Becel is Not Butter: The Plant-Based Composition
Contrary to what some might assume, Becel is not a dairy butter product. It is a margarine-style spread, and its various products, including the popular Original, are made predominantly from plant-based and seed oils. This fundamental distinction means that the core Becel ingredients differ significantly from those in traditional butter, which is churned from milk or cream.
The Foundational Ingredients of Becel Spreads
While recipes vary across the product line, there are several key ingredients that form the backbone of most Becel spreads:
- Vegetable Oils: The largest component of Becel is a blend of vegetable and seed oils. Canola oil is a prominent ingredient in many varieties, often complemented by modified palm and palm kernel oils. The specific proportions and types of oils contribute to the product's texture and fatty acid profile.
- Water: Essential for creating the emulsion that gives margarine its spreadable consistency, water is the second most abundant ingredient.
- Emulsifiers: To prevent the oil and water from separating, emulsifiers are crucial. Soy lecithin is a commonly used emulsifier in Becel, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture.
- Salt: Included for flavour, the amount of salt varies across product lines, with specific 'Salt-Free' versions also available.
- Flavouring: Natural or natural and artificial flavours are added to mimic the taste of butter and other flavours.
- Colour: Beta-carotene, a naturally sourced pigment also found in carrots, is used to give the spread its characteristic yellow colour.
- Preservatives and Acidity Regulators: Ingredients like Calcium Disodium EDTA and citric acid are used to maintain freshness and enhance shelf life.
- Vitamins: Becel is fortified with vitamins A and D, and some versions may also include vitamin E.
Comparing Becel Product Ingredients
Becel offers several variants catering to different dietary needs and taste preferences. Below is a comparison of the primary ingredients in some popular options.
| Ingredient | Becel Original Spread | Becel Vegan Spread | Becel Plant Butter (Salted Bricks) | Becel Salt-Free Margarine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Oils | Canola, Modified Palm & Palm Kernel | Canola, Modified Palm & Palm Kernel | Modified Palm & Palm Kernel, Canola | Canola & Sunflower, Modified Palm & Palm Kernel |
| Water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dairy Component | Buttermilk Powder | None (Dairy-Free) | None (Dairy-Free) | Whey Powder |
| Protein Source | Buttermilk Powder | None listed | Pea Protein | Whey Powder |
| Salt | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lecithin | Soy Lecithin | Soy Lecithin | Soy Lecithin | Soy Lecithin |
| Vitamins | A, D3 | A, D2 | A | A, D3, E |
| Flavour | Natural Flavours | Natural Flavours | Natural Flavour | Natural & Artificial Flavours |
What do the Additives do?
- Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin): An emulsifier is a food additive that helps bind ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. Soy lecithin performs this role, ensuring Becel has its uniform, spreadable texture.
- Colouring (Beta-Carotene): Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables their yellow or orange hue. It is used in Becel to provide a butter-like appearance.
- Preservatives (Calcium Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate): These additives help extend the product's shelf life and maintain its flavour and texture by preventing spoilage.
- Acidity Regulators (Lactic Acid, Citric Acid): These are used to balance the flavour profile and can act as preservatives.
- Vitamins (A, D, E): Becel is fortified with vitamins to boost its nutritional value, as these fat-soluble vitamins are often added to fat spreads.
Becel vs. Dairy Butter: A Health Perspective
One of the main selling points for Becel is its heart-health benefits compared to traditional dairy butter. The ingredient list is the key reason for this. Becel, being plant-based, contains zero cholesterol per serving and has a significantly lower amount of saturated fat than dairy butter. The fatty acid profile is dominated by polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats from its vegetable oil blend, which Health Canada and other health organizations suggest can help lower cholesterol levels when used to replace saturated fats. However, some individuals prefer the simplicity of traditional dairy butter ingredients (cream and salt) over the more processed list of a margarine spread. The choice ultimately depends on personal dietary goals, preferences, and health considerations. For those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet, Becel provides a suitable alternative through its specific dairy-free and vegan formulations, which use plant-based protein sources like pea protein instead of dairy.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Becel differ entirely from dairy butter. As a margarine-style spread, it is primarily made from a blend of vegetable and seed oils, water, and fortified with vitamins and other additives to achieve its taste, texture, and shelf life. While the exact formulation depends on the specific Becel product—with variations for vegan, salt-free, and plant-butter options—the commitment to a plant-based foundation remains consistent. For consumers, understanding the ingredients in Becel is key to making an informed choice that aligns with their dietary needs, whether that's for heart health, avoiding dairy, or simply personal preference. Understanding the full list of components is crucial for comparing Becel to dairy butter and other alternatives. For more detailed nutritional information, always consult the specific product page on the official website.
