The Difference: Original Spreads vs. Plant Butter
It's important for vegans to distinguish between Country Crock's original spreads and their Plant Butter line, as not all products are vegan. Original tub spreads like "Original" and "Churn Style" are not certified vegan, and some, including Country Crock Light and Baking Sticks, contain dairy. For a vegan option, look for the clearly labeled Country Crock Plant Butter line, which is certified plant-based and designed as a 1:1 substitute for dairy butter.
What's in Country Crock Plant Butter?
Country Crock Plant Butter uses a blend of plant-based oils for a buttery taste and texture without animal products. Ingredients often include various plant oils (like palm, canola, olive, avocado, or almond), water, salt, pea or faba bean protein, sunflower or soy lecithin, natural flavors, citric acid, Vitamin A Palmitate, and beta carotene.
A Note on Natural Flavors and Additives
While certified vegan, some strict vegans may question ingredients like “Natural Flavor” and Vitamin A Palmitate, which can sometimes have animal origins. However, Country Crock confirms their Plant Butter contains no animal derivatives, and any such ingredients in a vegan-certified product would be plant-derived.
The Palm Oil Concern for Vegans
The use of palm oil in plant-based products is a concern for some vegans due to environmental and ethical issues associated with its production. Country Crock states they use sustainably sourced palm oil and are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), committing to responsible sourcing, although the ethical debate around palm oil persists for some vegans.
How Country Crock Plant Butter Compares
Country Crock Plant Butter has a different nutritional profile than dairy butter. Here's a comparison:
| Feature | Country Crock Plant Butter | Dairy Butter | Earth Balance Buttery Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Plant-based oils (palm, canola, olive, etc.) | Milk fat | Plant-based oils (palm fruit, soybean, canola) |
| Vegan | Yes, the Plant Butter line is Certified Plant-Based | No (animal-derived) | Yes |
| Saturated Fat | Lower saturated fat than dairy butter | Higher saturated fat | Similar saturated fat to Plant Butter |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg per serving | Contains cholesterol | 0 mg per serving |
| Taste Profile | Cooks, bakes, and tastes like dairy butter | Classic rich, creamy butter flavor | Varying tastes, some closer to margarine |
Cooking and Baking with Vegan Butter
Country Crock Plant Butter is a versatile 1:1 replacement for dairy butter in most recipes, making it ideal for vegan cooking and baking. It can be used for spreading, baking (as sticks), cooking (like sautéing or making sauces), and melts smoothly for uses like vegan brown butter. Versions with olive or avocado oil are suitable for high-heat cooking.
Conclusion
While not all Country Crock products are vegan, the Plant Butter line provides a clearly labeled and certified vegan option. Vegans can use these plant-based spreads and sticks with confidence. Although palm oil is an ingredient, Country Crock's RSPO membership indicates a commitment to sustainable sourcing. Always reading labels is recommended to ensure products meet individual dietary needs and values.
For more product information, visit the Country Crock official website.
