Looking for something besides butter to spread on bread or bake in cakes? There are plenty of alternatives out there. The trick is to trying them until you find one you love.
Here are 5 of the best butter alternatives:
1. Avocado
You could call avocado "nature's butter" because its buttery taste and smooth texture makes it the easiest alternative to slathering spreads on your bread.
Add some salt and pepper, a little lemon, or even a dollop of natural nut butter and you'll be in avo heaven.
If you're baking with avocado, use half the amount of butter required by the recipe (so ½ a cup for every cup of butter).
2. Greek yoghurt
It might seem strange, but Greek yoghurt is a wonderful butter substitute. It's full of flavour, creamy, but without all the calories and cholesterol. It's also high in protein, so it will keep you fuller for longer. Add it to your baked goods, substituting ½ a cup of yoghurt for every cup of butter.
3. Oils
You have to choose your oils wisely, but a natural oil can be better for your health than processed spreads like butter. They're best used in recipes that call for melted butter since the consistency is the same, but you may need to do some tweaking to get it right. Canola and olive oils are great options.
4. Purees
Pumpkin, applesauce, prune… There are many purees you can use to substitute butter. They're dairy-free, packed with protein, and low in fat. It's best to make your own (puree in a food processor), or choose a low-suagr pre-made variety
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has taken the baking world by storm. And it's easy to see why, with many touting it as a healthier alternative to butter. Best of all, it's a straight substitution for butter – one cup of oil for one cup of butter. Just be advised that due to its low melting point, it's best to use coconut oil in recipes that ask for melted butter – otherwise it may firm back up.
Looking for other butter alternatives? Chat with your nutritionist or dietitian for some advice and ideas.
Originally published on Mar 07, 2016
