Is Plant Butter Just a New Name for Margarine?

For those of us who grew up on margarine, the idea of plant butter might seem like an interesting, yet dubious, twist on our childhood memories. Old-fashioned margarine, introduced during World War II, was a necessity due to wartime rationing. However, the reasons behind its creation were far from pleasant. When a nation is at war, the best food goes to soldiers, while the civilian population faces strict restrictions to ensure the troops have the nutrition needed to 'fight' and 'kill' as efficiently as possible. That's certainly a comforting thought.

Fast forward to today, and margarine is no longer the only option on the table. My journey towards rediscovering the pleasures of butter began when I realized how much it simply tastes better than margarine. While it might be a bit pricier, the nutritional standpoint has shifted in recent years. Nutritionists are now acknowledging that animal fats, once deemed unhealthy, can actually be part of a healthy diet. Even bacon fat is making a comeback as a health food! Hydrogenation processes used to extend shelf life, however, have been found to be damaging to heart health.

My journey of discovery didn't end there. When coconut oil was once considered a no-no, it was relegated to making soap due to its fatty content. Now, it's hailed as a health food, alongside avocado and almond oils. This rollercoaster of health trends has left me questioning what to believe. Reliable sources, like Mazola corn oil, are being promoted as better than olive oil, and even peanut oil has become a rarity in stores.

The clear message I've gleaned is to embrace real, full-fat foods like butter. It's time to give yourself some butter and say goodbye to the past.

But here's the twist - plant butters, which are often marketed as healthier alternatives, might not be as different from margarine as one might think. While plant-based ingredients like avocado and almond oil are used, the process of hydrogenation and the inclusion of palm and coconut oil, which are still high in saturated fats, makes plant butter similar to artificial fats. Essentially, it's just another version of the same hydrogenated fat, albeit using more expensive oils.

Are Plant Butters Really Healthier?

The marketing for plant butters often highlights the use of natural, plant-based oils, which are generally considered healthier than hydrogenated fats. However, the process of hydrogenation, which is used to make these oils solid at room temperature, remains the same. This means that the nutritional content, particularly in terms of trans fats and saturated fats, is often similar to that of margarine.

Can Plant Butters be a Healthier Option?

While plant butters do contain healthier fats like omega-3s and monounsaturated fats, the high trans fat content resulting from hydrogenation is a concern. It's important to note that palm and coconut oils, which are prevalent in many types of plant butters, are still high in saturated fats and can contribute to heart disease. Therefore, while plant butters may offer some health benefits compared to traditional margarine, they may not be as healthy as their marketing claims suggest.

Alternative Options

For those looking for a truly healthier butter alternative, it's worth exploring unhydrogenated options like ghee or clarified butter. Ghee, which is made by removing milk solids and water from clarified butter, is a traditional Indian fat that is free of trans fats and has a high smoke point. Another option is keeping the real deal—unprocessed, real butter—on the kitchen counter. Real butter, while more expensive, contains a natural balance of fats and doesn't require the harmful hydrogenation process.

Ultimately, the choice between butter, margarine, and plant butter comes down to personal preference and nutritional awareness. While plant butters may not be a revolutionary new product, they can still be a healthy part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. So, the next time you reach for that plant butter, consider whether it's truly a healthier alternative or just another version of the fats you might want to limit in your diet.

Remember, the key to a healthy diet is moderation and variety. Whether you choose real butter, plant butter, or something else, focus on consuming a diverse range of healthy fats and enjoy the taste of real, whole foods.