Summary of 6 Lowest Quality Butter Brands, According to Dietitians:
Not all butter products are created equally, with some brands being worse than others. When evaluating the quality of a butter product, it is important to look at the type of ingredients that are included. Butter made with just cream and salt is the best option. Products that use heart-healthy oils or add omega-3s can improve the quality of the product and its health-promoting properties. Some of the worst butter brands on the market are tub-based butters or butter products like margarine, such as Country Crock® Original, Parkay, Smart Balance, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Trader Joe’s Vegan Buttery Spread, and Imperial Vegetable Oil Spread Sticks. These products contain unhealthy oils and higher levels of saturated fat, making them less healthy. Consumers should opt for healthier alternatives, such as products that use oils that are more conducive to heart health, like olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil.
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The Worst Butter Brands to Avoid at the Grocery Store: What to Look for Instead
Butter has long been a controversial nutritional product, with its high fat content making it a source of concern for many. However, despite this, research has shown that incorporating a small amount of butter into your diet can be safe for most people. The real issue arises when looking at the types of butter and butter-adjacent spreads available. Some are created with extra ingredients and added oils, which can make them high in fat and less healthy overall.
So, which butter brands should you avoid when shopping at the grocery store? Here are some of the lowest quality options according to registered dietitians and nutrition experts.
1. Country Crock Buttery Spread
While smooth and spreadable, Country Crock® Original is among the worst butter brands you can choose. Made with unhealthy oils to increase shelf life and meet consumer demands, this product is not a healthy alternative. For a better option that uses oils more conducive to heart health, look for spreads that use olive oil, avocado oil, or flaxseed oil.
2. Parkay
Margarine is generally out when it comes to healthy butter alternatives. With more than half of the product made with vegetable oil, Parkay is one brand to avoid. Palm oil and palm kernel oil, which are used in the product, are higher in saturated fats than other plant oils and can contribute to deforestation and various environmental concerns.
3. Smart Balance
While it may be lower in calories than real butter, Smart Balance is a blend of vegetable oils, salt, and added flavors and colors. This makes it a poor choice for a healthy alternative to butter. However, Smart Balance does offer a heart healthy line of products made with olive oil and flaxseed oil, which are high in omega-3s and may be a better choice for some.
4. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Containing saturated fat from palm oil and vegetable oil, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter may give the illusion of a healthier choice but is compromised by added ingredients. When looking for tub margarine and butter spreads, check the label for heart-healthy fats like olive oil.
5. Trader Joe’s Vegan Buttery Spread
While vegan options may sound healthier, they are not always the best choice. Trader Joe’s Vegan Buttery Spread, for example, is made with coconut oil, giving it a higher saturated fat content. Earth Balance, on the other hand, has less saturated fat and may be a better alternative.
6. Imperial Vegetable Oil Spread Sticks
Made with a blend of vegetable oils, Imperial delivers 3 grams of saturated fat per serving. While it may be a long-standing member of the butter products section of the grocery store, it is not the healthiest option available.
When looking for a healthier butter or butter-like product, it’s important to consider the types of ingredients used. Heart-healthy oils or added omega-3s can improve the quality of a product and its health-promoting properties. By avoiding the aforementioned brands and looking for more health-conscious options, you can still enjoy the occasional indulgence of a buttery spread without sacrificing your health.
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