Yam vs sweetpotato: What’s the difference?
Yam’s and sweetpotatoes are often confused, but they are quite different. If you have always thought that they were the same thing, you’re not alone. This mix-up happens frequently, especially with sweetpotatoes sometimes being labelled as yams in supermarkets.
Despite their similar names and the occasional look alike, yams and sweetpotatoes are two entirely different root vegetables. They differ in origins, appearance, taste, texture, and nutritional value.
What is a sweetpotato?
A sweetpotato is a starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable known for its vibrant orange flesh and thin brown skin. It has a naturally creamy texture and a subtly sweet flavour that makes it perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes. Botanically, sweetpotatoes belong to the morning glory family (Concolvulaceae) which sets them apart from other root vegetables like potatoes and yams. They’re often praised not only for their favour but also for their nutritional profile.
What is a yam?
Yam’s are starchy root vegetables and stem tubers that belong to the Discoreaceae yam family. Native to parts of Africa and Asia, they are a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes around the world, especially in West African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Unlike sweetpotatoes, yams have a distinctive appearance. They typically have rough, hairy skin that ranges in colour from dark brown to almost black. Inside, the flesh can vary in colour depending on the variety, appearing white, purple or reddish. When cooked, yams have a starchy, dry texture with a mildly sweet, nutty flavour.
Yam vs sweetpotato: How to tell the difference
When it comes to the yam vs sweetpotato debate, the differences go far beyond just their names. While these two root vegetables are often confused with one another, especially in supermarkets, they’re very different in terms of their botanical background, appearance, taste, and texture.
Starting with the science, it’s important to understand that sweetpotatoes and yams belong to entirely different plant families. Sweetpotatoes are part of the Convolvulaceae (morning glory) family, while yams come from the Dioscoreacea family. This means that they are completely separate species with different characteristics and nutritional profiles. Sweetpotatoes are classified as root vegetables, growing from the root of the plant. Yams, on the other hand, are tubers that grow from the stem.
Another major difference in the sweetpotato vs yam comparison is their appearance. Yams are usually long and often have rough, scaly or hairy skin that can look almost bark-like. Their flesh can be white, purple, or reddish depending on the variety, and the texture tends to be dry and starchy. Sweetpotatoes, in contrast, are generally shorter, more tapered, and have smoother, thinner skin that’s light brown or reddish in colour while the flesh is most commonly bright orange. When cooked, sweetpotatoes become soft, moist and naturally sweet, making them perfect for both savoury dishes and desserts.
In terms of flavour, the difference is noticeable. Sweetpotatoes are unsurprisingly much sweeter than yams. They have a rich, almost creamy texture that works wonderfully in everything from fries to baked goods. Yams, by comparison, have a more neutral, or slightly nutty taste and a drier, starchier texture, making them better suited for stews, soups or traditional African and Caribbean dishes where their hearty consistency can shine.
Why the confusion?
The ongoing sweetpotato vs yam confusion has a lot to do with history. In most Western supermarkets, especially in the US, it’s common to see sweetpotatoes mistakenly labelled as yams. But how did this confusion happen in the first place? The confusion began in the 20th century US when sweetpotato producers started using the term ‘yam’ to help distinguish the firmer, paler-fleshed varieties. Over time, the mislabelling stuck and led to generations of consumers thinking they were the same vegetable.
A nutritional breakdown: sweetpotato vs yam
Both yams and sweetpotatoes are nutritious and can play an important role in a balanced diet. However, they offer slightly different benefits when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
In terms of nutrition, sweetpotatoes consist predominantly of carbohydrates and are almost completely fat-free. They can be eaten with skin or peeled, with the former boasting even more nutritional value. Sweetpotatoes are especially rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. They also contain more vitamin C, fibre and protein than yams. A baked sweetpotato contains 100 calories, 2.2g of protein, and 0.1g of fat – that’s almost no fat at all!
Yams, on the other hand, while lower in certain vitamins, are still a great source of nutrients. They contain more potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. A raw yam contains approximately 118 calories, 1.5g of protein, and 4.1g of fibre. They also have high levels of potassium and vitamin B6.
When looking at the yam vs sweetpotato comparison from a nutritional standpoint, sweetpotatoes tend to take the lead thanks to their vitamin A content and slightly more protein. However, both are great sources of carbohydrates, fibre, and key nutrients, making a great addition to a healthy balanced diet.
For a deeper dive into the health benefits of sweetpotatoes, check out our nutrition page here.
Cooking and culinary uses: yams vs sweetpotatoes
When it comes to cooking, both sweetpotatoes and yams are incredibly versatile. They can be boiled, steamed, roasted or fried, making them suitable for a wide variety of meals. However, sweetpotatoes are more commonly found in western supermarkets, which therefore means they are used more often in everyday cooking, from sweet treats and breakfasts to savoury snacks and mains. For inspiration on how to cook them, take a look at our cooking tips page.
In contrast, yams are more commonly used in African Caribbean, and Asian cuisine, where they’re a staple food in traditional dishes. They’re often cooked in stews or mashed and served alongside proteins.
At first glance, sweetpotatoes and yams might seem similar, but as we’ve explored, they’re quite different in origin, appearance, taste, and nutritional value. Sweetpotatoes are richer in vitamins like A and C, and more widely available in supermarkets, making them a go-to for both everyday meals and creative recipes. Yams, while least commonly used in Western cooking, and a nutrient-dense staple in many global cuisines with their unique flavour and texture.
Whether you’re choosing between yam vs sweetpotato for health reasons, culinary use or simply taste preference, both bring something valuable to the table. Understanding the difference means you can make more informed and delicious decisions in the kitchen.