How is Flora Made? The Plant-Based Spreads Production Process

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Flora, a popular plant-based spread, starts with a simple blend of oils and water before undergoing a meticulous cooling and blending process. The manufacturing involves several key stages, including the extraction of oils from seeds, blending with natural ingredients like water and emulsifiers, and a controlled cooling process.

Quick Summary

The production of Flora involves extracting oil from seeds, blending it with water and other plant-based ingredients, and then cooling the mixture to achieve its signature smooth texture. This process relies on a combination of natural components to create a vegan-friendly and versatile alternative to butter.

Key Points

Ingredient Sourcing: Flora's ingredients are sourced from plant oils, primarily sunflower, rapeseed, and sometimes coconut fat for firmness.
Emulsification: Lecithin, a natural emulsifier from sunflower seeds, is used to bind oil and water, creating a stable, creamy consistency.
Controlled Cooling: The blended mixture is cooled under continuous stirring to achieve the smooth, spreadable texture.
Modern Vegan Recipe: The brand has transitioned to 100% plant-based, dairy-free, and palm-oil-free recipes in recent years, reflecting consumer demand for ethical products.
Health Benefits: The final product is lower in saturated fat than butter and provides essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Sustainability: The company emphasizes sustainable sourcing and uses recyclable packaging to minimize environmental impact.

How Flora is made: From seed to spread

For generations, Flora has been a staple in many households, valued as a versatile, plant-based alternative to butter. The modern production process has evolved to be entirely plant-based and palm-oil-free in some regions, but the fundamental steps remain the same: sourcing high-quality ingredients, blending, and cooling. The process transforms liquid plant oils into a solid, spreadable emulsion using natural ingredients and careful temperature control.

Sourcing and preparation of raw materials

The journey begins with the careful selection of raw ingredients. Flora's recipes primarily use a blend of seed oils, with sunflower and rapeseed oils being common components. These oils are extracted from their respective seeds through a pressing process and then purified to remove any unwanted colors, flavors, or residues. This purification is essential for ensuring a clean, neutral base for the final product. Coconut fat is also sometimes added for structure, especially in variants designed for baking.

The art of emulsification

Oil and water, the main constituents of Flora spreads, do not mix naturally. To create a stable, creamy emulsion, a plant-based emulsifier is introduced. Sunflower lecithin, derived from sunflower seeds, is a key ingredient used to bind the water and oil together. This step is critical to prevent the spread from separating and to achieve the smooth, consistent texture that consumers expect.

The mixing and cooling process

Following emulsification, the ingredients are mixed in large cylinders. The blend typically includes:

Purified vegetable oils (rapeseed, sunflower, coconut)
Water
Plant-based emulsifier (lecithin)
Salt for flavor
Natural flavorings
Beta-carotene for natural coloring
Added vitamins, such as A and D
Faba bean preparation for some variants

Once combined, this mixture is slowly and continuously stirred while being cooled. This controlled temperature process is what gives the spread its smooth, buttery texture and solid form, similar to how ice cream is made. The specific cooling and stirring parameters are crucial for achieving the desired consistency, ensuring the spread is soft and easy to use straight from the fridge.

Packaging and distribution

After reaching the perfect texture, the spread is portioned into recyclable tubs and sealed, ready for distribution to supermarkets. The entire manufacturing process, from sourcing to packaging, is geared towards creating a consistent and high-quality product that meets the brand's standards for taste, nutrition, and sustainability.

Comparison: Flora vs. Traditional Dairy Butter


Feature	Flora Plant-Based Spread	Traditional Dairy Butter
Primary Fat Source	Plant-based oils (rapeseed, sunflower, coconut)	Milk fat
Saturated Fat Content	Significantly lower	Higher
Cholesterol	Cholesterol-free	Contains dietary cholesterol
Omega 3 & 6	Rich source of essential fatty acids	Minimal amounts
Dairy	Dairy-free and vegan-certified in most modern formulations	Contains dairy (milk solids)
Hydrogenated Fats	Free from partially hydrogenated fats	Not applicable
Source of Vitamins	Fortified with vitamins A and sometimes D	Naturally contains vitamins A and D

The evolution towards sustainability and plant-based ingredients

Recent years have seen a significant shift in Flora's recipe and production focus. Historically, some variants contained dairy products like buttermilk, and many used palm oil for its structural properties. However, in response to growing consumer demand for vegan and environmentally conscious products, the brand's ownership group, Upfield, has been committed to making its entire range 100% plant-based and palm-oil-free in key markets like the UK and Europe. This change aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals and reduces its climate impact compared to dairy butter. This conscious move involves reformulating recipes with alternative hard fats, such as coconut fat, to maintain the desired spreadable texture without relying on palm oil. The continuous innovation in plant-based ingredients underscores the company's dedication to meeting modern dietary and ethical consumer needs. You can read more about their sourcing practices on the Flora Food Group website.

Conclusion: A sophisticated process for a simple spread

In conclusion, the production of Flora is a sophisticated industrial process that transforms simple plant-based ingredients into a high-quality, heart-healthy, and versatile spread. From the selection and pressing of seeds to extract oils, to the careful balancing of water and fats with emulsifiers, every stage is carefully controlled to produce the final product. The shift towards completely plant-based and palm-oil-free recipes reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability, catering to the evolving preferences of modern consumers. The result is a smooth, flavourful spread that provides essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier and more sustainable alternative to butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main ingredients in Flora are a blend of plant oils (such as sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut), water, a plant-based emulsifier (lecithin), salt, and natural flavorings.

Yes, in recent years, Flora has transitioned its entire product range to be 100% plant-based and dairy-free, catering to vegan and dairy-intolerant consumers.

Flora's lower saturated fat content comes from its use of plant-based oils, which are naturally lower in saturated fat compared to the milk fat used in traditional butter.

As of recent reformulations in key markets like the UK and Europe, Flora products have become palm oil-free. The company has explicitly removed it to improve its sustainability profile.

The liquid plant oils are turned into a solid, spreadable consistency by blending them with water and a plant-based emulsifier, followed by a controlled cooling process with continuous stirring.

Many health experts consider Flora a heart-healthy alternative to butter because it contains significantly less saturated fat, is cholesterol-free, and is a source of essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Yes, most Flora spreads are suitable for spreading, cooking, and baking. However, it's best to check the product label, as some 'light' versions may not be recommended for cooking due to their lower fat content.