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Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated August 23, 2024
Boiled sweet potatos being peeled off.
Understanding the key differences between sweet potatoes and yams.

It’s highly likely that you’ve encountered sweet potatoes in the kitchen or out at a restaurant at some point, and if you’re here, you’ve probably heard of yams, too. But after learning more about each of them, you're probably here seeking the answer to the common culinary confusion: what’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

So, are sweet potatoes and yams the same? The short answer is no. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct types of root vegetables. Although they do admittedly look quite similar at first glance, sweet potatoes and yams are quite different in terms of their origins, tastes, textures, and culinary uses.

One of the reasons people are often surprised to learn that yams and sweet potatoes are entirely different is due to labeling practices in the U.S. In many stores, you might find sweet potatoes labeled as yams, especially when referring to the softer, orange-fleshed variety. This is a result of historical marketing quirks rather than botanical accuracy.

What Are Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are the edible and starchy roots of a vine-like plant in the morning glory (Convolvulaceae) family. Native to Central and South America, sweet potatoes boast a range of different flesh colors, from orange to vibrant purple and subtle white. Their naturally sweet and moist flesh makes them a culinary favorite, equally at home in savory and sweet dishes.

When you think of classic Thanksgiving dishes like sweet potato casserole or candied sweet potatoes, you’re likely thinking of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These are known for their especially vibrant color and sweet, creamy texture.

Sweet potatos are being pined with fork.

What are Yams?

Unlike sweet potatoes, which are roots, yams are the tuberous stems of a flowering plant belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family. Native to Africa and Asia, yams have a rough, brownish skin that resembles tree bark and are typically drier and starchier than sweet potatoes. They’re less sweet and typically more suited for hearty dishes. That’s not to say yams can’t be used in sweet treats, though. Ube (Filipino Purple Yam) is an incredibly popular dessert flavor in Asia and is rapidly growing in popularity across the world.

Unfortunately, most “yams” available in grocery stores across America are actually mislabeled sweet potatoes, which adds to the confusion. Real yams are often found in specialty or international markets and can grow to be quite large, sometimes reaching several feet in length.

Chopped yam on a plate.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: Taste and Texture

When considering the difference between sweet potatoes and yams, it’s important to highlight their taste and texture. As you may have guessed, sweet potatoes are generally sweeter. They’re also more moist and, when cooked, develop a softer consistency, making them ideal for baking, mashing, and incorporating into desserts.

Yams, on the other hand, are starchier, drier, and more fibrous, offering a more subdued and earthy flavor that is ideal for soups, stews, and purees. Their firm, dense texture makes them excellent for roasting and frying, too. Sweet potatoes generally have smoother skins than yams which can have very dry, fibrous skin resembling tree bark, with bumps and other natural blemishes that don’t affect taste or quality.

Common Types of Sweet Potatoes and Yams

There are many unique types of sweet potatoes and yams, each boasting a slightly different flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Type of Sweet Potatoes by Flesh Color

  • Orange Sweet Potatoes: By far the most common, these have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Popular varieties of orange sweet potato include Beauregards, Jewels, and Garnets.
  • White Sweet Potatoes: Milder in flavor, white sweet potatoes are drier compared to their orange cousins. Hannah, Boniato, and Jersey are all variants of white sweet potatoes.
  • Purple Sweet Potatoes: Not to be confused with Filipino Purple Yams, AKA Ube (a type of purple yam), these have vibrant purple flesh. Some popular variants include Stokes, Okinawan, and Charleston sweet potatoes.

Common Types of Yams

  • White Yam: The most common variety of yams, white yams have white flesh and are usually long and cylindrical. They’re often used in soups and stews.
  • Filipino Purple Yam (Ube): Probably the most exciting and popular variety of yams, Filipino purple yams boast a vibrant and beautiful flesh color and are often used in desserts.
  • Japanese Mountain Yam (Yamaimo): Yamaimo are usually long, slender, and cylindrical. Their most distinctive feature is that their flesh can be slimy and sticky when grated or cut, which comes in use for the dishes it’s used for.
  • Chinese Yam: Sometimes referred to as cinnamon vines because of their cinnamon-scented flowers, Chinese yams are also often mistaken for Japanese mountain yams due to their similar appearance. Their flesh is translucent white.

Choosing Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams with Confidence

Whether you’re thinking of cooking with yams or sweet potatoes, both of these versatile root vegetables can add a wonderful dimension to your recipes. It’s important to remember, though, that sweet potatoes and yams (and their diverse variants) have their own unique taste and texture, so be sure to choose the one that best fits the dish you’re creating.

If you’re trying to remember the differences between sweet potatoes and yams the next time you’re shopping, just remember that sweet potatoes generally have smoother skin and are somewhat sweeter, while true yams will have rougher exteriors and starchier, drier flesh.

Ready to try out some delicious recipes with sweet potatoes or yams? Let’s get cooking and create something magical!