Spread the Word

Are you still confused about whether to use that packet of butter at the restaurant or if margarine is a better choice?   Many people still have questions, but most nutrition experts agree that there can be decent choices in both categories when used in moderation. 

The problem with butter is the high saturated fat content whereas the problem with margarine is the trans fat content.  Neither is good for our bodies and trans fat do even more damage than saturated fats.  Fortunately for the consumer, many margarine and butter products are made with healthier ingredients.  Choosing a non-trans fat margarine will save you more fat than butter and choosing a butter spray will save you more calories and fat than butter.  Caution, you must follow the serving indications on the butter sprays.  The caloric content on the butter spray food label applies to a very small number of servings (usually 5-10) and the cooking sprays list their nutrition details by seconds (1-second is not very long so be careful!)

 

Here are a list of Nutrition Action Healthletter's "Best Bites" (products containing no more than 1 gram of saturated and trans fats per tablespoon) and "Honorable Mention" (products with no more than 1.5 grams of unhealthy fat per tablespoon)

 

I Can't Believe it's Not Butter Fat Free

Promise Fat Free

Smart Beat Smart Squeeze

Fleischmann's Light

Benecol Light

Take Control Light

Country Crock Plus Yogurt

Brummel and Brown Made With Yogurt

 

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

Parkay

PAM (1-second spray)

Crisco (1-second spray)

 

Land O'Lakes Light Butter With Canola Oil