Spreads, butter or margarine: What is best?
You’ve probably seen lots in the news about butter versus margarines and spreads. You’re probably wondering what’s healthiest for you and your family – spread, butter or margarine?
When there are so many different opinions out there, it can be tricky to decide what’s best. It might seem like the experts can’t make their minds up, but actually, the official health advice is very clear. Here’s everything you need to know about butter vs spread and margarine.
What are butter, margarine, and spreads made from?
The main difference between butter and margarine and spreads is what they’re made of – butter is made by churning milk or cream and margarine and spreads are mainly made from plant oils. So, what’s the difference between margarine and spreads? Margarine must have a fat content of 80% or more (similar to butter). Spreads are similar to margarines, but with less fat. This is why Flora is called a spread – it contains less fat than margarine.
How do I decide whether to buy spread, butter or margarine for my family?
Flora has less saturated fat than butter. All around the world, health experts recommend that you should reduce your intake of saturated fats and eat more ‘good fats’ that is, Omega 3 and 6, which help to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Flora is made with nutritious seed oils that are packed with Omega 3 and 6. That’s why swapping butter for butter alternatives in your weekly shop is a good idea.
What are trans fats and does Flora contain them?
Trans fats can be formed when oil goes through a process called hydrogenation, which makes the oil solid. In the 1990s, scientists established that they could increase the risk of heart disease. Because of this, Flora and other butter alternatives that were once partially hydrogenated, no longer went through this process resulting in zero trans fats.
What are the other benefits of butter alternatives such as Flora?
Many families prefer spreads – and it’s not just because they’re lower in saturated fat than butter. Flora is easy to spread, even straight from the fridge, so it’s great for making sure the family can quickly grab breakfast on busy mornings. It’s delicious melted over steamed tender vegetables and it helps make the lightest, fluffiest cakes. It’s also great for speedy snacks and in many of your favourite family recipes.
And if you love the taste of butter, try Flora Buttery for a buttery taste but with 61% less saturated fat than butter. Reducing consumption of saturated fat contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels when enjoyed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Hopefully this article will have helped you make up your mind on whether to add butter or spread to your next weekly shop. Try doing a butter vs spread taste test with Flora Buttery – it’s delicious!
