Yukon Gold Potatoes Substitute: The 13 Best Substitutes

Yukon Gold potatoes are one of the most popular white potatoes. During my health coach sessions some clients have asked me about alternatives to them for various reasons. Let’s take a look at the best substitutes for Yukon Gold potatoes.

The following is Yukon Gold potato substitutes:

1. Russet potatoes
2. Huckleberry Gold potatoes
3. Red Bliss potatoes
4. Idaho potatoes
5. Inca Gold potatoes
6. Carola potatoes
7. Turnips
8. Daikon
9. Celeriac
10. Kohlrabi
11. Taro
12. Yams
13. Rutabaga

This article will include a side-by-side nutrient comparison of the substitute and Yukon Gold Potatoes. In addition, I’ll examine their tastes, textures and cooking methods for each substitute.

In addition to coaching clients about them, I’ve purchased, researched and used the alternatives in this article prior to, during and sometimes after writing this article.

Yukon Gold Potatoes Substitutes

The first six options are potatoes in case you’re looking for a potato substitute. The remaining seven are non potato choices.

1. Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes have a thicker and tougher skin than Yukon Gold. Some people prefer the tougher skin, especially on baked potatoes, which is one of the reasons russet is a good option to use.

The flesh of a russet can be creamy when cooked making it similar. In addition, their flavors are close enough where it doesn’t make much of a difference.

If you’re making a soup, russet may not be the best option because it doesn’t hold together as well during the cooking process.

Other than those russet potatoes can be used for any of the following:

• Baked potato
• Mashed potatoes
• French fries
• Scalloped
• Roasted

Let’s examine the nutrients between it and Yukon Gold Potatoes:

	Russet Potato, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold Potato, raw (100 g)
Calories	79	74
Protein	2.14 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	18.1 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.3 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.08 g	0.05 g
Sugar	0.62 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ^{1 2 3}

As you can see in the table above, the macros are almost the same. Therefore, if you’re counting calories or carbohydrates, either one is similar.

I often use russet potatoes at home for Yukon Gold. I’ll use them mostly for baked and mashed but prepare them without the unhealthy additives people add on.

The video below has some potato alternatives for diabetics.

2. Huckleberry Gold Potatoes

The Huckleberry Gold is a purple-skinned potato developed at Montana State University. This cultivar was specifically designed to have a low-glycemic index, making them more suitable for diabetics. See more on the glycemic index down further.

The best part of the Huckleberry Gold is it has almost the same versatility the Yukon Gold Potatoes have, being great for either baking or boiling. In addition, it can be used for the following:

• Fries
• Tots
• Baked
• Scalloped
• Soups
• Stews
• Roasting

In addition, they taste buttery and have a rich flavor. Even though their skin is purple, the flesh is a lighter, golden yellow similar to Yukon Gold.

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Huckleberry Gold Potato, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold Potato, raw (100 g)
Calories	74	74
Protein	2.03 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	17.6 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.4 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.04 g	0.05 g
Sugar	0.68 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ⁴

The macros between the two are very similar. As I mentioned earlier, this potato is designed to have a lower glycemic index than others. Why is that important?

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale measuring how fast a particular food raises the blood sugar in the blood ⁵. Blood sugar spikes can lead to health complications with the heart, nerves, kidneys and eyes ⁶. 

Avoiding blood sugar spikes is an important part of consuming healthy food. This is true for diabetics or anyone worrying about their health ⁷. For this reason, the glycemic index of food is important.

I don’t find these in the supermarket as often as some of the other varieties. When I do, I take advantage of the opportunity and purchase them even if I wasn’t planning on buying them that day.

3. Red Bliss Potatoes

Red bliss are smaller and rounder similar to Yukon Gold. They have a thinner skin, and the flesh is a creamy white. Also similar, red bliss is less starchy than other potatoes.

Using red bliss allows versatility because they are good for potato salad and soups. This is so because they hold their shape good. Bliss potatoes can also be used for the following:

• Baking
• Roasting
• Mashed potatoes
• French fries
• Tots
• Scalloping

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Red Bliss, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold Potato, raw (100 g)
Calories	70	74
Protein	1.89 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	15.9 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.7 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.14 g	0.05 g
Sugar	1.29 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ⁸

The difference in nutrients with bliss potatoes are a little more than the other potato substitutes but not large enough to make a considerable difference.

