How Many Calories Are in 200g of Salted Butter?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

A 200g portion of salted butter typically contains around 1,434 calories. This rich dairy product, while a concentrated source of energy, is composed almost entirely of fat, with negligible carbohydrates and protein.

Quick Summary

This article details the calorie count for 200g of salted butter, breaks down its macronutrient composition, and compares it to other fats. It provides practical tips for portion control and managing its inclusion in a balanced diet.

Key Points

1,434 Calories: A 200g block of salted butter contains approximately 1,434 calories, based on the standard average of 717 calories per 100g.
Mostly Fat: Salted butter is about 80-82% fat, meaning nearly all its calories come from fat, specifically saturated fat.
Sodium Content: The addition of salt significantly increases sodium levels compared to unsalted butter, a factor to consider for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Portion Control: Due to its high caloric density, moderation and portion control are crucial for incorporating salted butter into a healthy diet.
Balanced Approach: While a source of fat-soluble vitamins, butter is best used sparingly alongside healthier fat options like olive oil.
No Significant Calorie Difference: The calorie content between salted and unsalted butter is negligible; the primary difference is the sodium level.

Calorie Breakdown: Understanding Salted Butter's Energy Density

Salted butter is a highly concentrated source of fat and, consequently, calories. The process of making butter removes most of the milk's water and solids, leaving behind a product that is roughly 80-82% milk fat. The addition of salt provides flavor and acts as a preservative, but does not significantly alter the calorie count compared to unsalted varieties.

The Caloric Value of 200g of Salted Butter

Based on data from reputable nutrition databases, 100g of salted butter contains approximately 717 calories. Therefore, a 200g block would contain double that amount.

Calculation:

100g Salted Butter = ~717 calories
200g Salted Butter = 717 calories * 2 = 1,434 calories

It is important to remember that this figure can vary slightly between brands due to minor differences in fat, water, and milk solid content. Always check the specific nutrition label on your product for the most accurate information. When assessing the impact on your diet, it is also crucial to consider the serving size. A single tablespoon of butter, which is about 14 grams, contains approximately 102 calories.

Salted Butter vs. Other Fats: A Nutritional Comparison

To put the calorie count of salted butter into perspective, let's compare it with other common fats used in cooking and baking.


Fat Type	Calories per 100g	Saturated Fat per 100g	Sodium per 100g	Primary Uses
Salted Butter	~717 kcal	~51g	~643mg	Spreading, baking, general cooking
Unsalted Butter	~717 kcal	~51g	~22mg	Baking, delicate sauces where salt control is key
Margarine	~700-760 kcal	Varies widely, generally lower	Varies widely	Spreading, baking
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	~884 kcal	~14g	0mg	Salad dressings, sautéing, drizzling
Coconut Oil	~862 kcal	~87g	0mg	High-heat cooking, baking

As the table shows, all fats are energy-dense, and butter is no exception. Its high saturated fat content and sodium level (in the salted variety) are the key nutritional considerations for those monitoring their intake for health reasons.

Incorporating Salted Butter into a Healthy Diet

While 200g of salted butter represents a significant number of calories, responsible consumption involves understanding how to fit it into a balanced diet, primarily through portion control.

Strategies for moderate consumption:

Measure your servings: Instead of using butter freely, measure it out using teaspoons or tablespoons. This makes it easy to track your intake.
Prioritize healthier fats: Use healthier unsaturated fats like olive oil for general cooking, and reserve butter for dishes where its specific flavor and texture are essential, such as certain baked goods or finishing a sauce.
Cook with a mix: When sautéing or pan-frying, consider using a mix of half butter and half vegetable oil. This lowers the overall saturated fat content while retaining the buttery flavor.
Choose unsalted for control: For those with high blood pressure or other health concerns, using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content of your food precisely.

The Role of Salt and Saturated Fat

The primary difference between salted and unsalted butter is the addition of sodium. Health experts recommend avoiding high consumption of salted foods due to the link between excess sodium and chronic diseases like hypertension. The saturated fat content in butter has been a topic of debate, but a balanced approach is generally recommended. Most official dietary guidelines still advise limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 10% of total daily calories.

Conclusion: Portion Control is Key

In conclusion, 200g of salted butter contains approximately 1,434 calories, primarily from saturated fat. While butter is a dense source of energy and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), its high caloric density means portion control is essential. To maintain a healthy diet, it is recommended to use butter in moderation, measure serving sizes, and prioritize healthier fat sources like olive oil for everyday use. Choosing unsalted butter can also help reduce your sodium intake. Ultimately, butter is a healthy addition to your diet when consumed sparingly and as part of an overall balanced eating plan. For more information on understanding food labels, visit the official FDA website for a comprehensive guide.

Beyond the Calorie Count: Other Factors to Consider

Vitamins: Butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K.
Weight management: Due to its high calorie and fat content, excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain.
Dietary choice: For those on a low-carbohydrate diet, butter can be part of the plan, but monitoring overall intake is still important.
Cooking method: The way you use butter can impact its effect on your health. Finishing a dish with a small amount of butter adds flavor without adding excessive calories, while frying with it can increase total fat and calorie intake.
Dietary balance: A balanced diet includes a mix of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. While butter can be a part of this, it shouldn't be the primary source of dietary fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie content is virtually identical. The addition of salt does not significantly change the caloric value, with both salted and unsalted varieties containing approximately 717 calories per 100g.

Consumed in moderation, butter is not inherently unhealthy. However, it is high in saturated fat and calories, so excessive consumption can be linked to weight gain and increased cholesterol levels. It is best enjoyed sparingly as part of a balanced diet.

With one tablespoon of butter weighing approximately 14 grams, 200g of butter is roughly equivalent to 14 to 15 tablespoons.

Experts suggest using butter sparingly due to its high fat content. Limiting consumption to about 1 to 2 tablespoons per day is a commonly cited guideline for fitting it into a balanced diet.

To cut down on butter calories, you can substitute some of it with a healthier oil, such as olive oil, particularly when sautéing. For baking, some recipes allow for replacing a portion of the butter with fruit purées.

Beyond its fat content, butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Salted butter is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or on low-sodium diets because the added salt significantly increases the sodium content. Using unsalted butter allows for better control over the total salt in a meal.