What kind of butter can a vegan eat? The plant-based options explained

November 11, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2024 test kitchen review, many top vegan butter brands, like Violife and Trader Joe's, can perform exceptionally well in baking, much like their dairy counterparts. When asking what kind of butter can a vegan eat?, the answer is a growing number of delicious and functional plant-based options available for spreading, cooking, and baking.

Quick Summary

Vegans can enjoy various plant-based butter alternatives, made from oils like coconut, avocado, and soy. These options are cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fat than traditional butter, making them versatile for cooking, baking, and spreading.

Key Points

Diverse Options: Vegans have access to many butter alternatives, including store-bought brands like Violife and Earth Balance, and homemade recipes.
Ingredient Composition: Vegan butter is typically made from a blend of plant-based oils (coconut, soy, avocado), water, and emulsifiers, without any animal products.
Baking vs. Spreading: Stick forms of vegan butter generally have a higher oil content, making them better for baking, while tubs are ideal for spreading.
Homemade Alternative: You can easily make vegan butter at home by blending ingredients like refined coconut oil, plant milk, and apple cider vinegar.
Nutritional Differences: Unlike dairy butter, vegan versions are cholesterol-free and often contain more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, though some are still high in saturated fat.
Best for Baking: For flaky textures and good rise, some high-oil vegan butters (like Violife sticks) work best, but softer tub versions can be used if dough is chilled.
Healthier Alternatives: Whole-food substitutes like coconut oil, avocado, or applesauce can also be used in recipes, each with unique effects on flavor and texture.

The Rise of Plant-Based Butter

As more people adopt vegan, dairy-free, or plant-based diets, the demand for high-quality, flavorful butter alternatives has exploded. Gone are the days of limited, often lackluster options; today's market is filled with products that closely mimic the texture, taste, and functionality of traditional dairy butter. These alternatives are crafted from a blend of plant-derived oils, water, and other ingredients to achieve a rich, creamy consistency suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.

What is vegan butter made of?

Vegan butter is a non-dairy substitute that replaces animal-based milk solids and fat with a combination of plant-based ingredients. The core components typically include:

Plant-based oils: A blend of liquid and solid plant oils is essential. Common options include coconut oil (often refined to be flavorless), palm oil, canola oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and avocado oil.
Water or plant-based milk: Provides moisture and helps create the emulsion that gives butter its creamy texture. Soy milk is often favored for its protein content, which aids in emulsification.
Emulsifiers: Ingredients like soy or sunflower lecithin are added to bind the oil and water together, preventing separation.
Flavorings and coloring: Natural or artificial flavors are used to replicate the classic buttery taste. A small amount of turmeric or annatto extract might be used to achieve a yellow color.
Salt: For taste, though unsalted versions are also available.

Popular brands and varieties

When you explore the dairy aisle, you'll find a variety of vegan butter options, each with its own characteristics. Some are formulated for spreading, while others are specifically designed to perform like traditional butter in baking and cooking.

Sticks vs. tubs: Choosing the right format

Vegan butter is commonly sold in two formats: sticks and tubs. Sticks generally have a higher oil content and less water, making them ideal for baking where cold, solid fat is needed for flaky pastries and light cookies. Tub versions, with their softer, more spreadable consistency, are best for slathering on toast or melting over vegetables.

Violife Plant Butter: Praised for its neutral, buttery flavor and high oil content (79%), making it a top contender for baking applications like cookies, cakes, and buttercream.
Earth Balance Buttery Sticks: A long-standing, widely available favorite, known for reliable baking performance. However, recent formula changes have led some to prefer other options for taste.
Country Crock Plant Butter: Offers a smooth texture and rich flavor, with varieties featuring almond, avocado, or olive oil. It performs well across both baking and spreading.
Miyoko's Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter: A European-style option based on fermented cashews. It has a distinctive tangy flavor and is excellent for browning, but some find it a bit soft for certain baking recipes.
Melt Organic: Uses a blend of coconut and palm oils to create a silky, spreadable product that melts easily.

Make your own homemade vegan butter

For those who prefer to control their ingredients, making vegan butter at home is a straightforward process. A basic recipe involves blending a few key components in a high-speed blender or food processor.

Ingredients:

Soy milk or cashew cream for a creamy base
Refined coconut oil (which is flavorless) to provide solidity
A neutral liquid oil, such as canola or light olive oil, for spreadability
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for tang and to aid emulsification
Salt and optional nutritional yeast for a buttery flavor

Instructions:

Combine the plant milk and acid (vinegar/lemon juice) and let it curdle to make vegan buttermilk.
Melt the coconut oil gently until just liquid, then let it cool slightly.
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth.
Pour the mixture into a mold or container and chill in the refrigerator until firm.

