Elevate Your Pastas, Pancakes, and More With the Best Dairy-Free Butter Brands

Coconut oil is not butter, and thanks to the plethora of vegan butter options, we no longer have to pretend it is. Gone are the days of smearing oil on toast and convincing yourself that “it’s the same thing!” Vegans have options, and they are glorious. Whether you cook, bake, or use it as a condiment, these vegan butters really taste and perform just like butter. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best plant-based butter options. But first, why is traditional butter not vegan?

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Why isn’t butter vegan?

Traditional butter is made from churned milk or cream, usually from cows (sometimes goats), which makes it an animal product and therefore not vegan. While margarine often looks and feels like butter, it is typically made with plant-based fats. However, not all margarines are vegan, as some still contain milk or other animal-derived ingredients.

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Today’s vegan butters are crafted from plant-based oils and designed to look, taste, and cook just like dairy butter. They’re closer to margarine in makeup, but with far better flavor and texture than older substitutes like coconut oil.

A growing market for plant-based butter

Per Grand View Research, the plant-based butter market is growing. In 2023, it was valued at more than $2.4 billion, and by 2030, it’s expected to reach nearly $3.8 billion.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking dairy alternatives due to lactose intolerance, allergies, and the desire for lower-calorie, nutrient-rich options,” the market research platform explains.

“Furthermore, technological advancements and innovation in product development have improved the taste and texture of plant-based butters, making them more appealing,” it continues. “In addition, the rising popularity of veganism and flexitarianism, as more people around the world switch to plant-based diets, has expanded the consumer base.”

Best vegan butter brands

From baking to spreading on toast, these brands deliver rich, buttery flavor without the dairy.

Miyoko’s Creamery

1 Miyoko’s Creamery

Miyoko’s Creamery boasts several different butter varieties, including Salted European Style Plant Milk Butter, Unsalted European Style Plant Milk Butter, and Salted Oat Milk Butter. The first two are nut- and coconut oil-based and work incredibly well for cooking and baking—they even brown. The latter is ideal for those with a nut allergy and for spreading liberally on refined carbohydrates—everything from toast and muffins to pancakes and waffles.
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2 Earth Balance

Ask any professional vegan baker what butter they use, and the overwhelming response will be Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks. They are an easy one-to-one swap for dairy-based butter sticks, which makes for perfect pie crusts, velvety buttercreams, and tender cookies. For condiment use, check out one of the many varieties of the brand’s buttery spreads. You can’t go wrong with original, but the olive oil and whipped varieties are fan favorites as well.
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Melt Organic

3 Melt Organic

Made with sustainably sourced plant oils, this creamy rendition of butter is great for savory applications. Add a pat or two to a pasta sauce for a little indulgence, or use the buttery sticks to create a solid roux for mushroom gravy or vegan gumbo. Complete your meal with some homemade vegan biscuits using the Unsalted Butter Sticks, then slather those with the brand’s original, spreadable organic butter. Sometimes, it’s necessary to infuse butter in every part of the meal.
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4 Country Crock Plant Butter

In recent years, Country Crock has stepped outside of its iconic brown-gray tub and developed different styles of plant-based butter. We bring the spreadable Plant Butter With Olive Oil tub to the table when hosting non-vegan guests.
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5
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! The Light One 

Made from a blend of soybean and palm oils, we really can’t believe it’s not butter. Note: The Original version still contains dairy. 
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Land O Lakes

6Land O Lakes Plant-Based Creamy Spread

Yet another dairy-based company has embraced the plant-based trend. Found at many nationwide supermarkets, including Walmart and Kroger, this vegetable oil-based spread offers Land O Lakes regulars a solid dairy-free option. While not suited for baking, this spread is excellent for slathering and melting on everything from your morning toast to a mound of mashed potatoes.
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Violife

7 Violife

Boasting a rich, creamy texture and a delightful hint of salt, this butter from the popular vegan cheese brand captures the essence of traditional butter without the need for animal-derived ingredients. It’s a versatile addition to any kitchen, with simple ingredients that are free from major allergens. 
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WayFare Foods

8 WayFare Foods

Butter beans serve as the creamy base for WayFare’s vegan butter. Whipped and flavored with sea salt, this dairy-free butter is also free of soy, gluten, and is kosher pareve certified.
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