Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe To Eat? Here's What You Need To Know

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Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe To Eat? Here's What You Need To Know By Nikki Munoz Aug. 24, 2025 7:39 am EST

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After leaving a sack of potatoes lying around in your kitchen for a while, it's very likely that at least a few of them will start sprouting. These root-like sprouts — also called "eyes" — happen when the potatoes are stored improperly. Specifically, if the potatoes are being kept in a warm or moist place that mimics the outdoor environment where they grow. It's easy enough for potatoes to accidentally sprout, so what do you do with them? Specifically, are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?

The short answer is that some sprouted potatoes are safe to eat. It depends on the state of the potato and how much it has sprouted, as well a