An easy guide on what butter to grab for your recipes
One of the main distinctions among various types of butter lies in the butterfat content. In the United States, butter must have an 80% butterfat content to be labeled as “butter.” Elsewhere, the rules are different. Looking to make Perfectly Buttery Scottish Shortbread? Here’s what you need to know.
American
- – 80% butterfat required
- – neutral light flavor
European
- – 82% butterfat
- – creamier, buttery taste
Irish
- – 82% butterfat
- – deeper color and flavor
Grass-fed, Pasture-raised
- – can be up to 85% butterfat (Vital Farms)
- – pronounced, rich butter flavor
Light Butter
- – 25% less butterfat
- – not for baking
Other Butter Bites
- – “Sweet cream” butter does not refer to the butterfat content; it’s about the pasteurized cream used to churn this type of butter, and it can be salted or unsalted.
- – “Cultured butter” is not specific to the butterfat content; it refers to fermenting of the butter to add a tangy flavor.
