Butter. A simple ingredient, yet it holds a central place in British cuisine. From spreading it generously on toast to enriching pastries and sauces, its creamy, rich flavour is undeniable. But with so many options available on supermarket shelves, finding the best butter in the UK can feel overwhelming. This guide will explore the different types of butter, what to look for in terms of quality and flavour, and highlight some of the top contenders for the crown of best butter in the UK.
Understanding the Different Types of Butter
Before diving into specific brands, it’s crucial to understand the different categories of butter available. The variations in fat content, production methods, and added ingredients dramatically impact the final product’s taste and texture.
Salted vs. Unsalted Butter
The most basic distinction is between salted and unsalted butter. Salted butter has salt added during the churning process, which acts as a preservative and enhances the flavour. It’s generally preferred for spreading on bread and adding a savoury note to dishes.
Unsalted butter, on the other hand, contains no added salt. This makes it ideal for baking, where the precise amount of salt is crucial for the recipe’s success. Bakers often prefer unsalted butter because it allows them to control the salt content of their creations. Also, the flavour of the butter itself is more pronounced when it is unsalted.
Cultured Butter: A Tangy Delight
Cultured butter, also known as European-style butter, is made by adding bacterial cultures to the cream before churning. These cultures ferment the cream, resulting in a butter with a tangier, more complex flavour. Cultured butter typically has a higher butterfat content than standard butter, contributing to its richer taste and smoother texture. This is a favourite among chefs and serious food enthusiasts who appreciate its nuanced flavour profile.
British Butter: A Focus on Quality
British butter often emphasizes the source of the milk. Butter made from the milk of grass-fed cows, for instance, is highly sought after for its distinctive flavour and golden colour. Many smaller, independent dairies in the UK produce exceptional butter using traditional methods, prioritising quality over quantity.
Organic Butter: Made with Care
Organic butter comes from cows raised on certified organic farms. This means they are fed organic feed, have access to pasture, and are not treated with antibiotics or hormones. Organic butter is often perceived as being healthier and more environmentally friendly.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Butter
Several factors influence the quality and flavour of butter. Paying attention to these details will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best butter for your needs.
Butterfat Content: The Key to Richness
Butterfat content is a primary indicator of butter quality. Legally, butter must contain at least 80% butterfat. However, some butters, particularly cultured butters, can have a butterfat content of 82% or higher. Higher butterfat content translates to a richer, creamier texture and a more intense flavour.
The Source of the Milk: The Cow’s Diet Matters
The diet of the cows significantly impacts the flavour and colour of the butter. Cows that graze on lush, green pastures produce milk with higher levels of beta-carotene, resulting in a butter with a deeper yellow colour and a more complex flavour profile. Butter from grass-fed cows is often considered superior in terms of both taste and nutritional value.
Production Methods: Traditional vs. Modern
Traditional butter-making methods often involve slow churning and careful handling of the cream, which can contribute to a more nuanced flavour. Mass-produced butter, while consistent in quality, may lack the character and depth of flavour found in artisan butters.
Taste and Texture: Personal Preference is Key
Ultimately, the best butter is the one that you enjoy the most. Consider your personal preferences in terms of flavour intensity, saltiness, and texture. Experiment with different brands and types of butter to discover your favourites.
Top Butter Brands in the UK: A Curated Selection
The UK boasts a wide array of excellent butter brands, ranging from well-established names to smaller artisan producers. Here are a few of the top contenders, each offering a unique flavour profile and quality.
ANCHOR Spreadable
Anchor is a very popular brand in the UK, and is known for its consistent taste and quality. It’s a reliable choice for everyday use, and its readily available in most supermarkets across the country. Anchor is a household name for a reason: it delivers a consistent, creamy flavour. The spreadable version is especially convenient for sandwiches and toast.
Wyke Farms Butter
Wyke Farms is a family-run dairy that has been producing cheese and butter for over 150 years. Their butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows and has a rich, creamy flavour. Wyke Farms butter is known for its traditional production methods and commitment to quality.
Yeo Valley Organic Butter
Yeo Valley is a well-known organic dairy brand that produces a range of butter products. Their organic butter is made from the milk of cows that graze on organic pastures, ensuring a pure and natural flavour. Yeo Valley is a popular choice for those seeking organic and sustainable options.
Isigny Sainte-Mère Butter
Though not a UK brand, Isigny Sainte-Mère butter is widely available in the UK and is considered by many to be one of the best butters in the world. It is a French butter made from the milk of cows that graze on the lush pastures of Normandy. This butter has a rich, complex flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. Isigny Sainte-Mère butter is a premium choice for special occasions and gourmet cooking.
Marks & Spencer Butter
Marks & Spencer (M&S) offers a wide variety of butters, including salted, unsalted, and cultured varieties. Their butters are generally well-regarded for their quality and flavour. M&S butter offers a good balance of quality and affordability.
How to Store Butter Properly
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavour of butter. Butter can absorb odours from its surroundings, so it’s important to store it properly wrapped and away from strong-smelling foods.
Refrigeration: The Standard Method
The most common way to store butter is in the refrigerator. Keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odours. Refrigerated butter will typically last for several weeks.
Freezing: For Long-Term Storage
Butter can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn. Frozen butter can last for several months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
Butter Dish: A Convenient Option
A butter dish is a convenient way to keep butter at room temperature for spreading. However, butter stored at room temperature will spoil more quickly, so it’s important to use it within a few days.
