LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT scores 21/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat content.
FoodScore: 21/100 (Avoid) due to its nutritional profile and processing.
Contains 14.29g of saturated fat per 100g, contributing significantly to penalties.
Classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Provides a notable 397% DV of Vitamin A per 100g.
Use in moderation as a spread or for light cooking, considering its fat and sodium.
Scores -12 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
714.29mg
31% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (14.3g)-15
Sodium (714.3mg)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 21
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT receives a FoodScore of 21 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by several factors. The product contains 14.29g of saturated fat per 100g, which incurs a significant penalty of -15 points. Its sodium content of 714.29mg per 100g also contributes a -3 point penalty. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food results in a -10 point penalty, with an additional -3 points for being a concentrated ultra-processed fat. While the product does offer a bonus of +2 points for its high Vitamin A content (397% DV), this is not enough to offset the substantial penalties. Ingredients like vegetable mono & diglycerides and polyglycerol polyricinaleate (PGPR) are common in ultra-processed spreads to achieve desired texture and stability. Compared to generic butter, which is typically less processed, this LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS product contains added water and oils, altering its nutritional density and processing level.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in lucerne dairy farms butter spread with canola oil, light actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This product is a significant source of Vitamin A, providing 397% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. While this spread contributes a substantial amount of Vitamin A, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the product.
Lower Saturated Fat than Butter
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT is formulated with canola oil and water, which results in a lower saturated fat content compared to traditional butter. Per 100g, it contains 14.29g of saturated fat, which is less than the typical 50-60g found in 100g of pure butter. This can be a consideration for individuals aiming to reduce their intake of saturated fats as part of a balanced diet, provided overall consumption is moderate.
Convenient Spreading Texture
The inclusion of canola oil and other emulsifiers like vegetable mono & diglycerides gives this product a softer, more spreadable texture directly from the refrigerator compared to solid butter. This can be a practical benefit for consumers seeking convenience in daily use, such as spreading on toast or sandwiches without waiting for the product to soften. Its consistency makes it easy to incorporate into various meal preparations.
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT scores 21/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat content.
How to eat it
Butter spreads like LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT are typically used as a condiment or cooking fat. They are commonly spread on toast, bagels, or used in light sautéing. A typical serving is 1 tablespoon, which is a small portion of the overall fat and sodium in the product.
Use this spread sparingly on whole-grain toast or crackers to add flavor without excessive fat intake.
Consider pairing with foods rich in fiber and protein, such as avocado or eggs, to create a more nutritionally balanced meal.
When cooking, use this spread for light sautéing or finishing dishes, rather than as a primary cooking oil for high-heat applications.
For baking, be aware that the water content in this spread differs from butter, which may affect recipe outcomes; it's best for recipes specifically calling for a light butter spread.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains milk solids, which is an allergen for individuals with dairy allergies. While the product is designed to be a lighter alternative, its sodium content of 714.29mg per 100g is relatively high, and individuals monitoring their sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes. The presence of potassium sorbate as a preservative helps maintain shelf life. As an ultra-processed food, it contains several ingredients that contribute to its texture and stability, such as polyglycerol polyricinaleate (PGPR), which may be a consideration for those aiming to reduce their intake of highly processed ingredients.
Is LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT healthy?
LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT scores 21/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. While it provides Vitamin A, its high saturated fat and sodium content, along with its ultra-processed nature, mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best consumed in moderation.
How does LUCERNE DAIRY FARMS BUTTER SPREAD WITH CANOLA OIL, LIGHT compare to generic butter?
This product has a lower saturated fat content than generic butter due to the inclusion of canola oil and water. However, it is also more processed, classified as NOVA class 4, whereas generic butter is typically NOVA class 3. For example, a similar product like Land O'Lakes Butter with Canola Oil also aims for a lower saturated fat profile than traditional butter.
What is polyglycerol polyricinaleate (PGPR) in this spread?
Polyglycerol polyricinaleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier used in this spread. It helps to stabilize the mixture of oil and water, contributing to the product's smooth and spreadable texture. It is a common food additive in many processed food products, particularly those with a fat and water emulsion.
What is a reasonable portion size for this butter spread?
A reasonable portion size is 1 tablespoon (approximately 14g). This amount provides a smaller contribution to your daily fat and sodium intake compared to larger servings. Being mindful of this small serving size is important for managing overall nutrient intake.
Can I use this spread for all my cooking needs?
While this spread can be used for some cooking applications, its composition with water and canola oil means it may not perform identically to pure butter in all recipes. It is generally suitable for light sautéing or spreading, but for baking or high-heat cooking, traditional butter or other oils might be more appropriate depending on the recipe requirements.