I like particularly Idahoan instant mashed potatoes, other instant mashed potatoes are inferior (and or horrid cardboard flavored mush). Perhaps there are preparation details, perhaps the ones in the plastic cups are awful as opposed to packets or Costco sized cartons, perhaps (this is much more likely) the excessive amount of butter and often good sharp cheese I include makes a difference.

Instant mashed potatoes are a common lazy meal or a "I forgot to eat now I find existence infuriating for some mysterious reason" meal. I find them quite satisfying. They are nutritionally complete enough, filling enough, and easy enough to fill a solid niche in my food repertoire. And an easy vehicle for four of the satisfaction food groups: salt, butter, cheese, and carbs.

If you're feeling very slightly more ambitious, sautee some chopped cabbage in a bit of butter until it softens, then mix it into the instant mash. True Irishmen may shudder but I do enjoy my trailer park colcannon, it's more of a real meal than just taters.

I'll defend them too. We've used them when in the US as a side dish when camping, or in hiking meals in backcountry. Handy enough that we bring a few packets back to Australia as a lazy option.