What are the key ingredients in "I can't believe it's not butter"?
At its core, "I can't believe it's not butter" is a blend of plant-based oils and water, specifically formulated to mimic the taste and texture of real butter. The exact formulation can vary slightly depending on the product—for example, tubs, sticks, and sprays have different ingredients—but the primary components are consistent across the brand's offerings.
The plant-based oils
The foundation of the spread is a blend of vegetable oils, which provides the fat content and rich texture. The most common oils include:
- Soybean oil: A cheap and common vegetable oil, it forms the bulk of the oil blend in many varieties.
- Palm oil and palm kernel oil: These oils provide structure and creaminess, as they are naturally more solid at room temperature than other vegetable oils. The company has made commitments to sustainable sourcing for its palm oil.
- Canola oil: Some versions, particularly the sticks, also include canola oil.
The aqueous and additive components
To create a spreadable emulsion, the oils are combined with several other ingredients:
- Purified water: This is often the first ingredient listed, serving as the base that allows for a lower fat, lower calorie product compared to butter.
- Salt: Added for flavor, salt is a standard ingredient in most varieties.
- Lecithin (soy): As an emulsifier, soy lecithin helps to combine the water and oil, preventing them from separating.
- Natural flavors: These are added to mimic the taste of butter, as the oil blend itself does not have a buttery flavor. The source and composition of these flavors can vary.
- Beta carotene: Used as a coloring agent to give the spread its yellow, butter-like appearance.
- Vitamins: Vitamin A palmitate is commonly added to fortify the product.
- Sweet cream buttermilk or whey: Some versions of the spread and sticks include sweet cream buttermilk or whey, making them non-vegan. Consumers should check the specific product label if they require a dairy-free option.
How does it compare to butter? A nutritional breakdown
While marketed as a healthier alternative, the nutritional differences between "I can't believe it's not butter" and traditional dairy butter are key. The main advantages are lower saturated fat and calories per serving. However, the product is highly processed, and some health concerns regarding its seed oil content have been raised by certain nutrition experts.
| Feature | "I can't believe it's not butter" (Original) | Dairy Butter (USDA) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 1 tbsp) | 60 | 100 |
| Total Fat (per 1 tbsp) | 6g | 11g |
| Saturated Fat (per 1 tbsp) | 2g | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g (per serving) | Trace amounts (naturally occurring) |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 30.5mg |
| Omega-3 ALA | Yes (excellent source) | No |
| Primary Ingredients | Plant-based oils, water | Milk/Cream |
| Processing | Highly processed to emulsify and flavor | Minimally processed (churning cream) |
Is it a margarine?
Interestingly, the company asserts that "I can't believe it's not butter" is technically not margarine according to FDA standards. For a product to be classified as margarine, it must contain at least 80% fat. Since many of the "I can't believe it's not butter" spreads contain less than this amount due to their high water content, they are legally classified as "vegetable oil spreads".
Conclusion
In short, "I can't believe it's not butter" is an emulsified vegetable oil spread made from a blend of plant-based oils like soybean and palm, water, salt, and various additives to provide flavor, color, and texture. It is not butter, and despite the marketing, is also not technically margarine by legal standards. While it offers lower saturated fat and calories than butter, its highly processed nature and reliance on industrial seed oils are points of contention for some consumers and health professionals. Ultimately, a balanced perspective on its ingredients and nutritional profile is key to making an informed choice for your diet.
For more information on the processing of foods, you might explore resources from the British Heart Foundation, which provides further context on the differences between margarine and butter.