The Versatile Uses of Butter in Cooking and Baking
Butter is a fundamental ingredient in countless dishes, adding flavour, richness, and texture. Its versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient in any kitchen.
Baking: The Foundation of Flavour
In baking, butter provides flavour, tenderness, and moisture. It’s used in cakes, cookies, pastries, and many other baked goods. The type of butter used can significantly impact the final result. For example, using cultured butter in a croissant recipe will enhance its flavour and flakiness.
Cooking: Enhancing Savoury Dishes
In cooking, butter is used to sauté vegetables, make sauces, and add richness to soups and stews. Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette, is a classic technique that involves cooking butter until it turns a nutty brown colour, adding a unique depth of flavour to dishes.
Spreading: The Simple Pleasure
Of course, one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to enjoy butter is spread on toast, bread, or crackers. The flavour of the butter shines through when enjoyed simply, making it important to choose a high-quality product.
The Health Aspects of Butter
For many years, butter was demonized as being unhealthy due to its saturated fat content. However, recent research suggests that saturated fat may not be as harmful as previously thought. Butter can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Saturated Fat: A Re-Evaluation
While it’s true that butter is high in saturated fat, some studies have shown that saturated fat does not necessarily increase the risk of heart disease. However, it’s still important to consume saturated fat in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutritional Benefits: Vitamins and Minerals
Butter contains several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, and K2. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been linked to several health benefits.
Moderation is Key: Enjoy Butter Responsibly
As with any food, moderation is key when it comes to butter. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet and be mindful of portion sizes.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Butter
Choosing the best butter in the UK ultimately comes down to personal preference. Consider the different types of butter, the factors that influence quality and flavour, and experiment with different brands to find the ones that you enjoy the most. Whether you prefer a classic salted butter, a tangy cultured butter, or a rich organic butter, there’s a perfect butter out there for you.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best butter in the UK?
When selecting the best butter, consider factors like taste, fat content, and production method. Taste is subjective, but look for descriptions like “creamy,” “tangy,” or “nutty” to guide your preference. Fat content impacts richness and mouthfeel; higher fat butters are generally considered more luxurious. Consider whether you prefer salted or unsalted, and if organic or grass-fed is important to you.
Furthermore, think about the butter’s intended use. For baking, a consistent fat content is crucial, and unsalted butter is often preferred to control salt levels in the recipe. For spreading on bread, flavour becomes paramount, and a cultured or artisan butter might be the best choice. Price is also a factor, as artisan butters tend to be more expensive than standard supermarket varieties.
What is the difference between salted and unsalted butter?
Salted butter has salt added during its production, typically to enhance flavour and extend its shelf life. The amount of salt can vary significantly between brands, which affects the overall taste. Salted butter is often used for general cooking and spreading on bread, providing a subtle salty taste.
Unsalted butter, conversely, contains no added salt. This makes it ideal for baking, where precise control over salt levels is essential for achieving the desired outcome in recipes. It also allows the pure, unadulterated flavour of the butter to shine through, making it a good choice for recipes where butter is the star ingredient.
What are cultured butters, and why are they considered special?
Cultured butter, also known as European-style butter, is made by adding live bacterial cultures to the cream before churning. These cultures ferment the cream, imparting a tangy, complex flavour profile that distinguishes it from regular butter. The fermentation process also often results in a higher butterfat content.
The increased butterfat and tangy flavour of cultured butter contribute to a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel and a more pronounced buttery taste. This makes it a favourite among chefs and food enthusiasts, particularly for spreading on bread, using in sauces, and in recipes where the butter flavour is intended to be prominent.
What does “grass-fed” mean when referring to butter?
“Grass-fed” indicates that the cows producing the milk used to make the butter primarily graze on grass. This diet is believed to impact the nutritional profile of the milk and, consequently, the butter. Grass-fed butter often boasts a richer flavour and deeper yellow colour.
Proponents of grass-fed butter claim it contains higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). While the nutritional differences can be subtle, some believe these contribute to improved health. Ultimately, whether grass-fed butter is superior is a matter of personal preference and dietary priorities.
Are there any regional UK butters that are particularly noteworthy?
Yes, several regions in the UK are known for producing exceptional butter. Cornish butter, for example, is famous for its rich, creamy texture and slightly salty flavour, thanks to the high-quality milk from Cornish cows. Welsh butter is also highly regarded, often featuring a distinctive golden colour and smooth consistency.
Other notable regional butters include those from Scotland and Northern Ireland, each with its own unique characteristics based on local dairy farming practices and the specific breeds of cows used. Exploring regional butters offers a chance to discover diverse flavour profiles and support local producers.
How does butterfat content affect the quality and taste of butter?
Butterfat content, also known as milk fat, significantly influences the quality and taste of butter. Higher butterfat content, typically found in European-style butters, results in a richer, creamier texture and a more pronounced buttery flavour. It also improves the butter’s melting properties and overall mouthfeel.
Butter with lower fat content can feel less luxurious and may not perform as well in certain cooking applications. In general, the higher the butterfat, the more premium the butter is considered. EU regulations stipulate a minimum butterfat content of 82%, but many artisan butters exceed this.
How should I store butter to maintain its quality and flavour?
To preserve butter’s quality and flavour, store it properly. In the refrigerator, keep it in its original packaging or an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odours from other foods. Storing it in the butter compartment on the refrigerator door is not ideal, as temperatures fluctuate more there.
For longer storage, butter can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to use, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. While freezing can slightly alter the texture, it’s a good option for preserving butter for several months.