Tyler McFarland on November 14, 2023
Updated on December 13, 2023 Reviewed and fact-checked Found a mistake? Let us know!
Curious whether the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spread is vegan? Look no further.
In this article, we’ll delve into the ingredients and discuss whether this popular butter substitute fits into a vegan lifestyle.
Let’s jump right in and uncover the truth about the vegan-friendliness of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”!
Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Vegan?
Short answer: It depends. The original spread is not vegan-friendly as it contains traces of milk in its recipe. However, in response to a growing demand for plant-based alternatives, the brand introduced the “It’s Vegan” variant that is perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
Detailed Answer
The traditional “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” is based on a mix of vegetable oils, water, lecithin, vinegar, and natural flavors and colors.
However, the spread contains milk, making it unsuitable for those who strictly adhere to a vegan diet. Milk is a dairy product and thus not plant-based.
Fortunately, the same problem doesn’t extend to all products of that brand. Aptly named “It’s Vegan,” this alternative has the exact same composition as the traditional “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spread, but without the dairy ingredients.
This means those adhering to a vegan diet can enjoy the familiar taste without breaking their dietary boundaries!
Key Takeaways
- The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” original spread is not vegan due to the inclusion of milk.
- However, the brand offers a plant-based alternative called “It’s Vegan,” which omits dairy products.
- This allows individuals following a vegan lifestyle to enjoy the familiar flavor without compromising their dietary guidelines.
What Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter?
“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” is a popular plant-based spread aiming to substitute traditional dairy butter. It is designed to have a similar taste and texture to butter, making it suitable for spreading on bread, cooking, and baking.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Usage | Is it vegan? |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil) | The main ingredient that provides fat and texture | Yes |
| Water | Provides moisture and helps with texture | Yes |
| Salt | Enhances flavor | Yes |
| Natural flavors | Enhances taste | Yes (most likely, as it can vary) |
| Vitamin A Palmitate | Added for nutritional value | Yes |
| Soy lecithin | Emulsifier to stabilize the spread | Yes |
| Lactic acid | Regulates acidity and acts as a preservative | Yes (typically derived from vegan sources such as corn) |
| Milk (optional traces) | Enhances taste | No (look for vegan variant) |
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Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” Healthy?
“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” can be part of a balanced diet, but like any other spread, it should be consumed in moderation.
While it is lower in saturated fat than dairy butter, it still contains fat and calories. It is crucial to consider the overall balance of your diet and choose healthy fats from various sources.
When used as a substitute for butter, this plant-based spread can contribute to a lower cholesterol and saturated fat intake, which are found in higher amounts in animal-derived products.
Alternatives for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
If “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” is not available or you’re looking for alternative options, there are several vegan-friendly butter substitutes to consider:
- Margarine: Look for margarine labeled explicitly as vegan or made from plant oils.
- Coconut oil: This natural oil can be a solid substitute for butter in many recipes.
- Olive oil: Use the olive oil as a drizzle or in place of butter for a different flavor profile.
- Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a spread or replacement for butter in certain recipes.
- Nut butters: Almond, cashew, or peanut butter can add flavor and richness to dishes.
Examples of Dishes or Recipes Using I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
Here are a few delicious dishes that can be made using “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter”:
- Garlic bread: Spread the plant-based butter on a baguette, sprinkle garlic powder, and broil until golden brown.
- Vegan pancakes: Use the spread in place of butter for a rich and fluffy stack of pancakes.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables in melted “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” and roast in the oven for a tasty side dish.
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FAQ
Can I use I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter as a replacement for dairy butter in baking?
Yes, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” can be used as a substitute for dairy butter in baking. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly in some recipes.
Can I use I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter for sautéing or frying?
Absolutely! “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” can be used for sautéing and frying, just like dairy butter. It adds flavor and helps prevent food from sticking to the pan.
Does I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter contain any trans fats?
No, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” does not contain trans fats.
What is the shelf life of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter?
The shelf life of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” can vary depending on the packaging and storage conditions. It is best to check the expiration date on the package.
Is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter suitable for people with soy allergies?
Unfortunately, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” contains soy lecithin, which can be a potential allergen for those with soy allergies. It is recommended to choose an alternative spread if you have a soy allergy.
Summary
The original “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spread contains milk, which excludes it from being classified as vegan. However, the brand offers a vegan version called “It’s Vegan,” which eliminates dairy from its recipe.
While it provides a similar taste and texture to butter, it is important to remember to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
If “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” is not available, there are several alternative options to consider, such as margarine, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, or nut butters.
Overall, this plant-based spread offers a convenient and tasty substitute for traditional dairy butter in various dishes and recipes.
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I’m Tyler McFarland, the editor and main author here. When I first went vegan 13 years ago, convenience products like veggie burgers and soy milk were a lot harder to find. Now they’re everywhere!