Sofia Martinez
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are dairy-free, non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and keto-friendly. The ingredients include water, vegetable oil blend (palm oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil), olive oil, salt, natural and artificial flavors, and vitamins. Notably, the product underwent a recipe transition in 2022, which reduced fat and calories and affected consistency and nutrition. However, there is no mention of plastic as an ingredient in Smart Balance Buttery Spread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic content | No information found |
| Dairy content | Dairy-free, but there is a dairy butter blend line of spreads |
| Vegan | Select varieties are vegan, but some contain vitamin D3 which might be of animal origin |
| Ingredients | Water, vegetable oil blend (palm oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil), olive oil, salt, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin A palmitate, beta carotene, monoglycerides, sorbitan tristearate, potassium sorbate, lactic acid, TBHQ, calcium disodium EDTA, citric acid |
| Calories | 50 per tablespoon |
| Fat | 5g per tablespoon |
| Sodium | 90mg per tablespoon |
| Carbohydrates | 0g per tablespoon |
| Fiber | 0g per tablespoon |
| Sugar | 0g per tablespoon |
| Protein | 0g per tablespoon |
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What You'll Learn
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are dairy-free
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads contain a unique blend of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which are designed to maintain a healthy ratio of "good" HDL and "bad" LDL cholesterol. The spreads do not contain any hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, which can be detrimental to heart health. Instead, they feature a special blend of oils that promote healthy cholesterol levels.
Smart Balance also offers an organic spread option that is free of GMOs, dairy, and has less fat and fewer calories than traditional organic butter. This product can be used in a variety of recipes, including baking biscuits, cookies, and bread, without sacrificing taste.
The company, Smart Balance, offers a range of butter alternatives, oils, and sprays that are designed to support various lifestyle goals. Their products are versatile and can be used in cooking, baking, and as spreads. The spreads are said to have a delectable, creamy taste that enhances the flavor of favorite foods.
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The product underwent a recipe transition in 2022
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads underwent a significant recipe transition in 2022, marking the latest in a series of changes to the product over the years. This transition involved altering the water-to-oil ratio in most varieties, resulting in a reduction of fat and calories by 25 to 40%. The increase in the water-to-oil ratio transformed several "regular" buttery spreads into "light" buttery spreads, leading to the discontinuation of most of the original light versions.
The recipe transition also included substituting flaxseed oil for pea protein in most varieties, accommodating those with legume allergies. However, this change has reportedly led to increased oil/water separation in the product. Additionally, some varieties now include vitamin D3, with no clarification on whether it is sourced from vegan or animal sources.
The 2022 recipe transition had a notable impact on the product's consistency, nutrition, and customer base. While the packaging remains almost identical, a closer inspection reveals significant changes in the oil percentages. Smart Balance Buttery Spreads continue to be a dairy-free alternative to butter, although they also offer a dairy butter blend line of spreads, packaged differently to distinguish them from the dairy-free buttery spreads.
The product transition has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the reduction in fat and calories, while others may be less favourable due to the increased oil/water separation. The addition of vitamin D3 has also prompted inquiries into its sourcing, with Smart Balance advising consumers to contact them directly for detailed information on ingredients and manufacturing processes.
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The recipe change affected consistency and nutrition
In 2022, Smart Balance Buttery Spreads underwent a significant recipe change that impacted the consistency, nutrition, and customer base. The recipe transition involved increasing the water-to-oil ratio, resulting in a reduction of fat and calories by 25 to 40% across most varieties. This meant that many of the "regular" buttery spreads became the new "light" spreads, and most of the previous "light" versions were discontinued.
The change in the water-to-oil ratio also led to an increase in oil/water separation in the product. Flaxseed oil replaced pea protein in most varieties, benefiting those with legume allergies. However, this substitution may have contributed to the increased separation issue.
