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The Ultimate Taste Test: 15 Salted Butter Brands Reviewed
When it comes to cooking and baking, salted butter holds a special place in many kitchens—especially mine. Whether it’s creating sumptuous casseroles, crafting the perfect grilled cheese, or whipping up delicious sauces, this creamy delight transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences. My own passion for butter traces back to vivid childhood moments with my grandmother, who had tales of devouring it straight from the stick.
With a family like mine that is obsessed with this rich ingredient, it was only natural that I leapt at the chance to taste test 15 different salted butter brands. The results? A flavorful journey that helped me discover which brands truly creamed the competition.
How I Selected the Salted Butters
In my quest for the best salted butters, I utilized my background in dairy writing to ensure a diverse yet approachable selection. I aimed for widely available brands that you could easily find in major retailers—no niche products here! Additionally, I intentionally excluded any vegan or margarine options, sticking strictly to classic salted butter for a consistent comparison (Learn more about butter vs. margarine).
How I Tested the Salted Butters
I conducted a thorough evaluation of each butter. They were served at room temperature to accurately assess their aroma, taste, and texture. Each butter was spread onto a plain baguette, allowing its true qualities to shine through. To maintain my palate’s clarity, I cleansed it with sparkling water between each sample, focusing on just three butters per tasting session.
The Best Salted Butters, Ranked
15th Place: Good & Gather Salted Butter
This butter missed the mark entirely. With an overwhelming taste and a lack of aroma, it left a pasty film on my tongue—a big thumbs down in the world of butter (See Good & Gather).
14th Place: Trader Joe’s Salted Organic Butter
Despite the hype, this version felt overly oily and lacked the creamy, balanced flavor that butter should deliver.
13th Place: Whole Foods 365 Salted Butter
While creamier than some, it was too salty for my palate and lacked that fantastic grassy aroma of butter made from high-quality milk.
12th Place: Lucerne Grass-Fed Salted Butter
Promising much with its grass-fed label, it ultimately fell short in aroma and depth, despite having punchy salty notes.
11th Place: Ploughgate Creamery Cultured Salted Butter
While the texture was velvety, this butter suffered from overpowering earthy notes that overshadowed its delicacies.
10th Place: Kerrygold Salted Irish Butter
With a creamy melt-in-your-mouth quality, this Irish butter was surprisingly salty compared to other contenders.
9th Place: Organic Valley Classic Salted Butter
A balanced flavor but lacking in texture, this butter was better suited for eating than baking.
8th Place: Lewis Road Creamery Salted Butter
While the texture and aroma were luxurious, this butter’s earthy aftertaste detracted from its overall quality.
7th Place: Cabot Sea Salted Extra Creamy Premium Butter
Hailing from Vermont, this butter was delightfully silky, yet it didn’t match the big flavor of other leaders in this competition (Explore Cabot).
6th Place: Kate’s Sea Salted Pure & Simple Butter
With only two ingredients—cream and sea salt—this butter boasted character and a rich flavor profile, ideal for a beach picnic.
5th Place: Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter
Brimming with nuttiness and subtle tang, this butter opened up new potential for culinary adventures, especially for making compound butters (Discover more on compound butter).
4th Place: Horizon Organic Salted Butter
Sporting a balanced taste with a fresh, smooth texture, this butter is an excellent choice for both cooking and spreading.
3rd Place: Land O’Lakes Salted Butter
Surprisingly delightful, Land O’Lakes combines a creamy texture with notes of sweetness, giving it a nice flavor that integrates well into many dishes (Read about seasoning tips).
2nd Place: Maple Hill Organic Salted Butter
This rich and creamy favorite excelled in providing a delightful, grassy aroma that complemented its incredible flavor, making it perfect for spreading on warm biscuits.
1st Place Winner: Ivy’s Reserve Salted Farmhouse Butter
Claiming the top spot, Ivy’s Reserve is not only beautifully packaged, but it’s crafted sustainably, bringing a unique taste directly from the founder’s grandmother’s recipe. Its delicate flavor, rich aroma, and creamy texture make it a staple in any fridge. This butter isn’t just an ingredient; it’s an experience—perfect for everything from sauces to simply enjoying on fresh baguettes (Explore Ivy’s Reserve).
Salted butter might seem like a simple ingredient, but as this taste test shows, the quality can vary significantly from brand to brand. With so many options available, finding the right butter can elevate your culinary endeavors to new heights. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or just enjoying a slice with fresh bread, choose wisely!
