Many shoppers go to Aldi for great bargains on groceries. However, they might want to consider buying butter somewhere else. For one thing, Aldi’s butter isn’t much of a bargain, not with the current rise in butter prices. Also, Aldi used to supply Kerrygold butter, one of the most popular versions in the U.S. But now they stock the inferior Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter. So you may as well cut costs on other foods and buy a high-quality butter brand at another store. [1]
From Ireland to Aldi
Food bloggers have rated Ireland’s Kerrygold higher than other brands due to its rich flavor and texture. European butter is considered superior to American butter because of its fat content. European butter has 82% butterfat, while American versions have 80%. That 2% may seem insignificant, but it means that American butter has a higher water content, which creates a dulled flavor and texture. [2]
Pure Irish butter is a subtype of European butter known for its sunny, golden color and creamy taste. It’s no wonder that Irish butter has the reputation to spread more easily, making it ideal for baked goods like flaky pie crusts and biscuits. Many experts attribute this famous yellow hue to the Irish cows producing milk with higher levels of beta carotene because of their diet of lush pastures. Beta carotene has a bright orange-ish pigment, and it appears in many types of flowers, grass, and plants, as well as vegetables like carrots and peppers.
The wet Irish climate nourishes the soil and produces vibrant green grass with higher levels of this nutrient, which cows consume and then transfer into their milk—no artificial colors required. Grass is also high in omega 3, an unsaturated fat that helps the butter stay spreadable even when chilled. [3]
In contrast, American brands look pale, perhaps because most of their creameries get milk from grain-fed cows instead of grass-fed. Corn, a main ingredient in U.S. cow feeds, contains low amounts of beta-carotene. But some companies add this nutrient manually to their butter, so if you see beta carotene on the label, it’s a good sign the product is artificially colored.
But not all European butter is Irish butter. The manufacturing process varies and leads to unique results. Differing factors include the breeds of cows, the churning method, and the climate of the environment. This can affect the color, flavor, acidity, and texture of the products. Additionally, European butter is usually unsalted and cultured, and the opposite is the case for Irish butter, and the color may not be as vibrant as Ireland’s trademark yellow. However, many brands use artificial coloring to mimic the appetizing hue.
So you might be wondering about Aldi’s new butter brand. Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter also comes from Ireland, but it contains only 80% butterfat. Some reviewers say it tastes similar to Kerrygold and is a good substitute but some aficionados insist there is no good substitute.
More Butter Brands to Try
If you are looking for butter brands outside of Aldi, there’s a whole world beyond Kerrygold for you to try. Whether you like butter on toast, baked potatoes, or homemade baked goods,
you can experiment with these brands reviewed and recommended by experts and food bloggers:
Land O Lakes – This is a good everyday butter that’s creamy with a slight flavor of salt. The lower salt content might be ideal for baking and cooking if you are concerned about over-seasoning.
Vital Farms Salted Butter – This company uses dairy from family-owned farms with free-grazing, grass-fed cows. The product also contains 85% butterfat.
Challenge Butter – Taste of Home recommends this brand as a budget-friendly option, especially for those who bake in large batches. [4]
Churn Butter – This brand is known for its variety of flavored butters like garlic, shallots, and balsamic. It is also free of GMOs and hormones, and the cows are grass-fed. [5]
Anchor – This butter has a subtle, versatile taste that won’t overpower the foods its paired with.
Lurpak – It’s spreadable when chilled, with a strong but delicate flavor. [6]
Vermont Cultured Salted Butter – This butter has noticeable tangy and salty taste, so it’s best enjoyed on foods where it can shine.
Collier’s Welsh Butter – This bright yellow product is slightly sweet and salty with a pleasant buttery aftertaste.
Échiré – This elegant brand is popular among chefs and French butter aficionados. It works well with other flavors and on its own. [7]
