STOP Buying These 6 Butter Brands! (The #1 Worst Is Everywhere)
Thomas DeLauerPublished on July 23, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Many butter alternatives contain additives and oils that compromise their health benefits. By learning to read labels and choosing products with simple ingredients, you can make healthier dietary choices.
Key Points
- Butter should be made from just cream and salt, but many spreads contain additives.
- Always read the ingredient list on the back of the package instead of relying on marketing.
- Avoid products with long ingredient lists, vague terms, and questionable oils.
- Choose butter that lists cream and salt as the only ingredients, ideally grass-fed options.
6 Butters You Should Stop Buying: A Guide to Healthier Choices
In a world overflowing with food options, butter should be a simple pleasure made from just cream and salt. However, as we delve into the dairy aisle, we find that many products marketed as butter are far from it. In this article, we’ll explore six common butter alternatives you should avoid, the reasons behind these recommendations, and how to choose healthier options instead.
Why Butter Matters
Butter is a staple in many households—used for cooking, baking, and spreading. However, the truth is that many products masquerading as butter contain a long list of additives and oils that compromise their integrity. Understanding what’s in your butter is essential for making informed dietary choices, especially since these products can significantly affect your health over time.
Four Essential Rules for Reading Butter Labels
Before we dive into the six butter alternatives to avoid, here are four crucial rules to keep in mind when reading labels:
- Rule 1: Flip It Over - Ignore the marketing on the front of the package. The real truth lies in the ingredient list.
- Rule 2: Know What Should Be In There - A clean butter should have a short ingredient list—ideally just cream and salt.
- Rule 3: Watch for Vague Terms - Be wary of ingredients like "natural flavors" and added oils which can indicate a formulated product.
- Rule 4: Check the Order of Ingredients - Ingredients are listed by weight. The first few ingredients are the bulk of what you’re consuming.
The 6 Butters to Avoid
6. Tamok Unsalted Butter
While this butter contains mostly cream, it also includes "natural flavors," which can be misleading and lack transparency in their formulation.
5. Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread
This plant-based alternative contains a blend of various oils and additives, making it more of a formula than actual butter.
4. Country Croc Original Spread
Marketed as a classic, this spread is primarily made of water, soybean oil, and palm oil, violating the simplicity rule of butter.
3. Smart Balance Olive Oil Buttery Spread
This product emphasizes olive oil but is predominantly a canola oil blend. It also contains emulsifiers, which have been linked to potential health risks.
2. Brummel and Brown’s Buttery Spread with Real Yogurt
Despite its healthy marketing, this spread has a long list of ingredients and contains emulsifiers similar to the previous spreads.
1. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
This product tops the list as it is found in many households. Its ingredient list is filled with water, soybean oil, and other questionable oils rather than real butter.
What to Buy Instead
When it comes to butter, the simpler, the better. Look for products that list only cream and salt in their ingredients. If you want to take it a step further, opt for grass-fed butter, which offers additional health benefits like higher omega-3 and CLA content.
Conclusion
Understanding the ingredients in your butter can significantly impact your health. By learning to read labels and recognizing the products to avoid, you can make better choices for your diet and overall well-being. Stick to simple butter that contains just cream and salt, and consider grass-fed varieties for added benefits.