I have eaten Idahoan instant many times, tried different flavors. These are on a whole different level!MY EXPERIENCE:If you like Monterey Jack cheese, you will LOVE these. SPICY like Monterey Jack, so if you can't handle spice, these are NOT BLAND, like most instant potatoes.TASTE: AMAZING. I add a little less water, because I like mine thick. These were better than many homemade potatoes I've had. IF potatoes and Monterey Jack had a baby, this is it!AMOUNT: If this is all I am having for a quick lunch or dinner, yep, I can eat the whole packet. Gives a GOOD amount for two as a side dish.CALS/FAT: Really not that bad. If you're watching sodium closely, that would be the one thing I would watch out for.PRICE: Hard to beat the price! These are so good and you get a lot of packages for the money.BOTTOMLINE: These and some of their other CHEESE varieties, my FAVS. I don't feel I am losing out not cooking potatoes myself, I think they're that good. WILL CONTINUE to buy as long as quality and price remain about the same.