About I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is a unique and popular product marketed as a low-fat substitute for traditional butter. It is made and marketed by Upfield. Originating in Baltimore, it is available in the US, UK, and many other countries worldwide. It has been in the market for many years, attracting both lovers and critics.
It has a heart-healthy food certification from the American Heart Association. New variants of this product have been introduced, one in the form of a liquid spray bottle. The latest variants include “It’s Vegan” and “It’s Organic.”
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter vs Real Butter
While butter is a dairy product made from cream, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter is made using plant-based oils, water, and other ingredients to imitate the taste of butter.
Butter has 7 grams of saturated fat and 100 calories per 1 tablespoon serving, while I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter has 2 grams of saturated fat and 60 calories per 1 tablespoon serving (as claimed on their website).
Ingredients
The ingredients of this product are purified water, soybean oil, palmitate, palm kernel oil, palm oil, salt, lecithin, mono and diglycerides, vinegar, beta carotene (color), natural flavors, and vitamin A.
The brand states the following:
- Gluten-free
- No artificial preservatives
- 70% less saturated fat
- 0% cholesterol per serving
- 0g trans fat per serving
- Rich in Omega-3 ALA
Pros
- Low calorie and saturated fats: Butter has more calories per tablespoon compared to I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. If you are watching your calorie intake, this product is a great option to lose weight without compromising on taste.
- Healthier fat content: Butter, with its higher levels of saturated fats, is said to increase the risk of heart diseases. This product, with lower levels, offers a healthier choice.
- Easy to spread: Butter does not spread easily when cold. It has to be brought to room temperature. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, made with liquid ingredients, spreads easily even when cold, saving time and effort.
- Spray bottle: The spray bottle variant offers a convenient way to use just the right amount.
- Addresses health concerns: This product is gluten-free and trans fat-free. Compared to many other processed foods, it is a healthier option.
- Great taste: The product is creamy, airy, smooth, and buttery. Its various variants, with added seasonings, can enhance cooking, frying, and baking.
- Vegan-friendly: This product is suitable for vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers, as it contains no animal products or dairy.
Cons
- Not real butter: It may not have the essence of butter, and for some, nothing compares to the original.
- Too many ingredients: Butter is a simple product made from whipped cream. This product, however, contains many processed ingredients.
- Salty: While butter comes in both salted and unsalted versions, this product has 65 milligrams of salt per tablespoon, which may not be ideal for health.
- Palm oil: The use of palm oil has been criticized for its environmental impact and health concerns. Palm oil can increase LDL (bad cholesterol) and slow blood clotting, which can lead to health risks.
- Not suitable for high-temperature cooking: Due to the vegetable oils, its smoke point is lower than butter. At high temperatures, the oils may break down, releasing harmful compounds.
- Lack of other vitamins: While fortified with Vitamin A, it does not have other fat-soluble vitamins like D, E, and K2, which are important for calcium absorption, immune support, and eye health.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter offers a low-calorie, low-saturated fat, gluten-free, tasty alternative to butter. Dairy-free spreads are favorable for vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers, and it has various advantages over butter.
On the downside, its ingredients may not be as healthy as advertised. Some beneficial nutrients in butter are not present in this product. Ultimately, the decision to purchase depends on the consumer’s health goals and preferences, such as taste and convenience.
