Grocery & Gourmet

The Best Butter & Margarine

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right butter or margarine can elevate your cooking and baking from good to exceptional. The subtle differences in fat content, flavor profile, and ingredients can significantly impact the texture and taste of your favorite dishes. Understanding these distinctions ensures you achieve the desired results, whether you're spreading it on toast or incorporating it into a delicate pastry.

No. 1
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Buttery Spread, Original, 15 oz
  • Go ahead and enjoy the unbelievable fresh butter taste made with real, simple ingredients from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original buttery spread!
  • This irresistibly creamy spread contains no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives and 0 grams trans fat* per serving.* See nutrition information for fat and saturated fat content
  • 70% less saturated fat and 40% fewer calories than butter
  • From muffins to deliciously fluffy eggs to mouthwatering banana bread, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original buttery spread is great for spreading, cooking and baking all your favorite dishes!
  • Gluten Free
No. 2
Country Crock Vegetable Oil Spread Tub, Original 45 oz
  • Delicious buttery spread crafted with high-quality ingredients like oils, purified water, and a pinch of salt
  • No artificial preservatives or flavors
  • Great for baking, cooking, or spreading
  • Gluten-free and certified kosher
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
No. 3
Blue Bonnet Spread Quarters, Butter Substitutes, 16 oz, 4 Sticks
  • One 16 oz package of Blue Bonnet Vegetable Oil Spread
  • Margarine spread substitute with a smooth, buttery flavor
  • Perfect butter substitute when you're looking to cut calories and fat without sacrificing taste
  • Use this soft spread to replace butter in your favorite muffin recipe or spread rich, buttery flavor on breads
  • Sticks contain 0mg cholesterol and no hydrogenated oil per serving
  • Keto friendly with 0 g of protein, 0 g net carbs (0g total carbs minus 0g dietary fiber) and 0 g added sugar per serving
  • Individually wrapped sticks stay fresh
No. 5
Parkay Margarine Squeeze Bottle - 12 Ounce - Pack of 2
  • Convenient squeeze bottle
  • Convenient 12 oz size
No. 6
Blue Bonnet Spread Bowl, 45 oz
  • Includes one 45-ounce tub of BLUE BONNET Vegetable Oil Spread
  • Spread with creamy taste and soft texture
  • Contains no cholesterol, no hydrogenated oil and 0g trans fat per serving
  • Use for adding rich, buttery flavor while cooking, baking or sautéing
  • Everything tastes better with BLUE BONNET soft spread
No. 7
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Light Buttery Spread, 15 oz
  • Go ahead and enjoy the unbelievable fresh butter taste made with real, simple ingredients from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Light buttery spread!
  • This irresistibly creamy spread contains no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives and 0 grams trans fat* per serving.* See nutrition information for fat and saturated fat content
  • 85% less saturated fat than butter and 60% fewer calories than butter
  • From muffins to deliciously fluffy eggs to mouthwatering banana bread, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Light buttery spread is great for spreading, cooking and baking all your favorite dishes!
  • Gluten Free
No. 8
Earth Balance Plant Butter Original Plant Based Oil Spread, Non-Dairy Butter Alternative, 15-oz. Tub
  • What You Get: One 15-oz. tub of Earth Balance Plant Butter Original Plant Based Oil Spread
  • Flavor You Crave: Non-dairy, vegan butter alternative with great rich taste
  • Great Anytime: Spread it on toast or hot muffins, use it to sauté vegetables, or incorporate into baking recipes
  • A Tasty Kitchen Essential: Variety of uses and great rich taste make it an ideal butter alternative
  • Just the Good Stuff: Vegan plant butter is free from hydrogenated oils, gluten free, lactose free, and contains no MSG
No. 9
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Original Spread, 45 Ounce
  • Made with good fats from plant-based oils, good source of omega-3 ALA.*
  • Certified by the American Heart Association (R) **
  • 60 calories per 1 tablespoon serving and 70% less saturated fat than butter***
  • Crafted with simple ingredients
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
  • The rich, creamy taste you love is great for baking, cooking or for spreading on your favorite foods.
  • Try the tub for a spread with no trans fat per serving.
  • Zero (0) grams of Carb per serving
  • Naturally cholesterol free
No. 10
Original Blue Band Margarine 250g (1 Pack)
  • Original Blue band Margarine 250g 1 Jar
  • 250g
  • Contains 1 jar.
  • It can be used on a wide array of recipes that fits your mood.
  • There’s truly something for every craving, from savory cooking, indulgent baking, to sweet toppings. Discover your new favorite dish with Blue band.
  • Delicious on toast, sandwiches, omelette and so much more.

Last update on 2026-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Butter & Margarine

Fat Content

Fat content is a crucial factor, especially for baking. European-style butters, often with a higher fat percentage (around 82-84%), tend to produce flakier pastries and richer sauces due to their lower water content. Standard butter typically contains around 80% fat. Margarine varieties vary widely, so check the label for specific fat percentages if this is important for your recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between butter and margarine?
Butter is a dairy product made by churning cream, containing milk fat and water. Margarine is a manufactured spread, often made from vegetable oils, water, and emulsifiers. It's designed to mimic the taste and texture of butter but can have a different nutritional profile and performance in cooking.
Can I substitute margarine for butter in baking?
Substitution is possible, but results may vary. Margarine's water and fat content can differ from butter, potentially affecting the texture and rise of baked goods. For best results, use recipes specifically developed for margarine or choose a high-fat margarine if substituting for butter.
What is clarified butter or ghee?
Clarified butter has had its milk solids and water removed, leaving pure butterfat. Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been simmered longer to develop a nutty flavor and has no water or milk solids. Both have a higher smoke point than regular butter, making them ideal for sautu00e9ing.
Are there vegan butter options?
Yes, numerous vegan butter alternatives are available, typically made from plant-based oils like coconut, avocado, or shea. These are formulated to replicate the taste and performance of dairy butter and are suitable for those avoiding animal products.