# Playful Novelty Potato Products These New Ore-Ida Tater Tots Come in Two Styles By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-05-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreida-tater-tots References: [refrigeratedfrozenfood](https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/104392-ore-ida-reshapes-tater-tots) & [kraftheinz](https://www.kraftheinz.com/ore-ida/products)  These new [Ore-Ida Tater Tots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-croutots) products have been launched by the brand as the first shape variation of the original product in nearly two decades. The products come in two varieties including the Dino Tater Tots and the [Star](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebbles-crunchd-with-rockstar-shapes) Tater Tots that are each formulated with the brand's signature Tater Tots recipe to achieve a fluffy filling with a crispy exterior. The products offer a playful way to make any meal or snacking occasion more fun and will tap into Gen Z interest in shareable foods with a nostalgic twist. These new Ore-Ida Tater Tots products are headed to retailers in 28-ounce bags and five-pound club-size packs now. The Star Tater Tots are being launched through a partnership with [America 250](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-bundt-cakes-america-250) to help consumers elevate their United States Semiquincentennial celebrations with a playful touch. Image Credit: Ore-Ida ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 75% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Playful Food Shapes:** Novel shapes like dinosaurs and stars create product differentiation opportunities by turning familiar items into collectible, Instagram-ready experiences. - **Nostalgia-driven Snack Revival:** A resurgence of retro flavors and formats is enabling brands to reconnect with older demographics while repackaging classics for younger consumers. - **Shareable Gen Z Snack Culture:** An emphasis on snack formats tailored for social sharing is driving demand for visually distinctive, conversation-starting food items. ### Who This Affects Most - **Frozen Foods:** The frozen category is positioned for premiumization through limited-edition shapes and formats that command shelf prominence and higher price points. - **Retail and Club Retailers:** Big-box and club channels can leverage bulk playful SKUs to stimulate impulse gifting, seasonal displays, and event-driven merchandising. - **Licensed Partnerships and Co-branding:** Collaborations with cultural milestones and entertainment properties offer pathways to elevate mainstream products into collectible, commemorative editions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [French Fry Ski Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-fry-skis.md) - [Crispy Potato Tot Croutons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-croutots.md) - [Ultra-Flavorful Potato Latke Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potato-latke-crisp.md) - [Pre-Seasoned Potato Side Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/side-delights-flavorables.md) - [Globally-Inspired Plantain Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kettle-cooked-plantain-chips.md) - [Crunchy Hotdog Snack Product](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totdogs.md) - [Oversized Entertaining Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kettle-chips-party-bag.md) - [Clean Label Breakfast Potatoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roots-farm-fresh-breakfast-products.md) - [Organic Potato Frozen Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folkland-frozen-fries.md)