Butter. It’s a staple, a comfort, and a surprisingly nuanced ingredient. While most shoppers grab whatever brand is cheapest or on sale, the Serious Eats team recently put 11 supermarket unsalted butters to the test – rigorously, scientifically, and, yes, deliciously – to determine which ones truly stand out. The results might surprise you: the differences aren’t always dramatic, but some butters rise above the rest in flavor, texture, and overall quality.
The Criteria: What Makes a Great Butter?
The tasting wasn’t just about preference; it was about identifying key characteristics. A good butter should smell appealing – notes of grass, cream, or even a faint sweetness are desirable. Off-putting odors, like oiliness or acidity, were immediate red flags. Color was intentionally minimized as a factor to ensure the focus remained on taste.
The team spread equal layers of each butter onto unsalted crackers, meticulously evaluating each sample at room temperature (57-62°F) to assess spreadability. The goal? To find a butter that’s effortless to use, whether for baking, greasing, or simply enjoying on bread. As one tester noted, “If you can’t spread it easily, what’s the point?”
The Winner: Vital Farms Unsalted Butter
After hours of tasting (and yes, some jaw fatigue), Vital Farms Unsalted Butter emerged as the clear winner. It delivered a balanced flavor profile: sweet without being cloying, grassy and milky without being overpowering. Testers praised its smooth texture and high butterfat content (84%), making it a standout in both taste and performance.
“It made a bad thing (old salt-free saltines) better.”
Strong Contenders: Plugrà and Finlandia
Plugrà Unsalted Butter was described as a “robust buttery butter,” holding its shape well even at room temperature. Its firm texture and distinct dairy flavor earned high marks from the team.
Finlandia Imported Unsalted Butter stood out for its light sweetness and pastoral aroma. Senior editor Genevieve declared it “what butter should taste like,” highlighting its balanced flavor profile and dense texture.
The Full Lineup
The tested brands included:
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Unsalted Butter
- Beurre D’Isigny French AOP Unsalted Butter
- Breakstone’s Unsalted Butter
- Finlandia Imported Unsalted Butter
- Horizon Organic Unsalted Butter
- Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter, Unsalted
- Land O’Lakes Unsalted Butter
- Organic Valley Unsalted Cultured Butter
- Vermont Creamery Cultured Unsalted Butter
- Vital Farms Unsalted Butter
The Takeaway: Don’t Overthink It
The most surprising conclusion? The differences between many of these butters were subtle. Scores were often within a one-point range, suggesting that quality is remarkably consistent across brands.
While some butters clearly performed better, the team emphasizes that you can’t go wrong. The butter aisle is one place where decision fatigue isn’t necessary. Pick what’s convenient, affordable, or on sale – you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Ultimately, this taste test confirms that good butter is simply… butter. And that’s a good thing.
