Looking for a Non Dairy Butter Substitute? Try These Products

There’s no denying that Americans love butter, consuming an incredible 1.94 billion pounds of it last year alone. But if you’re vegan or don’t eat dairy in your diet, you’re likely going to want a good non dairy butter substitute to use for cooking, baking, and snacking.

Luckily, there are quite a few non dairy butter substitute options available. From imitation butter products to oils to creamy spreads, you’re sure to find a dairy-free butter alternative that you love. Read on to check out our top butter substitute ideas, whether you prefer to use butter in cooking, baking, or as a spread.

To replace the taste of butter: Imitation butter products

If you enjoy the taste and consistency of butter, then imitation butter (in the form of buttery spreads and sticks) are your best bet in terms of a substitute. It’s a pretty straightforward swap; simply use the same amount of buttery spread in place of dairy butter.

As you’re shopping, look for dairy-free butter products from brands like Earth Balance. These vegan butter products typically get good reviews and can be easily found at major grocery stores.

In baking: Different types of oil

Alternatively, you might like to take a slightly different approach when replacing butter in baked goods. In these cases, it’s often cheaper and easier to use oil as a non dairy butter substitute.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most popular dairy-free alternatives to butter in cakes, cookies, and other bakery items. Since it’s rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, olive oil actually has a number of health benefits as a butter substitute or simply as an addition to your diet. 

If you don’t like olive oil, you can also use other oils, like vegetable oil or coconut oil instead. To use oil in place of butter, just add ¾ of the amount of butter that the recipe calls for. For instance, if your recipe calls for a tablespoon of butter, you would use ¾ tablespoon of oil.

For a creamy texture: Various spreads

Finally, there are other suitable vegan alternatives to butter if you’re searching for a creamy, spreadable topping to use on toast and other snacks.

For example, hummus (made from chickpeas) and tahini (made from seeds) are popular with people who follow dairy-free diets. While these foods don’t have the same richness as butter, they add flavor, healthy fats, and protein to your meals.

You could also use nut butters in place of dairy butter (although they won’t taste the same). Peanut butter, almond butter, and coconut butter add a delicious taste and creamy texture to bread, crackers, and veggies.

Mashed fruit (like bananas and avocados) is another nutrient-rich option for vegans and people who don’t consume dairy products.

As dairy-free diets have become more popular, companies are beginning to release more non dairy butter substitute options. Whether you’re vegan, don’t enjoy the taste of butter, or you’re just looking to cut out dairy, there is no shortage of butter alternatives that you can incorporate into your diet.

For more food substitute ideas and cooking tips, check out the Tastessence blog.

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