A Closer Look at Becel's Primary Oil Blend
For many years, Becel has been known for its blend of vegetable oils, providing a softer, more spreadable alternative to butter. The core of the Becel Original recipe revolves around canola oil and sunflower oil, offering a source of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, a less-known but crucial part of the formulation is the use of modified palm and palm kernel oils, which are added to give the margarine its necessary structure and stability. The combination of these oils is what allows the product to maintain its creamy, consistent texture straight from the refrigerator.
Regional and Product Line Variations
It is important to note that the specific composition of Becel margarine can vary depending on the product and the country where it is sold. For instance, while Canadian versions of Becel often highlight Canadian-grown canola oil, European recipes might include slightly different oil blends. This is a common practice for international brands to adapt to local ingredient sourcing and dietary preferences. Furthermore, Becel offers several specialized varieties that incorporate additional oils to deliver specific flavors or nutritional benefits.
Specialty Becel Products and Their Oil Components
- Becel with Olive Oil: This variant includes olive oil in addition to the standard canola and modified palm oil blend, giving it a distinct Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Becel with Avocado Oil: For those who enjoy the taste of avocado, this product features avocado oil as part of its plant-based oil mix.
- Becel Vegan: As the name suggests, this spread is made with 100% vegan ingredients. It uses a base of canola and modified palm and palm kernel oils, but omits the buttermilk powder found in the Original recipe.
Additives and Stability
Beyond the primary oil blend, Becel includes other ingredients to ensure quality and shelf life. A variety of emulsifiers, such as soy lecithin, are used to keep the oil and water components from separating. Natural flavors are added to provide the familiar taste, while beta-carotene is often used for coloring. Vitamins A and D are also supplemented, which is standard for many margarine and spreads.
The Role of Palm Oil
Some consumers express concerns about palm oil due to environmental and deforestation issues associated with its production. In Becel's recipe, modified palm and palm kernel oils are used in small amounts (around 6% in some versions) primarily for their stabilizing properties, which are crucial for creating the solid, spreadable form of the margarine. This modification process helps achieve the desired consistency without needing unhealthy trans fats, which were historically used in margarines. Becel's reliance on a blend of different plant oils, rather than just one type, is part of its formulation to balance nutritional profile and function.
Comparison of Becel Varieties by Oil Content
To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the primary oil ingredients in some popular Becel products based on ingredient lists found online.
| Becel Product | Primary Oil Ingredients | Other Notable Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Modified Palm and Palm Kernel Oils | Buttermilk powder (dairy), Soy Lecithin, Salt |
| Vegan | Canola Oil, Modified Palm and Palm Kernel Oils | Soy Lecithin, Salt, No Buttermilk |
| with Olive Oil | Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Modified Palm and Palm Kernel Oils | Buttermilk powder (dairy), Soy Lecithin, Salt |
| with Avocado Oil | Canola Oil, Avocado Oil, Modified Palm and Palm Kernel Oils | Buttermilk powder (dairy), Soy Lecithin, Salt |
Navigating the Ingredient List
When examining the ingredients for any Becel product, the oils will be listed near the top, as they make up the bulk of the product. The first oil listed is the most abundant by weight. For Becel Original in Canada, canola oil is the first ingredient, indicating it is the most prominent oil in the spread. The term "Modified" indicates that the oils have been physically or chemically altered to achieve a different melting point, which is what gives margarine its solid-like yet spreadable consistency at room temperature, without the use of trans fats. The inclusion of sunflower, avocado, or olive oil will be listed explicitly for those specific products.
Conclusion: A Blend for Versatility
In summary, Becel margarine does not contain just one type of oil but rather a carefully formulated blend of plant-based oils to achieve its desired consistency, nutritional profile, and flavor. For many popular versions, such as Becel Original, the foundation is a combination of canola and sunflower oils, balanced with modified palm and palm kernel oils for structure. The brand's different product lines cater to varied tastes and dietary needs by adding specialized oils like olive or avocado. For consumers interested in the specific oil blend in their Becel spread, the most reliable source of information is always the ingredient list on the product's packaging, which can differ by market. Consumers can also visit the official Becel website for more information on the ingredients in their products.
