Vegan Butter

Vegan Butter is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy butter, designed to mimic its rich flavor and texture. It is not bound by seasonality and is available year-round. Vegan Butter is versatile in culinary uses, suitable for baking, cooking, and spreading, and is a staple in vegan and dairy-free cuisines. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from pastries to sautés, without compromising on taste or performance.

Vegan Butter Synonyms

Plant-based butter
dairy-free butter
non-dairy spread

Vegan Butter Substitutes

Different Forms/Types of Vegan Butter

Stick

Vegan butter sticks are designed to mimic the shape and convenience of dairy butter sticks, suitable for baking and cooking.

Whipped

Whipped vegan butter is lighter in texture due to the incorporation of air, making it a fluffy option for spreads and toppings.

Cultured

Cultured vegan butter has added bacterial cultures, which provide a tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional cultured butter.

Spreadable

Vegan butter often comes in a spreadable form, similar to traditional margarine, and is ideal for spreading on bread or mixing into recipes.

How to Choose Vegan Butter

When selecting vegan butter, look for products with a high-quality fat source, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, or olive oil. Avoid those with excessive additives or preservatives. Check the ingredient list for any potential allergens or non-vegan ingredients, and opt for organic or non-GMO versions if possible. Transparency in sourcing and the presence of fortified nutrients like vitamin D or B12 can also be indicative of a superior product.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Vegan Butter

Vegan Butter is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy butter, often made from a blend of oils, such as coconut, olive, or vegetable, and can include other ingredients like nut butters or soy protein for texture and flavor. When cooking with Vegan Butter, it's important to consider its melting point and how it interacts with other ingredients. Vegan Butter typically has a lower melting point than dairy butter, so it may melt more quickly when exposed to heat. This can be advantageous when creating sauces or spreads, but it requires careful monitoring when used for frying or baking to prevent burning or separation. For intermediate and expert home cooks, experimenting with the amount and timing of Vegan Butter can lead to the desired richness and mouthfeel in dishes without the use of animal products.

Shelf Life of Vegan Butter

Vegan butter should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness. Spreadable and whipped varieties should be kept in their original containers with lids tightly sealed. For stick butter, once opened, it should be wrapped in parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent exposure to air. Most vegan butters can be frozen to extend their shelf life; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use within the expiration date for the best flavor and quality.

Recommended Brands for Vegan Butter

stick: Melt Organic, Country Crock Plant Butter

whipped: WayFare Whipped, Earth Balance Whipped

cultured: Miyoko's Creamery Cultured Vegan Butter

spreadable: Earth Balance, Miyoko's Creamery

Cooking Techniques for Vegan Butter

Baking: Vegan Butter can be used as a one-to-one substitute for dairy butter in most baking recipes. It's important to ensure that the Vegan Butter is at the correct temperature for the recipe, such as softened for creaming with sugar or chilled for flaky pastries.

Sautéing: Use Vegan Butter to sauté vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. It adds a rich flavor and helps to brown the ingredients. Since it may burn more easily than dairy butter, keep the heat at medium and watch the cooking process closely.

Melting & Drizzling: Melt Vegan Butter to drizzle over popcorn, vegetables, or to finish off a sauce. Its rich flavor can enhance a dish, but be mindful of its lower smoke point compared to dairy butter.

Popular Vegan Butter Recipes

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Butter Nutritional Information (100g)

fat: 80 g
fiber: 0 g
sugar: 0.07 g
protein: 0.85 g
calories: 720 kcal
carbohydrates: 0.07 g

Flavor Combinations

Vegan Butter pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. It complements both sweet and savory dishes, enhancing the taste of baked goods, creamy sauces, and sautéed vegetables. It works particularly well with herbs such as parsley, chives, and dill, and can be combined with spices like turmeric and paprika for added depth. Nutritional yeast is another popular pairing for a cheesy flavor in vegan cooking. Additionally, Vegan Butter can be used with acidic ingredients like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to create balanced and flavorful dressings and sauces.