Vegan butter
Description
Vegan butter is a plant-based alternative to cow's butter with a creamy, smooth consistency and a color ranging from light beige to pale yellow. The taste can be neutrally buttery with a subtle hint of the oil used (e.g., olive, rapeseed, or coconut), and the aroma often resembles traditional butter due to flavor additives. It looks and behaves similarly to conventional butter, although it may be slightly softer at room temperature. Nutritionally, vegan butters provide plant fats and are free from cholesterol and lactose, making them suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Many products are fortified with vitamins (B12, D) and contain more unsaturated fatty acids than dairy butter; however, it's important to read labels due to the content of saturated fats (e.g., in coconut-based products) as well as salt and additives. In the kitchen, it works well as a spread, for baking, frying over moderate heat, for sauces, and finishing dishes, replacing butter 1:1 in most recipes—some versions with a higher smoke point are better suited for frying. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container; after opening, use within the date indicated on the label, and for longer storage, it can be frozen, with softening at room temperature being acceptable before use.
