Fewer U.S. consumers have negative attitudes about potatoes, according to a recent U.S. Potato Board survey.

Just 18 per cent of those polled think potatoes are fattening or have other negative attitudes about potatoes, down from 24 per cent last year and from 30 per cent in 2007, according to the Denver-based board's annual Potato Attitudes and Usage survey. The survey also found that potatoes are served in 29 per cent of American dinners, second in frequency only to poultry.

In the seven days preceding the date of the survey, 77 per cent of respondents said they served potatoes for dinner. Only poultry and beef were served more often.

Fresh potatoes gained a larger share of the pie in 2011, according to the survey. About 69 per cent of potatoes used by respondents were fresh, up from 67 per cent in 2010.

Potatoes also rank as the fourth-favorite vegetable among consumers, behind broccoli, corn and green beans.

And spuds have the clear advantage as a side dish when compared with non-vegetable sides. Fifty-two percent of respondents preferred potatoes, compared to 27 per cent who prefer rice and 19 per cent who prefer pasta.