Is I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Even Butter? The Definitive Answer

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the product's manufacturer, Upfield, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is not actually butter. This popular buttery spread is made from a blend of plant-based oils and water, offering a lower-calorie and lower-saturated-fat alternative to its dairy counterpart.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is a true butter substitute by comparing its ingredients, manufacturing process, and nutritional content to real butter. It clarifies the product's identity as a vegetable oil spread and outlines key differences for consumers.

Key Points

Not Actually Butter: I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is a vegetable oil spread, not a dairy product like traditional butter.
Ingredients differ significantly: While real butter is made from cream, this spread is primarily composed of purified water and a blend of plant-based oils, such as soybean and palm oils.
Lower in Saturated Fat: The original spread contains significantly less saturated fat and fewer calories than dairy butter, a key reason for its marketing as a healthier alternative.
Not Margarine by FDA Rules: Due to its lower fat percentage, it does not meet the FDA's fat content standard for margarine, classifying it as a vegetable oil spread.
Baking Sticks Available: For baking purposes, the brand offers specific baking sticks with a higher fat content, as the standard spread's high water content can affect recipe outcomes.
Vegan Option Exists: A certified vegan version is available for those following a plant-based diet, formulated to be completely dairy-free.

The catchy brand name, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, highlights its goal to mimic the taste and texture of butter without being a dairy product. The company confirms that its spreads don't meet the FDA's criteria for butter or margarine due to their fat content. Consumers can make better dietary choices by understanding what's in these products.

What are the ingredients in I Can't Believe It's Not Butter?

Unlike real butter, which is primarily cream and salt, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Original spread has a more extensive ingredient list, starting with water and a mix of vegetable oils. Common ingredients include purified water, soybean oil, palm and palm kernel oil, salt, soy lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, vitamins, and beta-carotene for color. Some varieties may also contain whey, stabilizers, and preservatives. These additives help create a butter-like texture and taste that wouldn't be present in a simple oil and water mix.

Nutritional comparison: Butter vs. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

Many people choose butter substitutes for health reasons, particularly regarding fat and calorie content. Below is a nutritional comparison between the Original spread and dairy butter.

Comparison Table: Original Spread vs. Dairy Butter (per 1 tbsp serving)


Feature	I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Original Spread	Dairy Butter
Calories	60	100
Total Fat	6g	11g
Saturated Fat	2g	7g
Trans Fat	0g	<0.5g (Legally rounded to 0g)
Cholesterol	0mg	15mg
Sodium	~90mg	~50mg
Omega-3 ALA	295-375mg (source of good fats)	<50mg

The Health Debate: Is it healthier?

Determining which is healthier is complex. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter has less saturated fat and contains Omega-3 ALA, making it appealing for those monitoring these nutrients. However, it is a highly processed product made with industrial oils. Real butter is a whole food containing natural vitamins and fats. The brand also offers a vegan version. The healthier choice depends on individual dietary needs and preferences.

Is it margarine? The FDA's take

The FDA requires margarine to have at least 80% fat, a standard I Can't Believe It's Not Butter does not meet. With a lower fat content, it's classified as a "vegetable oil spread". Dairy butter must contain at least 80% milkfat.

Can I bake with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter?

Using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter in cooking is possible, but its high water and low-fat content mean it doesn't always perform like butter, particularly in baking. While the Original spread is good for spreading, the brand's baking sticks, with higher fat, are better suited for baking.

The origin story of the buttery alternative

Created in 1979 for food service and introduced to retail in 1981 by J.H. Filbert company as a cheaper option, the name I Can't Believe It's Not Butter came from a secretary's husband's reaction. This memorable name and subsequent marketing campaigns, including those with Fabio, have made it a well-known brand.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Ultimately, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter lives up to its name – it is not butter. It's a vegetable oil spread offering a lower-calorie, lower-saturated-fat, or dairy-free alternative with a butter-like taste. However, its different ingredients and nutritional profile mean it's not the same as dairy butter. The decision between them depends on personal taste, dietary needs, and health goals. Those preferring a less processed product might choose real butter, while those watching calories or fat may opt for the spread.

What is the difference between a buttery spread and butter?


Aspect	Buttery Spread (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!)	Dairy Butter
Composition	Made from vegetable oils (e.g., soybean, palm), water, and additives.	Made almost exclusively from milkfat (cream).
Fat Content	Contains a lower percentage of total fat, typically less than 80%.	Legally required to contain a minimum of 80% milkfat.
Saturated Fat	Lower saturated fat content (e.g., 70% less than butter).	Higher saturated fat content.
Health Implications	Marketed as a heart-healthy alternative with Omega-3 ALA, but is highly processed.	A whole food product, containing fat-soluble vitamins.
Culinary Use	Best for spreading and light sautéing; specialized sticks available for baking.	Versatile for spreading, cooking, and baking, providing rich flavor.

A note on the vegan version

The brand offers a certified 100% plant-based and dairy-free Vegan Spread for those following a vegan diet. Its ingredients include purified water, soybean oil, palm and palm kernel oil, soy lecithin, and beta-carotene.

What is the final word?

The product's name is a clever marketing tool, as it is not butter or margarine, but a vegetable oil spread. It's popular for its taste, lower fat, and convenience, but consumers should be aware of its processed nature and how it differs culinarily from butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, according to the official website and FDA regulations, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is not margarine because it does not meet the requirement of containing at least 80% fat. It is categorized as a vegetable oil spread.

No, the original spread is not vegan because it contains dairy-derived ingredients like whey. However, the brand does offer a specifically labeled "Vegan Spread" that is entirely dairy-free.

It is made primarily from a blend of purified water and vegetable oils, including soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil, along with salt, emulsifiers, natural and artificial flavors, and coloring.

The original spread contains about 70% less saturated fat than a tablespoon of dairy butter. This is one of the main nutritional differences promoted by the brand.

Its soft and spreadable texture is due to its composition, which includes a higher water content and emulsifiers that keep the oil and water mixed. Real butter, being mostly milkfat, is much firmer when refrigerated.

While you can use the original spread for some cooking, its high water content can make it unsuitable for all baking recipes. For best results in baking, the brand offers dedicated baking sticks that are formulated to behave more like butter.

Yes, according to corporate lore, the name came from a comment made by the husband of a company secretary who sampled the product before it was released to the public in 1981.