8 US Butter and Spread Brands to Avoid (And 3 That Are Real Butter)

There is a number printed on the front of most spread tubs, and almost nobody knows what it is measuring. The full list of US butter and margarine brands to avoid, what the percentage on the tub actually means, and the three that are real butter. 🛒 Not sure what to buy anymore? Front labels are designed to sell. The ingredient list tells the real story. We investigated 11 of the most popular butters and spreads sold across the US. Eight tubs and bottles sold beside butter that are not butter, and are not required to be. Three that are. You'll learn what the percentage on the front of a spread tub is counting, what the legal name on the pack has to say, and why "spreadable butter" is a different product from butter. CHAPTERS 0:00 The number on the front of the tub 1:46 Number 8: Parkay Squeeze 3:19 Number 7: Blue Bonnet 4:49 Number 6: Smart Balance 7:14 Number 5: Earth Balance Plant Butter 8:57 Number 4: I Can't Believe It's Not Butter 11:00 Number 3: Country Crock 15:34 Number 2: Spreadable butter and butter blends, any brand 17:44 Number 1: Land O'Lakes 22:11 The three that are actually butter 22:23 Best option 3: Land O'Lakes salted butter, the sticks 23:30 Best option 2: Kerrygold 24:56 Best option 1: Your store's own sweet cream butter 25:03 The rule to remember RESEARCH & SOURCES • 21 CFR 166.110 — the federal standard of identity for margarine • FDA enforcement report, July 14 2025 recall listing • FDA Class II recall definition PRODUCT IMAGES Product photography via: Country Crock Original Vegetable Oil Spread · walmart.com STOCK FOOTAGE Some visuals made possible by the Pexels creator community. Thank you. Disclaimer: This video is for general education and reflects publicly available labels, recalls, company statements, and research available during production. Inclusion does not mean a current product is unsafe or violates regulations. Products, recipes, and sourcing can change; verify current packaging and official recall notices before making decisions. #brandstoavoid #butter #margarine #groceryshopping #foodlabels #putitback #usfood