Battle of the Spreads: Margarine vs Butter and Alternatives

Choosing a spread for your toast might seem like a simple task, but if you're on a health kick, you're probably paying extra attention to calories and fat.

Butter is the "original" spread, and margarine rolled in being advertised as a "healthier" choice, but is that really the case? This blog will take a deep dive into butter as well as butter alternatives so you can take your pick!

Butter is a natural dairy product that's simply made by churning cream. In other words - it's as natural as it gets! Loved for its rich, creamy flavour, it's a go-to for cooking, baking, or just slathering on your morning toast. Yes, it contains saturated fats and cholesterol, but it also provides some superstar nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, B12, and K-key players in supporting everything from strong bones to a healthy immune system. And contrary to what some might believe, the calorie and fat-content really doesn't differ all too much from margarine!

If you're feeling fancy, why not give grass-fed butter a whirl? Not only is it delicious, but it also packs some impressive health benefits. Grass-fed butter is brimming with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are fantastic for your heart. Plus, it's lower in saturated fats compared to regular butter, making it a better choice if you're looking for a healthier option.

Here's the kicker-grass-fed butter is also a great source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid with some serious health perks. In fact, milk from grass-fed cows contains up to 500% more CLA than conventional dairy! Studies show that CLA may help reduce the risk of heart disease, support weight management, and even have potential anti-cancer properties. Who knew a simple switch in butter could make such a difference?

Margarine originally hit the scene as a healthier alternative to butter thanks to its lower saturated fat content. But, like with most things in life, not all margarines are created equal!

Some still sneak in trans fats, which aren't exactly your heart's best friend. So, keeping an eye on the label is key. The health benefits of margarine really depend on what kind of vegetable oil is used to produce it, so check the ingredients list and look for margarine produced with olive, sunflower, canola, or soybean oils. Also, remember to choose tub margarine over solid, stick versions as they tend to contain more saturated fat.

After all this margarine vs butter talk, you're probably wondering which one comes out on top.

Well, here's the scoop (or rather, the spread!): it's not as simple as crowning one ultimate champion. According to Harvard Health, some of the newer margarines that are low in saturated fat, high in unsaturated fat, and free of trans fats can be a good choice - as long as you don't go overboard. On the other hand, butter, while high in saturated fat, is richer in flavour and contains some nutrients that margarine doesn't. Ultimately, moderation is key with both.

Although the margarine vs butter debate is still red hot, it's time to show some love to the alternatives out there!

Olive Oil Spread

Olive oil spread is usually a blend of olive oil and other vegetable oils. Olive oil in its purest form is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, some olive oil spreads may contain a lower percentage of olive oil, so while it is a healthier alternative to butter and margarine, look for spreads with a higher percentage of olive oil to maximise the health benefits.

Like with all good things in life, remember that moderation is key. Use it as part of a balanced diet, and your body will thank you.

Nuttelex

Nuttelex is one of the most popular plant-based alternatives to butter and margarine. It's often made from a blend of vegetable oils such as sunflower and olive oil. It's free from cholesterol and contains just 0.4% or less trans fats, making it ideal for those on a health journey. Nuttelex also has a whopping 65% less saturated fat than butter and 50% less salt.

Oh, and did we mention it's also a crowd pleaser? Lactose-intolerant? No problem! Vegan? Come on in! It's even Halal certified and nut free, despite its name. Talk about bringing everyone to the table!

Avocado

Mashed avocado may as well be nature's butter! It's got the creamy consistency of butter and its alternatives, but has the lowest calorie and fat content. Avocados are loaded with fibre and contain more potassium than a banana! They're the smartest choice for a spread if you're trying to lose weight or lower your blood cholesterol levels.

In terms of store-bought spreads, due to lesser or nil saturated fats and cholesterol, Nuttelex and olive oil spread come out (almost) on top!

These butter alternatives can boost good cholesterol while lowering bad LDL cholesterol. This makes them a smarter choice for cardiovascular health in particular. They're both versatile options for cooking, baking, and, of course, spreading!

The real winner, however, is avocado, which has more health benefits than butter and the alternatives. Organic foods are always going to be your best bet for supporting your health and your weight loss goals.

So there you have it ladies! Hungry yet?