Atlantic
Dominant US chip-processing variety. High specific gravity (~1.090), low reducing sugars.
At a glance
Best uses
About this variety
Dominant US chip-processing variety. High specific gravity (~1.090), low reducing sugars.
Atlantic is classified as a north america variety released in 1976, primarily used for chips, processing / industrial. For agronomic specs, breeder details, and trial data not yet captured here, refer to the source registries linked at the bottom of this page.
Atlantic — the chip-stock standard
Atlantic was developed by USDA-ARS Beltsville with commercial release in 1976 (USDA-ARS; American Journal of Potato Research). The cross combined Wauseon with USDA breeding line B5141-6, targeting high specific gravity, low reducing sugars, and uniform round-to-oval tuber shape — the agronomic profile required for industrial potato chip production.
Atlantic became the dominant US chip-processing variety from the 1980s onward, supplying Frito-Lay (Lay's), Utz, Wise, and other major North American chip processors. The variety's specific gravity of 1.085–1.095 is among the highest of any commercial cultivar and produces the dense, crispy chip texture that defines US salty-snack distribution.
Atlantic's processing dominance and decline
Atlantic dominated US chip processing for three decades but has been gradually displaced by newer chip-stock varieties (Lamoka, Hodag, Snowden) that offer comparable specific gravity with better cold-storage tolerance and lower acrylamide. Atlantic's reducing-sugar accumulation under cold storage (below 10°C) is a significant constraint — chips produced from cold-stored Atlantic show dark colour and bitter flavour from Maillard browning.
The variety remains in commercial use as a benchmark for chip processing quality and is still widely planted across Florida, New York, Wisconsin, and other major chip-stock production states. Atlantic was the dominant variety used in early Indian chip processing before Kufri Chipsona-3 (2005) replaced it for domestic production.
Agronomic profile of Atlantic
Atlantic matures in 100–110 days, favouring early-to-mid-season harvest windows in chip-processing states. Yields of 40–55 t/ha are typical under intensive commercial conditions; tuber size profile favours the medium round shape required for chip slicing. The variety is moderately susceptible to common scab, internal heat necrosis, and late blight.
For broader chip-processing context see our global processing industry article covering Frito-Lay's $25B chip segment.
Frequently asked questions about Atlantic
What is Atlantic potato?+
Atlantic is a north america potato variety released in 1976 originating from USA. Dominant US chip-processing variety. High specific gravity (~1.090), low reducing sugars.
What is Atlantic potato best used for?+
Atlantic is best suited to chips, processing / industrial. Dominant US chip-processing variety. High specific gravity (~1.090), low reducing sugars.
When was Atlantic released?+
Atlantic was released in 1976. The variety is classified as north america (Iconic).
Where is Atlantic grown?+
Atlantic is most commonly grown in North America, with original release from USA. Cross-reference our country profiles for production data.
Variety profiles aggregate data from CIP Lima genebank, ICAR-CPRI variety catalogue, EU Common Catalogue, USDA PVPO, AHDB Potato Variety Database, NIAB, NAK Netherlands, the Potato Pedigree Database, national breeding programmes (CAAS, EARO, BARI, INTA, EMBRAPA, INIFAP, IHAR-PIB, VNIIKKH), and peer-reviewed literature in Potato Research and the American Journal of Potato Research.
Updated May 2026 · Reviewed by Potatopedia editorial team · Linked to Wikidata for cross-reference.