Utterly Butterly is not a dairy-free product. It’s a brand of spread manufactured by Dairy Crest in the United Kingdom. It contains buttermilk, making it unsuitable for people who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
However, you can consume plenty of dairy-free and vegan butter brands if you are following a vegan or dairy-free diet. You can also make dairy-free butter at home to avoid any possible risk of cross-contamination. Homemade butter allows you to control the taste by adjusting/substituting ingredients.
Utterly Butterly Ingredients
- Water
- Vegetable Oils in varying proportions (Rapeseed, Sustainable Palm)
- Buttermilk
- Modified Maize Starch
- Salt
- Emulsifiers – E471, E476
- Preservatives
- Colors
Best Dairy-Free Butters
Earth Balance Buttery Spread
This popular vegan butter substitute comes in several varieties, including organic and soy-free options. It’s made from a blend of vegetable oils and has a similar taste and texture to dairy butter.
Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter
This is a cultured vegan butter that offers a rich, creamy taste. It’s made from organic coconut oil and cashew cream fermented with live cultures, which gives it a distinct, buttery flavor.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter It’s Vegan
This product offers a similar taste to the original version but is made with plant-based oils. It’s also free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Pure Blends Plant-Based Butters
These spreads are made from avocado or coconut oils, providing a dairy-free, vegan-friendly butter substitute with a smooth, creamy texture.
Country Crock Plant Butter
This is a dairy-free and gluten-free butter made from plant-based oils. It’s available in stick and tub forms and is suitable for cooking, baking, and spreading.
WayFare Dairy-Free Butter
This vegan butter substitute is soy-free and made from a base of lima beans and oats. It’s creamy and spreadable and works well in a variety of dishes.
Note: Don’t forget to check the ingredients and labels before buying, as recipes may change from time to time. Moreover, people who follow a dairy-free diet are better off with vegan butter as vegan butter is always dairy-free.
Dairy-Free Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of refined coconut oil
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to create a “buttermilk” effect.
- Combine the coconut oil, almond milk mixture, olive oil, turmeric, and salt in a blender. Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes until fully emulsified and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a container and refrigerate for about 2 hours to set.
- Once solidified, your homemade dairy-free butter is ready to use!
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Butter
Read Labels: Always check the ingredient list to ensure no dairy products like whey, casein, or lactose.
Look for Certifications: Products labeled as vegan are always dairy-free.
Check for Allergens: If it says “Contains: Milk,” it’s not dairy-free.
Avoid “Non-Dairy” Traps: Some products labeled as “non-dairy” still contain milk derivatives.
Tips for Eating Out
Specify Your Needs: Clearly communicate to the waiter that you need dairy-free options.
Ask for Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to ask about the ingredients in a dish.
Choose Vegan-Friendly Places: Restaurants with vegan options are more likely to have dairy-free butter.
Use Apps: Some apps can help you find restaurants with dairy-free options.
Dairy-Based Butter vs. Dairy-Free Butter
Ingredients: Dairy butter is made from cream or milk, while dairy-free butter is made from plant-based oils.
Nutrition: Dairy butter contains cholesterol and saturated fat. Some dairy-free butters have less saturated fat and no cholesterol, which can vary by brand.
Taste: While dairy-free butters are designed to mimic the taste of dairy butter, some subtle differences in flavor can be noted. The taste of dairy-free butter can be influenced by the types of plant-based oils used.
Cooking and Baking: Dairy butter can add a distinct flavor to baked goods and sauces. Dairy-free butters can also be used in cooking and baking, but the results might slightly differ depending on the recipe and the type of dairy-free butter used.
Dietary Restrictions: Dairy butter is unsuitable for vegans, those with dairy allergies, or those who are lactose intolerant. Dairy-free butter is a viable alternative for these individuals and those who prefer to limit their intake of animal products.
Environmental Impact: Dairy butter production involves livestock farming, which has a significant environmental impact. Plant-based butters typically have a smaller environmental footprint, although this can depend on factors such as the source of the plant oils and the production process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utterly Butterly vegan?
Utterly Butterly is not vegan as it contains buttermilk, a dairy product.
Is Utterly Butterly vegetarian?
Yes, Utterly Butterly is vegetarian. It does not contain any meat products, but it does contain dairy.
Is Utterly Butterly gluten-free?
Utterly Butterly does not typically contain gluten, but always check the product packaging to be sure, as ingredients can change.
Is Utterly Butterly soy-free?
Utterly Butterly does not contain soy. However, it’s always best to check the current ingredient list.
Is Utterly Butterly healthy?
Utterly Butterly is lower in saturated fats than traditional butter. However, like any spread, it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Is Utterly Butterly margarine or butter?
Utterly Butterly is a buttery spread or margarine, not a traditional butter. It’s made with a blend of vegetable oils and buttermilk.
Is dairy-free butter healthier than dairy butter?
This can depend on the specific product and person. Dairy-free butter can be healthier for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, and it often has less saturated fat and cholesterol than dairy butter.
Is vegan butter always dairy-free?
Yes, vegan butter is always dairy-free, as vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, including dairy.
Is dairy-free butter always vegan?
Not necessarily. While dairy-free butter doesn’t contain milk products, it could contain other animal-derived ingredients, like honey. Always check the label to be sure.
