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Butter Spreads Delivery or Pickup

The Instacart guide to butter spread products

Butter spreads are typically butter-flavored spreads made using a combination of oils and flavorings. Some contain milk ingredients, and others are dairy-free. Most butter spreads are created using margarine and not real butter, though some spreads contain butter mixed with oil to make the product softer. As the name suggests, butter spread products are designed to be spreadable, so you can easily smear them on your toast or bread.

About butter spreads

When you're discussing butter spread products, there are quite a few varieties to consider. Any product labeled "buttery spread" is technically margarine. A product that uses the word "butter" instead of "buttery" may actually contain a significant amount of real butter. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, pay attention to the "y" on the label, because it can make a big difference.

The USDA has clear guidelines for buttery spreads that state these products can have no more than 5% butter or butter flavor. Buttery spreads can only have up to 5 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and can have only trace amounts of cholesterol.

Buttery spreads are made primarily from plant oil. The type of oil used in a butter spread is one of the most distinguishing features of this product type. Do note, however, that the oil featured on the package probably isn't the only oil in the product. Check the label for a full list of the oils blended together for your spread. Some options that you may find through Instacart include buttery spreads made from:
  • Olive Oil. Olive oil is higher in monounsaturated fats than most other oils, but it doesn't have as many omega-3 fatty acids as some. It can carry a slight flavor that's reminiscent of the olives it's made from.
  • Canola Oil. Canola oil is very low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. It has a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It has no discernible flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil. Vegetable oil is a broad term that doesn't tell you much about the actual oil that it contains. Vegetable oil typically comes from a combination of corn, canola, safflower, soybean, sunflower, and palm oils. It is highly processed and contains few nutrients and little flavor.
  • Avocado Oil. Avocado oil is a creamy unrefined oil. It contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Avocado oil also has vitamin E.
  • Flaxseed Oil. High in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil is good for low-temperature uses, such as buttery spreads. It's not a good choice for cooking.
In addition to oil, buttery spread may also contain added calcium or vitamin D to enhance the product's health benefits. Some manufacturers offer flavored spreads as well, with honey or cinnamon sugar mixed in to provide a sweeter flavor.

How long do butter spreads last?

Margarine products are typically good for four to five months past the sell-by date when kept unopened in the fridge. After opening, the margarine is usually good for one or two months. You can extend the life of your margarine products by storing them in the freezer, where they're good for up to eight months past the sell-by date. A butter spread will usually last for two to three weeks past the sell-by date in the fridge, and up to nine months past this date when frozen.

Butter Spreads Near Me

Buy your favorite Butter Spreads online with Instacart. Order Butter Spreads from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

FAQs about butter spreads

For the best quality and flavor, it's best to use sticks of butter or margarine when you're baking. Butter spreads typically have more water. While butter and margarine must be at least 80% fat, and thus no more than 20% water, a spreadable butter product may contain up to 40% water.

Fat is crucial for the right structure and moistness in baked goods. Replacing fat with water leaves you with baked goods that are dry and tough. Adding excess water to a recipe can cause more gluten to develop, which produces a denser crumb. Cookies may spread, flatten, and become overly crisp at the edges while remaining soggy in the middle. Cakes will likely taste stale and may come out with a pale and unappealing appearance. It's easy to order the best butter product for the job through Instacart. With same-day delivery, you can get what you need quickly without leaving the house!

A "buttery spread" containing margarine is better for your heart health because it contains more healthy fats and fewer saturated fats. Buttery spreads also tend to have fewer calories, so they may be a good alternative if you're concerned about your calorie consumption. For rich flavor, however, real butter spreads are usually preferable. They offer a creaminess that's difficult to mimic with an oil-based spread.

You can order a variety of butter spreads and other butter products through Instacart. Simply sign up online or through the app, and you can start shopping from participating retailers in your area.