The Short Answer: It Depends on the Product
While the original I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! spreads and spray are not suitable for vegans due to dairy content, the company does offer a specific, certified vegan product called I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Vegan Spread. This plant-based option is made without any animal-derived ingredients and is clearly labeled for consumers. It is crucial for anyone following a vegan diet to read the labels carefully and ensure they are selecting the explicitly marked 'Vegan' version.
The Original vs. the Vegan Spread
For many years, the original I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! products were a subject of confusion for vegans. While they were primarily made with vegetable oils, many variants contained a 'natural flavor' derived from buttermilk or milk ingredients, making them non-vegan. The introduction of the dedicated vegan spread, however, simplifies the process and provides a clear alternative for those who wish to avoid all animal products. The vegan product is certified by the Plant Based Food Association, giving consumers confidence in its ingredients.
Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes the Difference?
To understand why the different versions of the spread have different dietary restrictions, it helps to compare their ingredients. The vegan version is formulated specifically to be dairy-free, while the original and other variants are not. Below is a breakdown of typical ingredients.
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan ingredients:
- Purified water
- Soybean oil
- Palm and palm kernel oil
- Salt
- Soy lecithin
- Vinegar
- Natural flavor
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Beta carotene (for color)
Commonly found in Original I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! variants:
- Purified water
- Soybean oil
- Palm and palm kernel oil
- Salt
- Lecithin (soy)
- Natural flavor (often contains dairy)
- Vinegar
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Beta carotene (for color)
- Contains: Milk and Soy
The key difference is the presence of milk in the original product. Always remember that ingredient lists can change, so checking the label is the most reliable way to confirm a product's vegan status.
What About the Cooking Spray?
The cooking spray version of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! also requires scrutiny. While the brand has indicated that the Original Spray is entirely dairy-free, it is not certified as plant-based by the Plant Based Food Association in the same way the 'It's Vegan' spread is. The company suggests the certified Vegan Spread for those specifically looking for a plant-based assurance. There is also a history of cross-contamination concerns with manufacturing, so if you are highly sensitive, checking the specific product label is always recommended.
Comparing the Original Spread to the Vegan Spread
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table outlining key nutritional aspects and ingredients.
| Feature | I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original Spread | I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan Spread |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | No (Contains dairy) | Yes (Certified Plant-Based) |
| Dairy-Free | No (Contains milk) | Yes (Free from milk and derivatives) |
| Main Ingredients | Vegetable oils, water, salt, includes milk | Purified water, soybean oil, palm oil, salt, no milk |
| Saturated Fat | Higher than vegan version | 70% less than dairy butter |
| Calories | Higher than vegan version | 40% fewer than dairy butter |
| Key Benefit | Buttery taste for general use | Buttery taste, dairy-free, cholesterol-free |
Other Popular Vegan Butter Alternatives
If you're looking for different vegan spreads for specific uses like baking, or just want to explore other options, many brands offer high-quality alternatives. Some popular choices include:
- Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and Spreads
- Melt Organic Vegan Butter Sticks
- Milkadamia Buttery Spread
- Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter
When evaluating alternatives, consider your needs, whether it's for spreading, baking, or cooking, as their performance can vary based on ingredients. For example, some brands offer sticks that are specifically designed to mimic the properties of dairy butter for baking recipes.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
In summary, while the original products from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! are not vegan due to the presence of dairy ingredients, vegans have a safe and certified plant-based option in the 'It's Vegan' spread. Always exercise caution and perform a quick check of the ingredient list before purchasing any new products, especially as formulations can change. The availability of clear vegan labeling is a positive step for transparency, but consumer diligence remains the best practice. For those seeking the buttery flavor without the dairy, the dedicated vegan spread and many other excellent alternatives offer a variety of choices to fit any dietary need.
For more information on the specific vegan product, you can visit the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Vegan Spread product page.
