Since 1989, the National Sweepotato Collaborators, a research consortium, has been calling the root vegetable at the center of their studies the sweetpotato, one word.
They have some facts and solid reasoning to back this up.The first is grammatical: When it’s referred to with two words, “sweet” is an adjective modifying “potato.” This leads to a scientific distinction: A sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is not a sweeter version of a potato. It’s a member of the morning glory family. White potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are in the nightshade family.
Pretty solid.
The sweetpotato is North Carolina’s state vegetable, says Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. It’s considered a specialty crop, not a commodity sold on an exchange.
Another good distinction.
The commission started its “one-word” campaign in 2021, the association’s 60th anniversary. There’s a petition, videos and social media educating the public and retailers.
It’s working. Walmart has adopted the spelling on the receiving side of their operations, and has incorporated the spelling in educational materials for their employees.
Additionally, says Grainger, restaurants, recipe influencers and registered dietitians are on board. “Several have even helped push our Change.org campaign to collect signatures.”
The holy grail is the AP Stylebook, which would ensure consistent use of the spelling.
“While we haven’t had 100% success,” says Grainger, “we can see the momentum shifting in our favor.”
This story appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of Edible Port City.
