Devon O’Brien
Choosing the right butter can make a significant difference in your cooking and baking. High-quality butters like Kerrygold and Plugrá offer superior taste and texture, making them worth the extra cost for special recipes. On the other hand, margarine products like Blue Bonnet and Country Crock might be budget-friendly, but they don’t provide the same richness or versatility as real butter. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your priorities—whether it’s flavor, health, or cost.
Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Why You Should Buy: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, Kerrygold offers a rich flavor and higher butterfat content, ideal for baking and spreading. It’s widely praised for its creamy texture and golden color.
Why You Shouldn’t: It’s more expensive than other brands, and the strong, distinct flavor might not be to everyone’s taste.
Devon O’Brien
Plugrá European Style Butter
Why You Should Buy: Known for its higher butterfat content (82%), Plugrá is a favorite among bakers for creating flaky pastries and rich, creamy sauces. The cultured flavor adds depth to both savory and sweet dishes.
Why You Shouldn’t: It’s pricier and may not be as widely available as other brands.
Maureen Abood
Land O’Lakes Butter
Why You Should Buy: A reliable all-purpose butter with a consistent quality. It’s widely available, reasonably priced, and works well for everyday cooking and baking.
Why You Shouldn’t: Lower butterfat content compared to European-style butters might affect the final texture in baking.
Brendan McDermid | Credit: REUTERS
President Butter
Why You Should Buy: This French butter is another high-fat option with a smooth, spreadable texture and rich taste, ideal for gourmet cooking.
Why You Shouldn’t: It’s expensive and might not be necessary unless you’re making something that demands top-quality butter.
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Organic Valley Butter
Why You Should Buy: Made from organic milk, this butter is free from synthetic hormones and pesticides. It has a clean, natural taste and is a great choice for health-conscious consumers.
Why You Shouldn’t: It’s more expensive, and the flavor is mild, which might not stand out in more complex recipes.
Organic Valley
Blue Bonnet
Why You Should Avoid: While budget-friendly, Blue Bonnet is technically margarine, not butter. It’s made from vegetable oils, which don’t provide the same rich flavor or texture as real butter.
Why You Might Consider It: If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a spreadable option, it might suffice.
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Country Crock Spread
Why You Should Avoid: Like Blue Bonnet, Country Crock is a margarine spread, not butter. It’s made from vegetable oils and water, resulting in a product that lacks the rich, buttery flavor needed for cooking and baking.
Why You Might Consider It: Lower in fat and easier to spread straight from the fridge, it can be an option for those watching their fat intake.
Paige Bennett
Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
Why You Should Avoid: This spread contains vegetable oils and other additives, giving it a taste and texture far from that of real butter. It’s not suitable for baking or any recipe requiring true butter.
Why You Might Consider It: It’s a low-calorie alternative that’s better for spreading than for cooking or baking.
Photo by ICBINotButter via Twitter
Imperial Margarine
Why You Should Avoid: Another margarine product, Imperial Margarine lacks the natural flavor and cooking versatility of butter. It’s made from vegetable oils and doesn’t perform well in high-heat applications.
Why You Might Consider It: The low price and spreadability might appeal to those looking for a cheaper, more convenient option.
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Parkay Margarine
Why You Should Avoid: Similar to the other spreads mentioned, Parkay is made from oils and water, resulting in a product that doesn’t offer the flavor or cooking performance of real butter.
Why You Might Consider It: It’s inexpensive and easily spreadable, making it an option for those who prioritize convenience over taste.
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