The recipe change also introduced specific varieties containing vitamin D3, leaving consumers unsure about its source and whether it is vegan-friendly. This change, along with the presence of fish oil in some varieties, has raised concerns among vegan and vegetarian consumers.
The Smart Balance Buttery Spreads brand has undergone multiple transitions over the years, causing confusion among dairy-free consumers. The 2022 changes, in particular, had a notable impact on the consistency and nutritional profile of the product, affecting its appeal to certain consumer segments. The packaging remains almost identical, with subtle changes in oil percentages that may not be immediately apparent to buyers.
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are now dairy-free, although they offer a separate dairy butter blend line. The company removed the "dairy-free butter" claim from the buttery spread packaging, possibly to avoid legal issues associated with the use of the term "butter." Despite these transitions, Smart Balance Buttery Spreads remain a versatile and delicious alternative to butter, catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
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The packaging remains nearly identical
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads underwent a significant recipe transition in 2022. This change affected the consistency, nutrition, and customer base of the product. Despite these changes, the packaging remains nearly identical to the pre-2022 versions.
The only noticeable difference in the packaging is the change in oil percentages. The recipe transition involved substituting flaxseed oil for pea protein in most varieties, which has resulted in more oil/water separation. This change is reflected in the updated nutrition information on the packaging, with the oil percentages increasing quite noticeably.
The Smart Balance Buttery Spreads packaging has always been distinct from their butter blends line, which come in small oval containers. The buttery spreads are packaged in full-size, square-shaped tubs. This differentiation in packaging has helped consumers distinguish between the two product lines, especially with the removal of the "dairy-free butter" claim from the buttery spread packaging.
The 2022 transitions also included the discontinuation of most light versions of Smart Balance Buttery Spreads. The formula change was significant, and the remaining light version, now simply called "Light," was the former "with Flaxseed Oil" variety. The regular versions also became significantly lighter, essentially replacing the other regular varieties. Despite these changes, the overall packaging design and appearance have been kept nearly identical, with only minor updates to reflect the updated ingredients and nutrition information.
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The regular versions are now lighter
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads underwent a significant recipe transition in 2022, which notably impacted the consistency, nutrition, and customer base. The recipe transition involved increasing the water-to-oil ratio in most varieties, resulting in a reduction of fat and calories by 25 to 40%. This meant that several of the "regular" buttery spreads became the "light" buttery spreads, and most of the former light versions were discontinued.
The formula change also included substituting flaxseed oil for pea protein in most varieties, accommodating those with legume allergies. However, this substitution has reportedly led to increased oil/water separation in the product. Additionally, some varieties now specifically contain vitamin D3, with no clarification on whether it is sourced from vegan or animal sources.
The packaging of the Smart Balance Buttery Spreads remains almost identical, with the oil percentages changing quite noticeably. The brand has a history of frequent transitions, and the latest changes have caused confusion among dairy-free consumers.
Overall, the recipe transition has made the regular versions of Smart Balance Buttery Spreads significantly lighter, with reduced fat and calorie content. This aligns with the brand's focus on offering a healthy alternative to spreadable butter, utilizing a unique blend of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats to support healthy cholesterol levels.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Smart Balance buttery spread does not contain plastic. Its ingredients include water, vegetable oil blend (palm oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil), olive oil, salt, natural and artificial flavors, and vitamins and acids to preserve freshness.
Smart Balance buttery spread contains vitamin A palmitate, beta carotene (color), monoglycerides, sorbitan tristearate, potassium sorbate, lactic acid, TBHQ, calcium disodium EDTA, and citric acid.
Select varieties of Smart Balance buttery spreads are vegan, but some contain fish oil and vitamin D3, which might be of animal origin.
There are 50 calories, 5g of fat, and 90mg of sodium in a tablespoon of Smart Balance buttery spread. It also contains 0g of carbs, fiber, sugars, and protein.
Smart Balance buttery spreads are available at mainstream grocers throughout the US, including Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons stores.
