Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Our Editors
Butter is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, used for everything from cooking and baking to spreading on toast. For vegans, finding a good butter alternative can be a challenge, as traditional butter is made from dairy products.
Fortunately, there are now many vegan butter brands on the market that offer a tasty and cruelty-free alternative. The global market for plant-based butter is growing rapidly, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 10.4% from 2020 to 2025.
The vegan butter industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as more consumers become aware of the benefits of plant-based diets and seek out alternatives to traditional dairy products.
In this article, we will review the best vegan butter brands available, based on factors such as taste, texture, and availability.
Why is Vegan Butter Just So Much Better?
It’s Healthier
Vegan butter is often made from plant-based oils that are healthier than the saturated fats found in dairy butter. Some vegan butter brands also contain additional nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
It has a Smaller Carbon Footprint
The production of dairy butter requires large amounts of resources, including water, land, and feed for cows. Choosing vegan butter instead can help reduce your environmental impact and conserve resources.
It is Ethical
Dairy cows are often subjected to inhumane living conditions and practices such as tail docking and dehorning. Choosing vegan butter means you can avoid supporting these practices and promote more ethical treatment of animals.
It is Delicious
Vegan butter can have a similar taste and texture to traditional butter, making it a delicious and satisfying alternative.
It’s Allergen Free (For the Most Part)
Dairy butter contains lactose and casein, which can cause digestive issues for people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Vegan butter is free from these ingredients, making it a safe and tasty alternative.
Best 5 Vegan Butter Brands That Are Smoother Than No Other
Miyoko’s Creamery
Miyoko’s Creamery is a vegan food brand that specializes in dairy-free cheese and butter products. Their butter is made from organic coconut oil, sunflower oil, and cashews, and has a creamy texture that mimics traditional butter. The flavor is rich and slightly tangy, and it works well in both cooking and baking applications. However, this artisanal plant-based dairy brand can be difficult to find in some areas, and it is also more expensive than other options.
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Earth Balance
Earth Balance butters are made from a blend of vegetable oils and have a smooth, creamy texture that works well for spreading and cooking. The flavor is mild buttery, and it works well in everything from baked goods to sautéed vegetables. One potential downside of Earth Balance is that it contains palm oil, which some people prefer to avoid due to sustainability and ethical concerns. However, the brand has made efforts to use only sustainably sourced palm oil in recent years.
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Melt Organic
Melt Organic is a newer brand of vegan butter that is gaining popularity due to its unique blend of plant-based oils. It is made from a combination of coconut oil, palm oil, and flaxseed oil, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture. Melt Organic is also fortified with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to traditional butter.
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Country Crock
Country Crock is a vegan butter brand that is widely available in many grocery stores. It is made from a blend of plant-based oils, including avocado oil and almond oil, which gives it a rich and buttery flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, making it a great choice for spreading on toast or using in baked goods. You might find the flavor to be slightly artificial or overly sweet though.
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Nutiva Organic Buttery Coconut Oil
Nutiva Organic Buttery Coconut Oil is a vegan butter alternative that is made from a blend of coconut oil, sunflower oil, and vegan butter flavoring. It has a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture. It is also organic and non-GMO, making it a healthier and more sustainable choice. One drawback is that it may not work as well in some recipes that require traditional butter and might taste slightly overpowering.
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You Asked, We Answered- Vegan Butter 101
Is vegan butter healthier than regular butter?
Vegan butter is generally considered to be healthier than regular butter because it is free from cholesterol and saturated fat. Traditional butter is made from animal products, which can be high in unhealthy fats that can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Vegan butter, on the other hand, is usually made from plant-based oils that are high in healthy unsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative.
What is vegan butter made of?
Vegan butter can be made from a variety of plant-based oils and ingredients, depending on the brand. Some common ingredients used in vegan butter include coconut oil, sunflower oil, soy milk, and cashews. Vegan butter can also be fortified with vitamins and minerals to make it a healthier option.
Can you use it for baking?
Yes, vegan butter can be used for baking in place of regular butter. In fact, many vegan butter brands are specifically designed for baking and cooking. Vegan butter works well in recipes that call for melted butter or softened butter, such as cookies, cakes, and muffins.
Is dairy-free butter better for the environment than regular butter?
Vegan butter is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than regular butter. Traditional butter production requires a lot of resources, including land, water, and feed for the cows. This can lead to deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues. Vegan butter, on the other hand, is made from plant-based ingredients that require fewer resources and have a smaller environmental impact.
Does plant-based butter taste like regular butter?
The taste can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. However, many plant-based butter brands are designed to taste and feel like traditional butter. Miyoko’s Creamery, for example, has a rich and tangy flavor that mimics traditional butter, while Earth Balance has a mild buttery flavor.
Is vegan butter lactose-free?
Yes, vegan butter is lactose-free. Traditional butter is made from animal milk, which contains lactose. Vegan butter, on the other hand, is made from plant-based ingredients and does not contain lactose.
Is vegan butter good for cholesterol?
Vegan butter is free from cholesterol and saturated fat. Traditional butter is high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. Vegan butter, on the other hand, is made from plant-based oils that are high in healthy unsaturated fats, making it a healthier option.
Can you make vegan butter at home?
Yes, it is possible to make vegan butter at home using a variety of ingredients. One simple recipe involves combining plant-based oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, with non-dairy milk and a pinch of salt in a blender. The mixture is then chilled until solid, creating a spreadable vegan butter. There are many variations of homemade vegan butter recipes available online, allowing for customization to individual taste preferences. Making vegan butter at home can be a cost-effective and satisfying way to enjoy a cruelty-free alternative to traditional butter.
The Eco Wiser Take on Vegan Butter Brands
Vegan butter is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional butter, which is made from animal-based products that can be high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol. With the rise of veganism, there are now many good vegan butter brands available on the market, offering a wide range of flavors and textures that mimic traditional butter.
Whether you are looking to reduce your environmental impact, avoid animal products, or simply try something new, vegan butter is a versatile and tasty ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. So, next time you are at the grocery store, consider giving vegan butter a try and discover a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional butter.
