KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high content of saturated fat, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional evaluation.
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER received a FoodScore of 43/100.
This product is classified as NOVA 2, indicating it is a minimally processed culinary ingredient.
The primary nutritional concern is its high saturated fat content, at 50g per 100g.
Compared to generic butter, this SKU has a similar nutritional profile.
Use in moderation to manage intake of saturated fat.
Scores +10 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
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (50g)-15
Why it scores 43
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER achieves a FoodScore of 43 out of 100, placing it in the Poor category. This score is largely influenced by its macronutrient composition, particularly its fat content. Per 100g, this butter contains 85.71g of total fat, with a substantial 50g of that being saturated fat. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat intake, and this high amount incurs a significant penalty of -15 points in the FoodScore calculation. While the product is free from added sugars, trans fat, and sodium, and contains no protein or fiber, these absences do not offset the impact of the saturated fat. The ingredient list, consisting solely of "CULTURED PASTEURIZED CREAM," indicates a minimally processed product, earning a bonus of +8 points. However, this bonus is not enough to elevate the overall score significantly. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent like unsalted butter, KERRYGOLD butter has a very similar nutritional profile, with the high saturated fat content being the dominant factor in its FoodScore.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kerrygold unsalted pure irish butter, unsalted actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fat
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER is a concentrated source of dietary fat, providing 85.71g of total fat per 100g. While high in saturated fat, fats are essential for energy storage, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and cellular function. Including a small amount of fat in meals can help with satiety and flavor, contributing to a more satisfying eating experience.
Minimally Processed Ingredient
With only one ingredient, "CULTURED PASTEURIZED CREAM," KERRYGOLD butter is classified as a NOVA 2 food, indicating it is a processed culinary ingredient. This means it has undergone minimal processing to transform a raw ingredient into a form suitable for cooking and baking, without the addition of numerous additives, preservatives, or artificial components. This aligns with dietary recommendations to favor less processed foods.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient
Butter, including KERRYGOLD, is a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking, contributing flavor and texture to a wide array of dishes. Its fat content helps with browning, tenderizing baked goods, and creating rich sauces. Using butter can enhance the palatability of vegetables and other healthy foods, potentially encouraging greater consumption of nutrient-dense ingredients when used judiciously.
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high content of saturated fat, which significantly impacts its overall nutritional evaluation.
How to eat it
Butter is commonly used as a spread, in cooking for sautéing or frying, and as an ingredient in baking. A typical serving size is 1 tablespoon, which provides a concentrated amount of fat. It's important to be mindful of portion sizes due to its caloric density.
Use KERRYGOLD butter to sauté vegetables or lean proteins, adding flavor while being mindful of the amount used.
Spread a thin layer on whole-grain toast or crackers, pairing it with avocado or nut butter for additional nutrients.
In baking, consider recipes that use butter in moderation, or balance with other fats like olive oil in savory dishes.
For flavor, a small pat of butter can finish dishes like steamed vegetables or grilled fish, enhancing taste without excessive intake.
Things to keep in mind
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER contains cultured pasteurized cream, meaning it is a dairy product and therefore contains milk. Individuals with a milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance should avoid this product. For most consumers, the primary caution with butter is its high content of saturated fat (50g per 100g). While not an additive, excessive intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There are no other specific additives or ingredients in this product that typically raise concerns for the general population, making it a relatively straightforward food choice from an ingredient perspective, aside from its fat profile.
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER scores 43/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it is a minimally processed food with a simple ingredient list, its high saturated fat content is the primary factor contributing to its lower score. It's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does KERRYGOLD butter compare to other butter brands?
KERRYGOLD UNSALTED PURE IRISH BUTTER has a nutritional profile very similar to other standard unsalted butter brands, such as Land O'Lakes Unsalted Butter. The main nutritional characteristic across most butter products is their high fat content, particularly saturated fat. Differences often lie in flavor profiles, which are subjective.
What does 'cultured pasteurized cream' mean in the ingredient list?
The ingredient 'cultured pasteurized cream' means that the cream has been pasteurized (heated to kill bacteria) and then fermented with beneficial bacteria cultures. This culturing process contributes to the butter's flavor profile, often described as slightly tangy or more complex than uncultured butter.
What is a recommended portion size for butter?
A typical serving size for butter is 1 tablespoon (approximately 14g). This amount provides a significant portion of daily fat intake, especially saturated fat. For nutritional balance, it is advisable to use butter sparingly and consider it as a flavor enhancer rather than a primary food source.
Can KERRYGOLD butter be used for high-heat cooking?
Butter has a relatively low smoke point compared to some other cooking oils, typically around 302-350°F (150-177°C). While it can be used for sautéing or baking, for very high-heat cooking methods like searing, oils with higher smoke points such as avocado oil or refined olive oil might be more suitable to prevent burning and preserve flavor.