Butter is the unsung hero of our kitchens. It melts beautifully, browns to perfection, and somehow turns even the blandest slice of toast into a warm, edible hug. But let’s be real—not all butter is created equal.
Some brands spread joy, while others taste like disappointment in dairy form.
Whether you’re a toast fanatic, a cookie whisperer, or someone who just likes to sneak a buttery bite straight from the fridge (no shame), knowing which brands are worth your money can save you from lackluster flavor and greasy regrets.
In this list, we’re diving into the 7 worst and 7 best grocery store butter brands—no fluff, no fancy chef lingo, just real talk about what slaps and what flops.
From cult-favorite Irish gold to questionable margarine masquerading as butter, we’re spreading the truth—one creamy pat at a time.
1. Great Value (Walmart) Butter
Budget-friendly? Sure. But taste-wise, Great Value butter is like spreading disappointment on a slice of toast. It does the job if all you need is a fatty substance to coat your frying pan, but when it comes to flavor, it’s a hard pass.
There’s a noticeable lack of creaminess, and instead of melting into a velvety pool, it kind of just… sits there. The texture feels off, too—more waxy than rich.
Ideal for emergency baking or penny-pinching college meals, but if you’re after that real buttery magic, this is not the golden ticket.
2. Land O’Lakes with Canola Oil
This one feels like it’s having an identity crisis. Is it butter? Is it oil? Is it trying to be both and failing at both?
What starts as a convenient “spreadable” option ends in flavor mediocrity. The canola oil dilutes what could be a decent butter into a bland, greasy smear.
It’s serviceable if you’re only concerned about toast coverage, but flavor-wise, it lacks that deep, dairy-forward richness. If you’re planning a butter board or baking something special—keep this one far away from your mixing bowl.
3. Imperial Spread
Calling this “butter” should be illegal in at least 12 states. It’s made mostly from vegetable oils, and while the packaging might say “buttery,” your taste buds will tell you otherwise.
It’s slick, flavorless, and leaves a weird coating on your tongue like you just licked a candle. There’s no satisfying snap of dairy richness—just sadness in stick form.
You could use it to grease a pan in a bind, but don’t expect it to bring anything delightful to your dish. If flavor were currency, Imperial would be flat broke.
4. Country Crock
Oh, Country Crock. The name suggests warm, country charm—biscuits on a windowsill, a sunny morning with scrambled eggs. The reality? It’s more like suburban sadness in a plastic tub.
This isn’t technically butter; it’s a spread made with a medley of oils, water, and salt. It’s spreadable right out of the fridge, sure—but where’s the taste?
Even slathered on hot bread, it melts into a bland puddle that leaves you wondering why you didn’t just use real butter. Good for nostalgia, maybe, but not for actual butter lovers.
5. Kirkland Signature Salted Butter (Costco)
Costco usually knocks it out of the park, but this one lands in the infield. Kirkland’s salted butter is fine if you’re looking to stretch your dollar, but flavor-wise, it’s a little too mild and overly salted.
There’s a chalky undertone that becomes more noticeable when used in baking or sauces. You might not notice it in your grilled cheese, but your homemade cookies will suffer.
It’s not inedible—it’s just underwhelming. And in the world of butter, underwhelming is practically a sin.
6. Smart Balance
If your butter has a health mission, chances are it’s not going to taste like a French farmhouse fantasy. Smart Balance aims to be heart-friendly, but it leaves your taste buds in the dust.
It’s more margarine than butter, with a vaguely artificial aftertaste and a texture that screams “spread substitute.” Slather it on toast, and you’ll get a smooth coating—but not the buttery hug you’re craving.
Great for cholesterol concerns, maybe. For buttery indulgence? Not even close. It’s like getting sugar-free cake on your birthday—technically fine, but soul-crushing.
7. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Oh, but I can. And I do. Every time. This butter alternative leans so far into margarine territory that you might need a passport to return to Dairyland.
The texture is thin and oily, and the taste? Think “generic buttery popcorn” rather than farmhouse-churned bliss. It’s like someone whispered “butter” into a vat of vegetable oil.
If you’re trying to shave off a few calories or need a vegan-ish spread, okay, it exists. But if you love real butter for its soul-warming, bread-elevating powers, steer clear.
1. Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
A little taste of Ireland in every golden pat. Kerrygold has earned cult status for a reason—this stuff is made from grass-fed cows and you can actually taste the difference.
The color is a rich yellow that hints at all the nutrients from those lush Irish pastures. And the flavor? Buttery, creamy, with just the right hint of salt. It transforms toast into an experience.
Whether you’re baking, sautéing, or just sneaking a bite straight from the wrapper (no judgment), Kerrygold is pure dairy joy.
2. Plugrá European Style Butter
Say hello to your baking bestie. Plugrá ups the ante with a higher butterfat content, which means flakier pie crusts, richer cookies, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness on just about everything.
There’s a luxurious, almost velvety texture to this butter that sets it apart. Even on its own, spread over a warm roll, it sings.
It’s not the cheapest brand out there, but for buttery drama in all the right ways, Plugrá delivers like a Hollywood star on Oscar night.
3. Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter
This isn’t your everyday fridge staple—it’s butter that belongs in a cheese cave, right next to the wine. Vermont Creamery’s cultured butter has a tangy complexity that feels fancy and rustic all at once.
Made in small batches and slow-cultured, it’s got character. Spread it on sourdough and it becomes the main event. Toss it into a skillet, and suddenly you’re cooking like a French chef.
It’s bold, rich, and totally worth the splurge if you want to treat your taste buds like royalty.
4. President Butter (France)
A staple in French kitchens, President butter brings European flair and full-on creamy indulgence to your table. It’s the kind of butter that makes you want to cancel your plans and eat bread for dinner.
Smooth, lightly salted, and almost sweet, it’s the kind of dairy gold that elevates everything it touches—from croissants to sautéed mushrooms.
If you’ve never tried European butter, this is a perfect entry point. One bite and you’ll understand why the French are so obsessed.
5. Organic Valley Pasture Butter
You can practically taste the sunshine and green fields in this one. Made only during the grazing season, Organic Valley’s pasture butter is rich in flavor and nutrition, with a vibrant yellow color that screams “I’m the real deal.”
It’s organic, it’s ethical, and it spreads like a dream. Whether you’re cooking breakfast or building a next-level grilled cheese, this butter brings both flavor and peace of mind.
Ideal for conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on taste—or principles.
6. Minerva Dairy Amish Roll Butter
Hand-rolled, slow-churned, and packed with buttery nostalgia, Minerva Dairy butter is like a love letter from your grandma’s kitchen. It’s higher in butterfat than most store-bought sticks, and you’ll taste that extra richness in every bite.
There’s something undeniably rustic about it—like it was made in a big wooden barrel by someone in a bonnet. And trust me, that’s a compliment.
From flaky biscuits to savory sauces, Minerva makes everything feel homemade (even when it’s not).
7. Trader Joe’s Cultured Salted Butter
Trust Trader Joe’s to sneak in a budget-friendly gem. This cultured salted butter has a mild tang and silky texture that punches way above its price point.
It spreads like a dream and brings depth to even the simplest toast. Add it to a sizzling pan or melt it over steamed veggies, and boom—you’ve got gourmet vibes with minimal effort.
For foodies on a budget, this little block of luxury is one of the best deals in the dairy aisle.
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