Vegan butter vs. dairy butter: A nutritional comparison


Feature	Vegan Butter	Traditional Dairy Butter
Source	Plant-based oils (coconut, soy, canola, etc.)	Animal milk (typically cow's milk)
Cholesterol	0 mg	~30 mg
Saturated Fat	Varies by oil blend, often lower	Generally higher
Healthy Fats	Higher in monounsaturated fats	Lower in monounsaturated fats
Calories	Similar to dairy butter (approx. 100-110 kcal/tbsp)	Similar to vegan butter (approx. 100-120 kcal/tbsp)
Vitamins	Can be fortified (D, B12)	Contains naturally occurring vitamin A

Nutritionally, the main benefits of vegan butter are its lack of cholesterol and lower saturated fat content, often replaced with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, it's worth noting that some vegan butters can still be high in saturated fat, especially those rich in coconut or palm oil. Many are also high in omega-6 fatty acids, so maintaining a balance with omega-3s is important for overall health.

Tips for cooking and baking with vegan butter

Using vegan butter effectively depends on its application. Here are some tips to ensure the best results:

Baking: For recipes requiring cold, cubed butter (like pie crusts), use firm vegan butter sticks or solid coconut oil. For creaming with sugar, ensure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature, not melted, to incorporate air properly. If the dough seems too soft, a brief chill in the fridge can help.
Cooking: For sautéing, use medium heat, as many vegan butters have a lower smoke point than traditional butter and can burn more easily. Vegan butter is excellent for adding richness to sauces, gravies, and vegetables.
Spreading: Tub varieties are best for spreading on toast or bagels straight from the fridge.

Beyond vegan butter: Other plant-based alternatives

For those seeking alternatives beyond manufactured vegan butter, or for specific recipe needs, several whole-food options exist:

Refined coconut oil: A great 1:1 substitute for solid or melted butter in baking. Opt for refined to avoid a coconut flavor.
Mashed avocado: A rich, creamy substitute, especially useful in chocolate desserts where its green hue can be disguised.
Applesauce: A low-fat alternative that adds moisture, though it can alter the texture of baked goods. Best used in quick breads and cakes.
Nut or seed butters: Can be used as a spread, but will add a distinct nutty flavor and denser texture to baked goods.
Olive oil: Use a 3:4 ratio when substituting for melted butter in dishes like muffins or breads. Not suitable for flaky pastries.

Conclusion

As the vegan movement expands, finding a suitable butter substitute is easier than ever, with numerous high-quality commercial and homemade options available. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs, whether it's for flakiness in pastry, creaminess in frosting, or simply a delicious spread for toast. While vegan butter offers a cholesterol-free, and often lower-saturated-fat alternative to dairy, moderation is key, and checking ingredient labels is always recommended. By understanding the different options and their best uses, you can easily find what kind of butter can a vegan eat? that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Here is a fantastic resource for learning more about vegan butter and other substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, vegan butter is not always the same as margarine. While many modern margarines are plant-based, some may still contain trace amounts of dairy ingredients like whey. Vegan butter is guaranteed to be completely free of animal products, though it's always best to check ingredient lists.

Yes, you can use vegan butter for baking. However, it's best to use vegan butter sticks, which have a higher fat content, for recipes like cookies and pastries. Tub varieties often have more water and can lead to a different texture.

When baking, look for vegan butter sticks with a higher oil content (around 79%) and a firm consistency from the fridge. Brands like Violife Plant Butter have been shown to perform well in cakes, cookies, and buttercream.

Vegan butter can be a healthier option, as it is cholesterol-free and often lower in saturated fat compared to dairy butter. However, nutritional content varies by brand, and some still contain high levels of saturated fat from coconut or palm oil. Moderation is recommended.

Cultured vegan butter is made by fermenting plant-based milk (such as cashew milk) with live cultures, similar to how dairy yogurt or cheese is made. This process gives the butter a tangy flavor similar to European-style dairy butter, like Miyoko's Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter.

Many vegan butters have a lower smoke point than dairy butter due to their blend of oils. To prevent burning, use medium heat when sautéing or frying. Brands formulated specifically for high heat may offer better results.

Yes, in most cases, you can substitute vegan butter for dairy butter in a 1:1 ratio. Many brands are formulated to work as a direct replacement. For best results in specific recipes like flaky pastries, use a high-fat vegan butter stick.

For those seeking less processed options, good whole-food alternatives include coconut oil, mashed avocado, applesauce, or nut butters. The flavor and texture of your recipe will be affected, so choose based on the desired outcome.

Making your own vegan butter allows for complete control over the ingredients, avoiding potential additives like excessive salt or refined oils. Recipes often involve blending plant milk, refined coconut oil, and a neutral oil, and can be cheaper to produce in larger batches.