In most U.S. supermarkets, a produce label that says “yam” refers to a soft variety of sweet potato. True yams are a different root crop, usually sold at international markets. Check the full label if the distinction matters for a recipe.
| What to compare | Sweet potato | True yam |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A root from the morning-glory family, with white, orange or purple flesh depending on variety. | A different plant, in the yam family; it is not a type of sweet potato. |
| Typical U.S. grocery label | May be labeled sweet potato, or “yam” with sweet potato also named. | Usually found in international markets and labeled with a yam variety or origin. |
| Texture | Varies: some types stay firm while others cook up soft and moist. | Generally starchier and drier than sweet potatoes. |
| Season | Harvested in autumn, then cured sweet potatoes are sold year-round. | Growing and market seasons vary by species and region. |
Why do grocery stores call sweet potatoes yams?
The name stuck as a way to distinguish softer, moist-fleshed sweet potatoes from firmer types. The Library of Congress explains that U.S. labeling rules require a product called a yam to also be labeled as a sweet potato. Unless you specifically shop for a true yam, the orange-fleshed root in a U.S. grocery store is likely a sweet potato.
Which one should you choose?
For mashed sweet potatoes, roasted wedges or a pie, use the sweet potato sold in the regular produce section. Choose by the flesh color and texture you want: orange-fleshed types tend to cook softer, while some white-fleshed varieties stay firmer. If a recipe specifically calls for a true yam, look for one at an international grocer and follow the recipe's preparation notes.
Sweet potatoes are harvested in autumn, then cured for storage and sold through the year. In Season includes sweet potato variety and selection notes. For the naming history and botanical distinction, read the Library of Congress explanation and browse the Fall 2026 produce index.
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | Orange sweet potato | True yam |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 86 kcal | — |
| Total fat | 0.1 g | — |
| Fiber | 3.0 g | — |
| Total sugars | 4.2 g | — |
Figures are reference values from In Season's shared produce data. Nutrition can vary by variety and growing conditions.
Shared catalog last synced 23 September 2026.
A dash means the shared produce data does not include nutrition figures for that item.