Potatoes USA: Online Search Trends Signal In-Store Sales Opportunities for Retailers

Consumers’ online searches for potato recipes and preparation ideas are offering retailers a roadmap for driving incremental sales in-store, according to new analysis by Potatoes USA.

The Denver-based marketing and research organization examined Google Trends, SEMrush data and responses generated by large language models such as ChatGPT to better understand how shoppers are thinking about potatoes and how retailers can respond with merchandising, meal solutions and cross-purchase strategies.

Potatoes remain America’s favorite vegetable, with shoppers buying more than 15.3 billion pounds annually. But beyond sheer volume, Potatoes USA noted sustained digital curiosity around recipes, entertaining formats and at-home snack preparation points to specific, actionable retail opportunities.

“By examining where potato curiosity leads online, we identified clear opportunities for retailers to tap into that interest and, in some cases, turn one potato purchase into two,” said Nick Bartelme, global retail development manager at Potatoes USA.

One notable example stems from coffeehouse culture. According to Google Trends, searches for “Starbucks Potato Chive Bake recipe” have climbed 1,100% over the past two years following the item’s introduction to the Starbucks menu. The surge suggests consumers are looking to recreate the popular savory snack at home.

For retailers, that interest presents cross-merchandising potential. Potatoes USA recommends pairing potatoes with complementary ingredients such as eggs, cottage cheese, herbs and greens. 

In-store recipe cards, online click-to-cart bundles and prepared-food adaptations can help convert digital curiosity into basket-building purchases. Retailers with grab-and-go sections could also develop a house-made version of the dish to capture convenience-oriented shoppers.

The organization also analyzed how ChatGPT responds to common cooking queries, particularly around homemade potato chips. According to SEMrush data cited in the report, “how to make potato chips recipe” ranks among likely trending search terms.

When prompted, ChatGPT consistently recommends thinly sliced russet potatoes fried in vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven, seasoned with kosher salt and prepared with the aid of a deep-fry thermometer. That predictable recipe flow provides merchandising cues, Potatoes USA said.

By grouping russet potatoes with cooking oil, kosher salt, peelers and thermometers, retailers can create a complete “chips-at-home” solution. Shoppable online recipes and in-store signage can further support the display, particularly around snack-driven occasions such as game days and watch parties.

Entertaining at home is another area of opportunity. Google Trends data also points to growing interest in baked potato bars—customizable spreads that allow guests to choose from a variety of toppings and proteins.

Potatoes USA characterizes baked potato bars as a value-forward dining occasion, appealing to shoppers seeking affordable, adaptable and visually appealing meal solutions. With spring holidays and gatherings on the horizon, retailers can assemble cohesive meal kits that combine potatoes with toppings, proteins and sides in a single in-store or digital display.

Such kits not only simplify meal planning for consumers but also encourage cross-purchase across departments, from dairy and produce to deli and center store.

The broader takeaway, according to Potatoes USA, is that search behavior is increasingly predictive of purchase behavior. As shoppers turn to search engines and AI platforms for cooking inspiration and technique guidance, retailers that monitor those signals can proactively shape merchandising strategies.

Potatoes USA, which represents U.S. potato growers and importers, conducts marketing campaigns and research aimed at strengthening demand domestically and abroad. The organization said its latest analysis underscores the evolving intersection of digital discovery and physical retail.

For retailers willing to act on emerging trends, even a single online search could translate into a larger ring at checkout. For more information, visit potatoesusa.com.