Is I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Suitable for Vegans?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

As of 2017, the brand introduced a specific product called "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan". However, not all products carrying the brand name are vegan, and consumers must check the label carefully to see if I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is suitable for vegans.

Quick Summary

The vegan status of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter depends on the specific product; while a dedicated vegan version exists, other original formulations contain dairy ingredients. Consumers should always check product labeling for 'Vegan' certification to ensure the spread is suitable for a plant-based diet.

Key Points

Vegan Version Exists: I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! has a specific, clearly labeled vegan product.
Not All Products Are Vegan: The original and other variants of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter are not necessarily dairy-free.
Check for Certification: Always look for the 'Vegan' or 'Certified Plant-Based' label on the packaging to be sure.
Review Ingredients: Scrutinize the ingredient list for hidden dairy, as past original versions contained buttermilk.
Ingredient Differences: The vegan spread uses plant-based oils and natural vegan flavors, while non-vegan versions may use dairy.
Read Reddit Discussions: Community forums have noted inconsistencies in older versions, highlighting the importance of current labels.
Cooking and Baking: The vegan spread works well for spreading and cooking but may perform differently than butter in baking due to fat content.

The Vegan Version: I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan

For a truly plant-based option, the company explicitly labels a spread called "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan". This specific product is certified as plant-based and contains no dairy ingredients. It is formulated with a blend of purified water and vegetable oils, including soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil, along with other vegan-friendly components like salt, soy lecithin, and beta-carotene for color. The availability of this clearly marked vegan option has significantly simplified the shopping experience for those following a plant-based diet, eliminating the guesswork associated with the brand's other products.

What About the Original Spread?

Prior to the introduction of the dedicated vegan line, some original versions of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter contained dairy-based ingredients, such as buttermilk. While the formulation has changed over time, consumers cannot assume that the original spread is vegan. Reddit discussions and app-based allergen checkers have previously highlighted the presence of milk ingredients in certain versions, creating confusion for many vegan shoppers. This history is why diligent label-reading is essential. The original spread is not always vegan-friendly, and the brand's official website clarifies that there are differences between their products.

Key Ingredients: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Formulations

Understanding the ingredient list is crucial for any vegan. Dairy products can be hidden under various names. For the vegan version of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, the ingredients are straightforward and all plant-based. In contrast, older or non-vegan formulations may contain dairy derivatives.

Here is a list of common vegan-friendly ingredients found in plant-based spreads:

Purified Water: The base for many spreads.
Vegetable Oils: Including soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil.
Lecithin: Often derived from soy, it acts as an emulsifier.
Natural Flavors: In vegan products, these are sourced from plant-based materials.
Beta Carotene: A plant-derived colorant.

Conversely, non-vegan spreads may include:

Whey
Casein
Lactose
Buttermilk

Using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Vegan Spread

The vegan version of this spread is versatile and can be used for a variety of culinary applications, from spreading on toast to cooking and baking. The manufacturer notes that while it can be used in recipes, the fat content is lower than traditional dairy butter, which might slightly alter the final texture of baked goods. This means a direct 1:1 replacement is often suitable for cooking, but bakers may want to adjust recipes or consider a different vegan butter designed specifically for baking, like some of the stick varieties available from other brands.

Comparing Vegan and Non-Vegan Options

It's important to remember that not all margarines or buttery spreads are vegan. The following table compares the typical composition of vegan versus non-vegan versions of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter to help illustrate the differences.


Feature	I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan	Non-Vegan I Can't Believe It's Not Butter	Dairy Butter
Primary Fat Source	Plant-based oils (soybean, palm, etc.)	Plant-based oils	Dairy cream
Dairy Content	Dairy-free	May contain dairy, such as buttermilk	Contains dairy
Saturated Fat	Lower than dairy butter	Varies by formulation	Higher than plant-based spreads
Vegan Certification	Yes, certified plant-based	No	No
Best For	Spreading, cooking, general use	Varies based on formulation	Rich flavor in cooking and baking

The Verdict: Always Read the Label

While a specific vegan version exists and is clearly labeled, the critical takeaway is to always read the product label. Due to the brand's history of using some dairy ingredients, relying solely on the brand name is risky for those committed to a plant-based diet. The availability of multiple product lines, including sprays and different spreads, means that not all variations are vegan. When in doubt, seek out the "It's Vegan" tub with the distinct green markings.

For additional recipes and official product information on their vegan spread, visit the manufacturer's website. Vegan Spread - I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!®.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Vegan Choice

For vegans seeking a buttery spread, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter offers a suitable, certified plant-based product under its "It's Vegan" label. The original and other variants are not reliably vegan, and some have historically contained dairy. By checking for the specific vegan label and reviewing the ingredient list, plant-based eaters can confidently choose the right version for their needs. This careful approach ensures they can enjoy the brand's signature taste without compromising their dietary principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original spread is not always vegan-friendly and has historically contained dairy ingredients like buttermilk, so it is essential to check for the specifically labeled 'Vegan' product.

To ensure a product is vegan, you must check for the specific green-labeled "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! It's Vegan" tub or look for a "Certified Plant-Based" label on the packaging.

The vegan spread contains purified water, soybean oil, palm and palm kernel oil, salt, soy lecithin, vinegar, natural flavor, and beta-carotene for color.

Yes, you can use the vegan spread for baking, but be aware that its lower fat content compared to dairy butter may result in a different texture in some recipes.

Some versions of the spray may not be vegan. For example, some formulations contain 'a hint of buttermilk' derived from milk. You must check the specific product label or use an allergen app for verification.

No, not all margarines are vegan. While many are, some still contain dairy derivatives like milk or buttermilk. Always check the ingredient list for animal products.

Yes, the vegan spread contains soy lecithin, so individuals with soy allergies should avoid it.

The primary difference is the absence of dairy derivatives, such as milk or buttermilk, in the vegan version, which instead relies on purely plant-based components for its flavor and consistency.