The Difference Between Butter And Margarine

Ingredients like butter and margarine may seem like the same thing to budding chefs, but if you really want to learn how to cook, it’s important to understand why one may be called for in a recipe over another. Take a look at these cooking basics before you head back into the kitchen:

Butter
Butter is a dairy product that is created when cream rises to the top of fresh milk. When this substance is churned, a subsequent chemical reaction causes the cream to form butter solids. When derived from certified raw cream, butter is a great source of nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K. According to Better Homes and Gardens, butter is perfect for baking because it adds rich texture and added flavor to pastries and cookies.

Margarine
Margarine is a non-dairy spread that is made from refined vegetable oil. According to Fit Day, in the cooking process, hydrogen is bubbled through the oil at a high temperature, which saturates some of the natural chemical bonds and creates a solid product at when cooled. Margarine has lower levels of saturated fat than butter, and also does not contain cholesterol. Different varieties will have unique flavor profiles, so many people prefer to spread margarine on their morning toast over butter. However, because of the obvious differences between the two, it is not recommended to substitute margarine for butter in recipes.