I Tried 15 Salted Butter Brands: The One That Outshined Them All!
Salted butter is more than just an ingredient in my family; it’s a staple. From rich casseroles to that perfect grilled cheese and decadent sauces, this creamy delight adds a touch of magic to our meals. It even evokes fond memories of my grandmother reminiscing about those childhood days when she would catch my mom sneaking bites straight from the stick.
With a strong bond to salted butter, I was thrilled when my editors tasked me to taste test an array of brands to discover which one truly creamed the competition.
How I Selected the Salted Butters
In a world overflowing with butter options, I aimed for a balanced selection. Drawing from my experience at a dairy-focused magazine, I sought brands available at major retailers to ensure accessibility. I excluded vegan butters and margarines, keeping my focus on the real deal.
The Testing Process Unveiled
To find the best, each butter was tasted at room temperature, allowing me to gauge their taste, aroma, spreadability, creaminess, and texture. I smeared each one on a plain baguette, cleansing my palate with sparkling water between tastings and keeping my sessions to three brands at a time.
The Best Salted Butters: Ranked
15th Place: Good & Gather Salted Butter
This butter was an unfortunate letdown—overpowering with little to no flavor and aroma. Its pasty texture left a film on my palate, which is a hard pass in a world full of flavorful alternatives.
14th Place: Trader Joe’s Salted Organic Butter
While Trader Joe’s offers many delicious options, this butter sadly lacked the aroma and a balanced salt-creamy flavor. Spread on bread, it turned out to be oily rather than silky.
13th Place: Whole Foods 365 Salted Butter
While Whole Foods offers many top-tier butter brands, their 365 line fell flat. Its overly salty profile overshadowed any nuanced flavor.
12th Place: Lucerne Grass-Fed Salted Butter
Although touted for being made from New Zealand cows, which typically produces great milk, Lucerne’s offering was an aromatic disappointment and lacked depth.
11th Place: Ploughgate Creamery Cultured Salted Butter
Ploughgate boasts an intentional production process, yet the flavor didn’t shine. The texture was pleasant, but the earthy notes left much to be desired.
10th Place: Kerrygold Salted Irish Butter
This butter practically melts in your mouth, but the salty flavor overpowered its creaminess.
9th Place: Organic Valley Classic Salted Butter
Though it had a balanced flavor, this butter felt rather oily and not as creamy as I had anticipated.
8th Place: Lewis Road Creamery Salted Butter
Possessing a luxurious texture and grassy aroma, the downside was a too-strong earthy aftertaste that lingered unpleasantly.
7th Place: Cabot Sea Salted Extra Creamy Premium Butter
As a Vermont native, I had high hopes for Cabot. This butter was silky and well-balanced, although it could use a bit more salty punch.
6th Place: Kate’s Sea Salted Pure & Simple Butter
This butter brings a seaside essence to the table, making it perfect for a beach picnic with its characterful flavor derived from just two ingredients.
5th Place: Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter
This variation from Trader Joe’s shines with its tangy and nutty profile, making it versatile enough for compound butter creations.
4th Place: Horizon Organic Salted Butter
This pick had a fresh flavor complemented by a smooth texture, placing it high on my list.
3rd Place: Land O’Lakes Salted Butter
I was pleasantly surprised by the light texture and creamy notes offered by Land O’Lakes, showcasing a well-balanced butter.
2nd Place: Maple Hill Organic Salted Butter
This butter, with its rich flavor profile and fresh aroma, brings a delightful touch to toast and biscuits alike.
1st Place Winner: Ivy’s Reserve Salted Farmhouse Butter
If you’re searching the aisles of Whole Foods, be sure to grab Ivy’s Reserve. Its cultured product embodies sustainability, crafted using regenerative farming techniques. This butter truly shines with a delicate flavor, making it a must-have for any home cook.
Conclusion
The world of salted butter is vast and delectable, but Ivy’s Reserve carved out its place at the top with unparalleled flavor and ethical practices. Whether you’re a casual cook or a culinary enthusiast, don’t overlook the power of quality butter in elevating your dishes!
For more butter reviews, check out the original article on AllRecipes.
