Not all purple potatoes are sweet—and not all sweet potatoes are purple. There are several kinds of purple-hued potatoes out there, but today, we’re talking specifically about purple sweet potatoes—the kind we use often in the Sweet Pea kitchen.

These include varieties like Japanese purple sweet potatoes, Okinawan sweet potatoes, and Stokes purple. Each has a slightly different flavor and texture, but they’re all naturally vibrant, subtly sweet, and packed with plant-based benefits.

Breaking Down the Benefits

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Purple sweet potatoes get their vibrant color from anthocyanins—natural compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. They’ve been shown to work similarly to some anti-inflammatory medications, but without the side effects.

2. Balanced Blood Sugar

Despite their natural sweetness, purple sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index. That means they provide steady energy, help prevent sugar crashes, and support stable blood sugar levels.

3. Support for Longevity

Okinawa has historically been home to some of the longest-living people in the world. One key factor? Diet. In traditional Okinawan cuisine, purple sweet potatoes were a staple, making up the bulk of daily caloric intake—reportedly over half in some estimates. This nutrient-dense root provided essential energy, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which may have contributed to the region’s remarkable health outcomes.

Read more about Okinawan purple sweet potatoes and longevity

4. Gut-Friendly Fiber

Purple sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. They’re great for keeping things moving and keeping you fuller, longer.

How We Prepare Them at Sweet Pea

We’ve used purple sweet potatoes in a variety of meals. A few of our favorites:

🥗 Purple Potato Salad
Served alongside dishes like our miso-glazed eggplant. This isn’t your typical mayo-heavy potato salad—it’s light, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.

🍜 Purple Sweet Potato Noodles
Yes, noodles made entirely from sweet potatoes. We’ve paired them with our spicy peanut sauce and Thai Chick’n “Meatball” (made with chickpeas and tofu). Comforting, filling, and packed with flavor.

🥔 Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Kimchi Ranch
A simple combo that just works. Roasted Japanese purple sweet potatoes paired with our housemade, tangy kimchi ranch. Great on its own or as a side.

These dishes are bold in flavor, but easy on digestion—and always designed to support your health.

We also use purple sweet potatoes behind the scenes in a few other ways. For example, Okinawan purple sweet potatoes are a key ingredient in Junebars, a truly clean nutrition bar made right here in the Sweet Pea kitchen. The sweet potatoes give the bar its natural sweetness (no added sugar), a soft, satisfying texture, and a boost of nutrition—all in a quick, on-the-go snack.

Why We Love Them

Purple sweet potatoes are a great example of what we stand for at Sweet Pea: whole, real ingredients that support long-term wellness and taste good. They’re naturally rich in the things your body needs, and they’re versatile enough to show up in all kinds of meals.

If you’re looking to add more plant-based variety to your routine, this is an easy one to start with.

Check out our weekly menu to see how we’re using purple potatoes right now.