Butter alternatives flood our grocery aisles these days, promising the same creamy goodness with fewer calories and more health benefits.
I embarked on a mission to find out which buttery spread truly delivers on taste without sacrificing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience we all crave.
Armed with a loaf of bread and my taste buds ready, I sampled 10 popular brands to crown a champion.
10. Land O’Lakes Butter With Canola Oil
Surprisingly underwhelming! The spread that promised buttery bliss delivered a waxy texture that left my toast feeling coated rather than complemented.
What if I told you this spread contains actual butter mixed with canola oil? Despite the real dairy credentials, it somehow managed to taste artificial on my morning bagel. Not worth the premium price!
9. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Original
Ever wondered why this brand has such a dramatic name? After tasting it, I’m definitely not confused – it’s clearly not butter!
Though the marketing is clever, the flavor falls flat with a strange chemical aftertaste that lingered longer than my morning coffee buzz. The texture melts too quickly, creating a slick rather than creamy mouthfeel.
8. Country Crock Plant Butter
This plant-based contender shocked me with its respectable butter impersonation. Made with almond oil, it spreads like a dream even straight from the fridge.
However, when melted on hot vegetables, a slightly artificial note emerged that wasn’t present on cold applications. The eco-friendly packaging caught my eye, but the taste couldn’t quite capture that authentic dairy richness.
7. Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread
Vegans rejoice! Earth Balance delivers a convincingly buttery experience without any animal products. Its slightly salty profile enhanced my morning toast rather delightfully.
If only it performed better in baking! My cookies spread too thin and lacked that distinctive buttery flavor that makes homemade treats special. For everyday spreading needs, though, this plant-powered option holds its own.
6. Kerrygold Irish Butter With Olive Oil
Holy moly, this hybrid creation combines the best of both worlds! Kerrygold’s famous grass-fed butter gets blended with olive oil for a spread that’s actually spreadable straight from the refrigerator.
Though slightly pricier than competitors, the rich, authentic flavor justifies every penny. My grilled cheese reached new heights of golden, crispy perfection with this magnificent spread as its foundation. Are you drooling yet?
5. Smart Balance Original Buttery Spread
Meh. That’s my one-word review for this middle-of-the-road contender. Neither offensive nor impressive, Smart Balance delivered exactly what its name suggests – a balanced experience.
While it boasts heart-healthy omega-3s, the flavor profile lacks any distinctive character that would make me reach for it specifically. The texture feels somewhat gelatinous rather than creamy, missing that luxurious mouthfeel that makes butter so crave-worthy.
4. Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter
Whoa! This fancy vegan option blew my mind with its complex, tangy flavor profile that genuinely mimics cultured dairy butter. Made from cashew cream and coconut oil, it’s got serious gourmet credentials.
Hence the hefty price tag that made my wallet weep! While it performed beautifully melted over steamed vegetables, the texture straight from the fridge was slightly grainy. For special occasions rather than everyday use.
3. Benecol Buttery Spread
Yikes! This cholesterol-lowering spread might benefit your heart, but your taste buds will file a formal complaint. The medicinal undertone becomes particularly pronounced when melted.
Though health-conscious shoppers might overlook flavor for function, I simply couldn’t get past the artificial aftertaste. The texture resembles petroleum jelly more than butter, sliding around unpleasantly on warm toast. Share your cholesterol-lowering tips in the comments!
2. Trader Joe’s Buttery Spread
Hallelujah for affordable quality! This unassuming store brand delivers a clean, straightforward butter alternative without weird aftertastes or artificial notes.
Where it falls short is longevity – the flavor dissipates quickly when heated, making it less ideal for cooking applications. For simple spreading on bread or melting into oatmeal, however, it’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank.
1. President Spreadable Butter With Sea Salt
Eureka! I’ve found buttery nirvana! This French import combines real butter with a touch of vegetable oil for spreadability without sacrificing that authentic, rich flavor.
Though it costs more than most competitors, the perfectly balanced salt level and genuine cream flavor make every calorie worthwhile. Whether melted over pancakes or spread on a crusty baguette, this magnificent creation elevates everything it touches. Have you tried this heavenly spread yet?