Explore the wild world of grocery store butter brands. With every stick promising creamy perfection, finding the best—and avoiding the worst—can feel like a buttery battleground.
Get ready to spread the knowledge and churn up some buttery insights.
1. Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Butter from the Emerald Isle! Kerrygold is crafted with milk from grass-fed cows, delivering a rich and creamy taste that’s as golden as a sunrise over Dublin.
Its lush texture is perfect for spreading on a warm scone or melting into velvety mashed potatoes. Kerrygold stands out in the sea of supermarket options.
2. Land O’Lakes Butter
Land O’Lakes generally enjoys a good reputation, but this spreadable product deviates from their traditional butter. The addition of canola oil alters the flavor profile and creates a softer texture that some find greasy.
It also contains preservatives and artificial flavors that detract from the authentic butter taste.
3. Plugrá European Style Butter
Fancy a touch of European flair? Plugrá offers a high-fat, slow-churned butter that boasts a silky texture ideal for gourmet cooking. Its name, derived from ‘plus gras’ or ‘more fat,’ tells you everything you need to know.
Buttery rich, it’s the choice of chefs and home cooks who want to elevate their dishes.
4. Challenge Butter
Challenge accepted! Known for its fresh, creamy taste, Challenge Butter hails from California and brings a touch of the golden state’s dairy excellence to your table.
It’s a dependable choice, free from artificial preservatives, making it a family favorite. Some might find it a tad too bland, lacking the rich, salty punch of its competitors.
5. Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Butter
For the ethical eater, Vital Farms offers butter from pasture-raised cows, promising a taste as wholesome as its origins. This butter not only delights with its creamy texture but also assures with its commitment to animal welfare.
Some fans rave about its fresh, clean taste, while critics mention a slightly understated flavor.
6. President Unsalted Butter
Bonjour to butter with a French twist! President Unsalted Butter is a gateway to Gallic gourmet experiences. It’s perfect for those who prefer their butter pure and unadulterated by salt.
With a smooth, creamy consistency, it’s ideal for baking delicate pastries.
7. Cabot Creamery Butter
From the heart of Vermont comes Cabot Creamery Butter, a cooperative gem that’s as much about community as it is about taste. Praised for its robust flavor, this butter captures the essence of New England charm. However, its boldness might not be for everyone, with a depth that can overshadow delicate dishes.
8. Tillamook Butter
Hailing from the lush landscapes of Oregon, Tillamook Butter is the taste of the Pacific Northwest in every pat.
Known for its creamy texture and rich taste, it’s crafted with care by farmer-owners committed to quality. Tillamook adds a deliciously creamy touch that’s hard to beat.
9. Lurpak Butter
Lurpak, the Scandinavian superstar, brings a touch of Denmark to the table. With its smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor, it’s a favorite among those who appreciate a butter that stands out.
Distinctive taste may not be for everyone, with some finding it a bit too unique.
10. Country Crock Plant Butter
A plant-based revolution in a tub! Country Crock Plant Butter offers a dairy-free alternative for those seeking familiar buttery goodness without the animal products.
It’s smooth, spreadable, and perfect for vegan baking or cooking. It’s a kinder, gentler spread for the eco-conscious eater.
11. Horizon Organic Butter
Organic enthusiasts, rejoice! Horizon Organic Butter offers a pure, wholesome taste that’s free from artificial additives and made from the milk of happy, pasture-raised cows.
It’s creamy, with a soft texture that’s ideal for spreading and cooking. Some might argue it’s a bit pricey, but for the quality, it’s worth it.
12. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
A long-standing name in the butter alternative market, this product is primarily made from vegetable oils. While it’s low in saturated fat, it lacks the richness and complex flavor of real butter.
Many consumers find its taste artificial and its texture thin and watery.
13. Earth Balance Vegan Butter
Vegan delight! Earth Balance Vegan Butter is a creamy, non-dairy spread that’s a favorite among plant-based eaters.
Made from a blend of oils, it mimics the taste and texture of traditional butter surprisingly well. Great for baking, cooking, or simply spreading on toast, it’s a staple for those who want to eat vegan without compromise.
14. Blue Bonnet Margarine
A budget-friendly option, Blue Bonnet often compromises on quality. Its high vegetable oil content and artificial flavors result in a product that lacks the depth and complexity of real butter.
It’s often criticized for its bland taste and greasy mouthfeel.
15. Trader Joe’s Vegan Butter
While Trader Joe’s offers many excellent products, their vegan butter often misses the mark.
Made with coconut oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter, it can have a noticeable coconut flavor. Also, a slightly waxy texture that doesn’t quite mimic the experience of real butter.