Butters and spreads taste tested

Courtesy of Kateshomemadebutter.com

Best Salted

Kate’s Homemade Butter

Tasty crystals of sea salt stud this farm-fresh pick. The ultimate finishing touch for everything from pancakes to peas. 

To buy: $4.80 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Organicvalley.coop

Best Organic

Organic Valley Unsalted Butter

Crafted from antibiotic- and pesticide-free milk, this bold option trampled the flat-tasting competition.

To buy: $6 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Walmart.com

Best European-Style

Plugrá Unsalted Butter

Slow churning and less water are the secrets to this intensely rich, golden brick, which is suited to every cooking task.

To buy: $3 for 8 ounces.

Courtesy of Walmart.com

Best Spreadable

Country Crock Spreadable Butter

Good things—and softened butter—come to those who wait. For those who can’t, try a schmear of this salty blend of butter and canola oil. It has a balanced flavor that bested its greasy rivals.

To buy: $3.20 for 12 ounces.

Photo: Thinkstock

Best Light

Land O Lakes Light
Other light varieties tended to be gritty and overly soft, but this winner has a smooth consistency and a mild flavor. Formulated for spreading, not cooking, it clocks in with half the calories of standard butter (just 50 per tablespoon) and 6 grams of fat (versus 11).

To buy: $4.80 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Walmart.com

Best Butterlike Spread

Brummel & Brown Made With Nonfat Yogurt

Yogurt lends brightness to this tangy, low-calorie butter alternative for those looking for a cholesterol-free topper. It’s meant for bagels and bread, not cooking.

To buy: $3.30 for 15 ounces.