Are There Carbs in Grass-Fed Butter? The Definitive Answer for Keto and Low-Carb Diets

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Despite originating from milk, a source of carbohydrates, both grass-fed and conventional butter are confirmed to contain zero carbohydrates per standard serving. This critical fact addresses a common dietary question and solidifies grass-fed butter's place as a staple for those following keto or other low-carb eating plans.

Quick Summary

Grass-fed butter is a completely carbohydrate-free food, making it an excellent source of healthy fats for low-carb and ketogenic diets. While its carb content is the same as regular butter, it offers a superior nutritional profile, rich in beneficial fatty acids and vitamins due to the cow's natural grazing diet.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: Both grass-fed and regular butter contain no carbohydrates, fiber, or sugar per standard serving.
Fat-Based: Butter is predominantly milkfat, and the carbohydrate-containing milk solids are removed during the churning process.
Keto-Friendly: Its high-fat, zero-carb content makes grass-fed butter a perfect fat source for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Nutrient Superiority: Grass-fed butter contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and vitamins A and K2 compared to regular butter.
Health Benefits: The nutrient richness of grass-fed butter provides advantages such as anti-inflammatory properties, improved gut health, and better immune function.
Flavor and Color: Due to the cow's diet of grass, grass-fed butter often has a richer, more complex flavor and a deeper yellow color from beta-carotene.

The Simple Answer: Zero Carbs in Grass-Fed Butter

For anyone monitoring their carbohydrate intake, the news is excellent: grass-fed butter contains absolutely no carbohydrates. A single tablespoon, a typical serving size, provides a rich source of fat and calories but no carbs, fiber, or sugar. This nutritional profile is what makes it a powerhouse ingredient for low-carb and keto diets, where fat is the primary source of energy.

Understanding How Butter Is Made

The reason for butter's lack of carbohydrates lies in its production process. Butter is created by churning cream, which separates the milk's fat from its watery, milky component, known as buttermilk. The milk sugar, or lactose, is water-soluble and is mostly removed along with the buttermilk during this churning process. The final solid butter product is almost entirely milkfat with a small amount of water, leaving behind the carbohydrate content.

The Nutritional Advantages of Grass-Fed

While the zero-carb status is consistent across all types of pure butter, the term "grass-fed" indicates a significant nutritional difference. Butter from cows that graze on grass-based diets, rather than grain-based feeds, is notably richer in several beneficial nutrients. This is because the cows' natural diet passes valuable compounds into their milk, which are then concentrated in the final butter product.

Here are some key nutritional advantages of grass-fed butter:

Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed butter contains a better balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
More Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Studies have shown that grass-fed dairy can contain up to 500% more CLA, a fatty acid linked to boosting immunity and supporting healthy weight management.
Richer in Vitamins: The deeper yellow color of grass-fed butter is a visual indicator of higher beta-carotene content, which your body converts to Vitamin A. It is also a better source of Vitamin K2, crucial for bone and heart health.
Butyrate Content: This short-chain fatty acid found in butter is excellent for gut health and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison Table: Grass-Fed vs. Regular Butter


Feature	Grass-Fed Butter	Regular (Grain-Fed) Butter
Carbohydrates	0g per tablespoon	0g per tablespoon
Appearance	Rich, golden yellow color due to beta-carotene	Paler yellow or white
Flavor	Richer, creamier, and more complex	Milder, more milk-like flavor
Omega-3s	Significantly higher content	Lower content
CLA	Up to 500% more	Lower content
Vitamins (A, K2)	Higher concentrations	Lower concentrations

Integrating Grass-Fed Butter into Your Diet

Beyond simply being a carb-free option, grass-fed butter is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. For those on a ketogenic diet, it is a staple for increasing fat intake to reach ketosis. Here are a few ways to incorporate it:

Bulletproof Coffee: Blending grass-fed butter with coffee and MCT oil is a popular method for boosting healthy fat intake and starting the day with sustained energy.
Cooking and Sautéing: Its high smoke point makes it excellent for frying eggs or sautéing vegetables. The richer flavor enhances the taste of your dishes.
As a Spread: A simple spread on low-carb crackers or keto-friendly bread adds rich flavor and satiating fat.
Baking: Use it in keto baking recipes to add moisture and a decadent taste.

A Word of Caution: Reading Labels

While pure butter is carb-free, it's always wise to check the ingredient list on spreads or other butter-like products. Some manufacturers may blend butter with vegetable oils or add other ingredients that could introduce carbohydrates. Always look for pure butter with minimal ingredients—ideally just cream and salt if it's salted. This practice ensures you are getting a truly zero-carb product. You should also remember that butter is not the same as margarine, which is not keto-friendly.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Benefits of Grass-Fed Butter

The simple answer to whether there are carbs in grass-fed butter is a resounding no. This makes it an ideal culinary fat for anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Furthermore, its superior nutritional profile, with higher levels of Omega-3s, CLA, vitamins, and gut-healthy butyrate, provides distinct health advantages over conventional butter. By opting for grass-fed butter, you can enjoy a flavorful, carb-free fat source that brings added nutritional value to your meals. Learn more about the differences between grass-fed and regular butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all pure butter, whether grass-fed or conventional, is essentially carbohydrate-free because the churning process removes the lactose (milk sugar) with the buttermilk.

During the churning process, the fatty component of the milk separates from the watery buttermilk. The water-soluble carbs, including lactose, are washed away with the buttermilk, leaving only the fat behind.

Grass-fed butter is considered nutritionally superior because it comes from cows that graze on grass, resulting in higher levels of healthy fats like Omega-3s and CLA, and more vitamins A and K2.

Yes, grass-fed butter is an ideal and staple food for the keto diet. Its zero-carb and high-fat profile helps increase fat intake, which is essential for achieving ketosis.

Pure butter contains virtually no milk sugar (lactose). The sugar is separated and removed with the buttermilk during the butter-making process. This is also why many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate pure butter.

No, because butter has no carbohydrates, it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. It is a low-glycemic food.

CLA is a beneficial fatty acid found in higher concentrations in grass-fed butter. It is associated with supporting the immune system and helping the body build muscle while reducing fat storage.