KERRYGOLD, NATURALLY SOFTER PURE IRISH BUTTER scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high saturated fat content. KERRYGOLD butter is a processed culinary ingredient.
KERRYGOLD butter receives a FoodScore of 42/100 (Poor).
This product is classified as NOVA 2, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient.
A 100g serving contains 50g of saturated fat, a significant nutritional concern.
It contains 464.29mg of sodium per 100g, which contributes to its score.
Use in moderation due to its high fat and calorie density.
Scores +9 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
464.29mg
20% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (50g)-15
Sodium (464.3mg)-1
Why it scores 42
KERRYGOLD, NATURALLY SOFTER PURE IRISH BUTTER achieves a FoodScore of 42 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its macronutrient profile. The product contains a substantial 50g of saturated fat per 100g, which incurs a significant penalty in the FoodScore algorithm, reflecting dietary guidelines that recommend limiting intake of saturated fats. While it receives a bonus for being minimally processed (NOVA 2), indicating it's a processed culinary ingredient rather than an ultra-processed food, this is not enough to offset the high saturated fat content. The ingredient list, featuring only pasteurized cream and salt, is straightforward. However, the 464.29mg of sodium per 100g also contributes a minor penalty. Compared to generic butter, KERRYGOLD's nutritional profile is similar, with both being high in saturated fat and calories, and lacking in protein, fiber, and most micronutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kerrygold, naturally softer pure irish butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fat
KERRYGOLD butter is a concentrated source of dietary fat, providing 78.57g of total fat per 100g. Fats are essential for energy storage, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and hormone production. While high in saturated fat, the overall fat content can contribute to satiety and provide a caloric boost, which may be beneficial for individuals with high energy needs or those looking to increase calorie intake in a controlled manner.
Flavor and Culinary Functionality
As a culinary ingredient, KERRYGOLD butter offers distinct flavor and texture to dishes. Its composition, primarily from pasteurized cream, makes it effective for cooking applications such as sautéing, baking, and creating sauces. The fat content helps carry flavors and provides richness, enhancing the palatability of meals. This functionality can make healthy foods more enjoyable, potentially encouraging consumption of nutrient-dense ingredients when used judiciously.
Minimally Processed Ingredient
This butter is classified as a NOVA 2 food, meaning it is a processed culinary ingredient. This classification indicates that it has undergone minimal processing, primarily to extract a food substance from a whole food (cream from milk) and make it suitable for cooking. Products in this category are generally preferred over ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4) as they contain fewer additives and retain more of their original food matrix characteristics, offering a more straightforward nutritional profile.
KERRYGOLD, NATURALLY SOFTER PURE IRISH BUTTER scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high saturated fat content. KERRYGOLD butter is a processed culinary ingredient.
How to eat it
KERRYGOLD butter is typically used as a spread on toast or baked goods, or as a cooking fat for sautéing, baking, and finishing dishes. A common serving size is 1 tablespoon, which is calorie-dense. Due to its high fat content, moderation is key for most dietary patterns.
Use KERRYGOLD butter sparingly as a spread; consider pairing with whole-grain toast or vegetables to add flavor without excessive intake.
When cooking, measure your portions of butter to avoid overconsumption, especially when preparing dishes that already contain other sources of fat.
Consider using butter for flavor in dishes where it truly shines, rather than as a default cooking oil, to manage saturated fat intake.
For baking, butter can be an integral ingredient, but be mindful of the overall fat content of the recipe and consider reducing other fats if possible.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution with KERRYGOLD butter is its high saturated fat content (50g per 100g). Excessive intake of saturated fat is associated with increased LDL cholesterol levels, which can be a concern for cardiovascular health. Individuals advised to limit saturated fat in their diet should consume this product in very small portions. The product contains dairy (pasteurized cream), so it is unsuitable for individuals with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. The sodium content (464.29mg per 100g) is moderate, but those on sodium-restricted diets should account for it when using this butter.
Is KERRYGOLD, NATURALLY SOFTER PURE IRISH BUTTER healthy?
KERRYGOLD butter scores 42/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high saturated fat content. While it is minimally processed and contains only two ingredients, its nutritional profile is very calorie-dense and lacks beneficial micronutrients, protein, and fiber. It is best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does KERRYGOLD butter compare to other butters or spreads?
Compared to generic butter, KERRYGOLD butter has a similar nutritional profile, being high in saturated fat and calories. When compared to spreads like margarine (e.g., Country Crock), KERRYGOLD contains no trans fats, which is a benefit. However, some margarines may have lower saturated fat or include beneficial unsaturated fats, depending on their formulation. Olive oil, for instance, offers a significantly different fat profile with mostly monounsaturated fats.
What does 'Naturally Softer' mean for KERRYGOLD butter?
The 'Naturally Softer' claim for KERRYGOLD butter refers to its texture at room temperature. This characteristic is often attributed to the diet of the cows, which graze on grass, potentially influencing the fatty acid composition of the milk and thus the butter. Nutritionally, this doesn't significantly alter the calorie or saturated fat content compared to harder butters, but it can make it easier to spread.
What is a reasonable portion size for KERRYGOLD butter?
A reasonable portion size for KERRYGOLD butter is typically 1 tablespoon (approximately 14g). This amount provides a significant number of calories and saturated fat, so it's important to be mindful of how often and how much you use it, especially if you are managing your calorie or fat intake. For many, using even less, such as a teaspoon, might be appropriate for flavor.
Can KERRYGOLD butter be used for high-heat cooking?
Yes, KERRYGOLD butter can be used for high-heat cooking, but it has a relatively low smoke point compared to some other cooking fats like avocado oil or ghee. The milk solids in butter can burn at higher temperatures, leading to a browned flavor. For very high-heat applications, clarifying the butter into ghee (which removes milk solids) can raise its smoke point.