Does Land O' Lakes Margarine Have Milk In It? Essential Facts for a Dairy-Conscious Nutrition Diet

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official product ingredients list, most conventional Land O' Lakes margarines are not dairy-free and explicitly state that they contain milk. This is an important consideration for anyone following a dairy-restricted nutrition diet or managing a milk allergy, making it crucial to check labels carefully.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies that most Land O' Lakes margarine products contain buttermilk and are not suitable for dairy-free diets. It details the specific ingredients, discusses the difference between dairy-based and dairy-free spreads, and introduces the brand's plant-based alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Contains Buttermilk: Most traditional Land O' Lakes margarine products contain buttermilk, a dairy ingredient, and are not dairy-free.
Allergen Warning: The product packaging clearly lists "Contains: Milk" to alert consumers with milk allergies.
Not All Margarine is Dairy-Free: This highlights the need to read ingredient labels carefully, as many margarines are not suitable for dairy-restricted diets.
Plant-Based Alternative: Land O' Lakes offers a specific Plant-Based Creamy Spread that is vegan and formulated without dairy.
Check Product Labels: For those avoiding dairy, it is essential to check the allergen and ingredient list of any spread, even from a trusted brand, to ensure it meets dietary needs.

Does Land O' Lakes Margarine Contain Dairy?

For many who are managing a milk allergy, navigating lactose intolerance, or following a vegan lifestyle, the question of whether Land O' Lakes margarine has milk in it is critical. The short and conclusive answer for the brand's traditional margarine products is yes, they contain dairy. A key ingredient listed in Land O' Lakes margarine sticks and spreads is buttermilk, a milk derivative. This means these products are not suitable for individuals who need to avoid milk and other dairy products.

The Role of Buttermilk in Margarine

Buttermilk is the primary dairy component that disqualifies Land O' Lakes margarine from being truly dairy-free. Buttermilk is a byproduct of churning butter from cultured cream and is often added to margarine for flavor and texture. Even in small quantities, its presence is significant for those with a milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance. The product packaging clearly states "Contains: Milk" in the allergen information section to prevent any confusion.

Understanding the Difference: Dairy-Based vs. Dairy-Free Spreads

Not all margarines are created equal, and the inclusion of dairy ingredients like buttermilk, whey, or lactose varies widely by brand and product line. This is why relying on the general category of "margarine" can be misleading. A true dairy-free margarine will be made exclusively from vegetable oils, water, and other non-dairy ingredients. For consumers, this distinction means that simply choosing margarine over butter does not guarantee a dairy-free result without a thorough review of the ingredient list.

Land O' Lakes Dairy-Free Alternative

Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based and dairy-free options, Land O' Lakes has introduced a dedicated alternative: the Plant-Based Creamy Spread. Unlike its traditional margarine, this spread is specifically formulated to be vegan and dairy-free. It uses a different blend of vegetable oils and is free from any milk-derived ingredients. This product is a suitable choice for those with milk allergies or dietary preferences, but it's crucial to purchase the correct item and not confuse it with the standard margarine products.

Navigating the Grocery Aisle for a Dairy-Free Diet

To ensure your spreads are dairy-free, a few key steps are essential:

Read the Label: Always check the ingredients and allergen warnings, even for products that seem like they should be dairy-free. Buttermilk is a common hidden dairy ingredient in many brands of margarine.
Look for Certifications: Products certified as "Vegan" or "Dairy-Free" have undergone a verification process that guarantees the absence of animal-based ingredients.
Search by Product Name: Specifically look for products with "plant-based" or "vegan" in the name, as brands often create separate product lines to cater to these dietary needs, such as the Land O' Lakes Plant-Based Creamy Spread.

Comparison of Land O' Lakes Spreads

To help clarify the differences, here is a comparison of Land O' Lakes' traditional margarine sticks and its plant-based creamy spread:


Feature	Land O' Lakes Margarine Sticks	Land O' Lakes Plant-Based Creamy Spread
Dairy Content?	Yes (Contains Buttermilk)	No (Vegan, Dairy-Free)
Allergens	Milk, Soy	Soy
Suitable for Vegans?	No	Yes
Lactose-Free?	No	Yes
Texture & Taste	Classic buttery flavor and texture due to buttermilk	Rich and creamy, formulated for a buttery taste
Container Type	Individually wrapped sticks	Resealable tub

Conclusion

While some may assume margarine is universally dairy-free, the answer to the question "Does Land O' Lakes margarine have milk in it?" is a definitive yes for its traditional product line due to the inclusion of buttermilk. For anyone adhering to a strict dairy-free or vegan diet, this is a crucial detail to remember. Fortunately, the brand offers a clear solution in its Plant-Based Creamy Spread, providing a safe alternative for those avoiding dairy. The key to successful dietary navigation lies in diligent label reading and understanding the specific ingredients in each product you choose. For more information on Land O'Lakes products, including their full ingredient lists, it is always best to consult their official website.

Recommended Dairy-Free Alternatives

For those seeking alternatives to traditional Land O' Lakes margarine, the market offers a wide variety of dairy-free and vegan spreads. When shopping, you may want to look for:

Land O' Lakes Plant-Based Creamy Spread: The company's own vegan option.
Miyoko's Creamery European Style Vegan Butter: Made with cultured cashew milk.
Earth Balance Buttery Spreads: Known for their wide range of vegan buttery spreads.
Country Crock Plant Butter Sticks: A popular and accessible vegan stick alternative.
Melt Organic Vegan Butter Sticks: Made with a blend of coconut oil, palm oil, and other plant-based ingredients.

Always double-check the labels, as formulations can change, and new products are regularly introduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the traditional Land O' Lakes margarine products are not suitable for a vegan diet because they contain buttermilk, a milk derivative. However, the brand does offer a specific Plant-Based Creamy Spread that is vegan.

Buttermilk is added to Land O' Lakes margarine to enhance the flavor and provide a characteristic creamy texture that mimics butter. It is a common, though not universal, additive in margarine production.

No, the Plant-Based Creamy Spread is vegan and does not contain any dairy ingredients, including buttermilk or other milk derivatives. It is a safe alternative for individuals with milk allergies or dietary restrictions.

No, they are different conditions. A milk allergy involves an immune response to the proteins in milk, while lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. However, both conditions require avoiding dairy products like buttermilk, so traditional Land O' Lakes margarine is unsuitable for either diet.

To easily identify a dairy-free margarine, look for clear labeling such as "vegan" or "dairy-free" on the packaging. Additionally, always check the allergen statement and ingredient list to confirm the absence of milk derivatives like buttermilk, whey, or lactose.

No. While many of their products are dairy-based, including butter and traditional margarine, Land O' Lakes has expanded its product line to include specific plant-based options that are dairy-free, such as the Plant-Based Creamy Spread.

Many brands offer dairy-free spreads, including Miyoko's Creamery, Earth Balance, and Country Crock Plant Butter. For a Land O' Lakes brand alternative, the Plant-Based Creamy Spread is a suitable option.