Fall Throwdown: Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams

Sweet potatoes and yams – are they the same? This question is not uncommon to overhear people deliberating. In fact, I have over-heard this exact conversation amongst colleagues in the lunchroom, on television and even in the yoga change room!

So today, let’s discuss the difference between sweet potatoes and yams. This way, next time you are asked or over-hear this common casual conversation, you can jump right in and contribute!

Are Sweet Potatoes & Yams Different?

In most Canadian grocery stores the short answer is yes. Sweet potatoes have traditionally (and wrongfully) been referred to as “yams”, which has lead to consumer confusion. Therefore, in grocery stores, you will often see sweet potatoes erroneously labelled as a yam. In North America, yams are not readily available at grocery stores so if you are seeking a true “yam” you will likely need to try an international food market that carries Caribbean or African foods.

Know the Difference!

Bottom Line:

Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same. Now you will be able to tell if the grocery store “yam” is actually a sweet potato! There is also a significant difference in taste with sweet potatoes being moist and yams being dry; sweet potatoes also taste sweet and yams taste starchy. Sweet potatoes have a richer nutrition profile, but both are healthy foods. Hope that solves the fall throwdown between the sweet potato and the yam!