Trick-or-Tater? Potatoes Become Surprising Halloween Hit

If your kids come home with something starchy in their candy bags tonight, don't be alarmed—potatoes are having a moment this Halloween.

Videos of homeowners handing out potatoes to trick-or-treaters have been going viral on social media in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. While some kids appear confused at first, most reactions are surprisingly enthusiastic.

Pat Foy, known as "Potato Man" in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, says kids consistently choose the vegetable over candy. "I say to everybody, candy or potato? And they say things like potato all day," Foy explains.

Former NBC News correspondent Kevin Tibbles has been distributing the starchy spuds for two decades. What started as a joke to deter kids from coming back for seconds turned into an unexpected tradition when everyone began requesting potatoes instead.

The marketing organization Potatoes USA has embraced the trend, promoting Halloween-themed potato recipes on social media.

Watch the full video above to see the delighted reactions from trick-or-treaters and learn why this unusual Halloween tradition keeps growing.