato?” don’t be surprised if the answer comes with a grin. The spud has officially joined the sweet spot of Halloween history.