Red bliss provides a little more fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins and minerals.

I love using red potatoes for cutting into bite size pieces and roasting them in a pan with onions and bell peppers.

4. Idaho Potatoes

Idaho potatoes refer to any potato variety grown in Idaho. There are 30 different potatoes grown in Idaho containing the Idaho Name. Two of them are Idaho Yukon Gold and Idaho Russet. Huckleberry Gold is another one grown there.

Idaho’s environment is perfect for growing potatoes which is why they are considered the best. The climate and soil are ideal for growing potatoes, and the russet variety is the most popular grown Idaho potato.

Idaho potatoes have similar flavor and creamy flesh making it a great choice. When I first used Idaho, I hardly noticed any difference.

They both can be used for the following types of recipes:

• Baking
• Scalloped
• French fries
• Tots
• Roasting
• Mashed potatoes

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Idaho Russet Potato, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold Potato, raw (100 g)
Calories	74	74
Protein	2.03 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	17.6 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.4 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.05 g	0.05 g
Sugar	0.62 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ^{9 10}

An Idaho Russet has almost identical nutrients, another reason they make this list.

5. Inca Gold Potatoes

Inca Gold is another Yukon Gold Potato substitute having similar characteristics. Both of them have a yellow flesh with an earthy and buttery taste.

Although Inca Gold are smaller in size they are good to use for the following recipes:

• Roasting
• Boiling
• Potato salads
• Casseroles
• Grilling

Inca Gold are not recommended for use in soups or stews. The yellow potato nutrients are similar like the other yellow potatoes on the list.

6. Carola Potatoes

Carola potatoes are a popular substitute for Yukon Gold Potatoes because it has yellow skin and yellow flesh with a firm and creamy texture.

Carola potatoes have a classic potato flavor with an earthy and buttery taste.

Although they don’t work well in soups, they can be used for the following recipes:

• Roasting
• Grilling
• Baking
• Frying
• Potato salads
• Casseroles

The nutrients between the Carola potatoes and its substitute are similar in calories, carbohydrates, fiber and protein.

7. Turnips

Turnips are sweeter than the starchier potatoes. When turnips are cooked, their consistency becomes more similar to potatoes.

You can use a turnip in recipes to do almost anything a cooked Yukon Gold potato can do including the following:

• Bake
• Fry
• Mashed potatoes
• Blend them into soups
• Tots
• Fries 

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Turnips, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	28	74
Protein	0.90 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	6.4 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.8 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.10 g	0.05 g
Sugar	3.80 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹¹

If you’re counting calories or on a Keto type diet, turnips make a great option due to their fewer carbs and calories.

8. Daikon

Daikon is very popular in Asia. It’s a radish typically eaten raw or pickled.

When it’s raw, it tastes like a radish but when it’s boiled or baked, it tastes more like potatoes. This makes it good to use in recipes and they can be used for the following:

• Mashed potatoes
• Scalloped
• Potato salad

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Daikon, cooked (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	38	74
Protein	0.67 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	3.3 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g	1.4 g
Fat	2.63 g	0.05 g
Sugar	1.80 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹²

Daikon radishes are a good option especially if you’re on a keto diet or counting calories. They only contain 1.8 net carbs and about half the number of calories. I easily find them in the supermarket shown in the picture below.

9. Celeriac (celery root)

Celeriac is actually the root of celery. Unpeeled it doesn’t resemble a potato at all. Once peeled, it looks similar to one.

Celeriac is a good choice because it can be roasted, baked, mashed or used in soups.

Let’s examine the nutrients between them and Yukon Gold Potatoes:

	Celeriac, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	42	74
Protein	1.50 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	9.2 g	17.5 g
Fiber	1.8 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.30 g	0.05 g
Sugar	1.60 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹³

Celery root is good to use especially if you’re on a keto diet or counting calories. They only contain 9.2 carbs and almost half the number of calories.

10. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a bulb-like root which can be eaten raw. Although you’re going to want to cook it like a potato.

It tastes similar to a broccoli stem but better. Kohlrabi can be cooked using the following methods:

• Roast
• Mash
• Fries
• Tots
• Bake

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Kohlrabi, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	27	74
Protein	1.70 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	6.2 g	17.5 g
Fiber	3.6 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.10 g	0.05 g
Sugar	2.60 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹⁴

Kohlrabi is another good option especially if you’re counting calories or carbohydrates. It contains less than half the number of each.

