Grocery & Gourmet

The Best 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 margarine can significantly impact the taste and texture of your baked goods and everyday cooking. With a wide variety of options available, understanding the key differences will help you make an informed choice for your culinary needs.

No. 1
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. 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
Country Crock, Buttery Spread, Original, 15 oz
  • Country Fresh Taste made from Real Ingredients
  • New Simple Recipe made with ingredients such as delicious oils, purified water and a pinch of salt
  • New tub, same size!
  • No artificial preservatives or flavors
  • No partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (0g trans fat per serving)
No. 4
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. 5
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. 6
Land O Lakes Margarine, Made with Vegetable Oil, 4 sticks, 1 lb pack
  • MARGARINE STICKS: Every stick of Land O Lakes Margarine contain 80 percent vegetable oil and the same fat content as butter, ensuring you get great results every time you bake
  • VERSATILE BAKING & COOKING: Warm, pull-apart cookies that quickly disappear; Oven-fresh muffins with icing drizzled on top; Sweet, hearty cornbread that completes the meal
  • GREAT FOR COOKING: No matter how you use it, this stick margarine will take your cooking to a whole new level
  • PRE-MEASURED STICKS: Comes in pre-measured, ready-to-use margarine sticks that are individually wrapped in our FlavorProtect wrapper to protect the flavor you love
  • CONTAINS: 4 sticks, 1 lb pack
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
No. 10
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

Last update on 2026-07-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Margarine

Key Comparison Points

When comparing different margarines, pay attention to the fat content, the type of vegetable oils used, and whether it contains any artificial flavors or colors. Consider the texture and consistency – does it meet your needs for spreading, baking, or cooking? Checking the ingredient list for allergens or specific oils you wish to avoid is also important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between margarine and butter?
Butter is made from dairy cream, while margarine is made from vegetable oils. This fundamental difference affects their fat composition, flavor profile, and how they perform in cooking and baking.
Can I use tub margarine for baking?
While stick margarine is generally recommended for baking due to its firmness, tub margarine can sometimes be used. However, its higher water content might alter the texture of baked goods, so it's best used in recipes where precise consistency isn't critical.
Are there vegan margarine options?
Yes, many margarines are naturally vegan as they are made from plant-based oils. Always check the ingredient list to ensure no dairy-derived ingredients have been added, especially in flavored or specialty varieties.
What does 'softened' mean for margarine?
Softened margarine is margarine that has been left at room temperature for a short period to make it pliable and easy to spread or cream with sugar. It should be soft but not melted.
Is margarine healthier than butter?
This depends on the specific product. Many margarines are made with unsaturated fats, which are considered healthier than the saturated fats found in butter. However, some margarines may contain trans fats, so checking the nutrition label is essential.
How should margarine be stored?
Unopened margarine can typically be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Always follow the storage instructions on the packaging.