11. Taro

Taro is a starchy root vegetable with a rough, bark-like outer skin. The flesh is creamy white or purple.

Taro is slightly sweet and nuttier. It has a pasty consistency and can be mashed.

Some people call it a taro mash and in Hawaii it’s used to make poi. It can also be used for:

• Baked
• Mashed
• Fried
• Roasted
• Steamed

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Taro, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	112	74
Protein	1.50 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	26.5 g	17.5 g
Fiber	4.1 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.20 g	0.05 g
Sugar	0.40 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹⁵

Taro contains a significant amount more of calories and carbohydrates. Therefore, if you’re counting calories or carbs, it’s not the best choice. I easily find them in my local supermarket shown in the picture below.

12. Yams

Yams sometimes get confused with sweet potatoes. This confusion is due to some manufacturers labeling their sweet potatoes as yams, especially the canned version.

They are more like yuca and have a bark-like skin containing some hairs. The flesh is a lighter color.

They taste sweeter and nuttier but still make a good alternative. They can be used for cooking in the following methods:

• Bake
• Mash
• Fry
• Roast

In Africa, people often mash yams and add them to soups.

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Yams, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	118	74
Protein	1.53 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	27.9 g	17.5 g
Fiber	4.1 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.17 g	0.05 g
Sugar	0.50 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹⁶

If you’re counting carbs or calories, yams aren’t the best choice because they contain substantially more of each.

Yams provide a little less protein but three times more fiber.

Find out if these are any different than the ones listed here in my article, Russet Potato Substitutes: 13 Healthy Alternatives.

Rutabaga is a good option. Find out the other 12 in my article, Low Carb Potato Substitutes: The 13 Best Alternatives.

13. Rutabaga

Many people describe rutabaga as a mix between turnips and cabbage. They are sweeter than potatoes and less starchy. The texture is similar to sweet potatoes but less sweet and the color is lighter.

Rutabaga can be used any way a Yukon Gold Potato can be used including:

• Bake
• Mash
• Casseroles
• Stews
• Soups
• Roast

In addition, they can be made into fries or tots. For most Thanksgivings, I boil and mash them in addition to potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Let’s examine the nutrients between the two:

	Rutabaga, raw (100 g)	Yukon Gold, raw (100 g)
Calories	37	74
Protein	1.08 g	2.03 g
Carbohydrates	8.6 g	17.5 g
Fiber	2.3 g	1.4 g
Fat	0.16 g	0.05 g
Sugar	4.46 g	0.68 g

Nutrient Resources ¹⁷

They’re a good Keto friendly choice because they have fewer carbohydrates and more fiber. If you’re counting calories, rutabaga contains approximately half the calories.

Many low-carb options for sweet potatoes are different due to flavor. Check those out in my article, Keto Substitute for Sweet Potatoes: 8 Healthy Substitutes.

Yukon Gold Potatoes Substitute Poll

To conduct some original research and get the opinions of real people, I polled my readers, clients and members of some food groups. I asked them what was the best Yukon Gold Potato Substitute?

• 65% said the best one was Idaho potatoes.

If you have any questions about this article don’t hesitate to email us. You can find an email on our contact page.

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1. USDA: Potatoes, russet, flesh and skin, raw[↩]
2. USDA: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Yukon Gold[↩]
3. USDA: Brookshire’s, Yukon Gold Potatoes[↩]
4. USDA: Purple & Yellow Potatoes[↩]
5. Harvard Health Publishing: Glycemic index for 60+ foods[↩]
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers: Use Them to Manage Your Diabetes[↩]
7. The University of Sydney: Your GI Shopping Guide[↩]
8. USDA: Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, raw[↩]
9. USDA: Idaho Russet Potatoes[↩]
10. The Idaho Potato Commission: Idaho Potato Nutrition Facts[↩]
11. USDA: Turnips, raw[↩]
12. USDA: Daikon radish, cooked[↩]
13. USDA: Celeriac, raw[↩]
14. USDA: Kohlrabi, raw[↩]
15. USDA: Taro, raw[↩]
16. USDA: Yam, raw[↩]
17. USDA: Rutabagas, raw[↩]