Butter is a dairy product made from separating whole milk into fat and buttermilk. It’s high in saturated fat so it should be used sparingly. There is a wide variety of vegetable based spreads to choose from that are made from liquid vegetable oils and are high in polyunsaturated fat.
How to store
How to store butter or spread
Butter or spread should be kept in the fridge in a resealable container or packaging.
Freezing butter or spread
You can freeze butter or spread in small chunks for up to 3 months.
Butter or spread top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: You can freeze butter or spread in small cubes or in an ice-cube tray.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Add cubes of frozen butter or spread directly to your cooking. Butter can also be defrosted in the microwave - use a defrost or low
Be fabulous with leftovers
Why not try making flavoured butter with leftover garlic, fresh herbs or spices? Once made, freeze in ice cube trays and use the cubes to add to cooking or defrost when needed.
Old butter and spread tubs are great containers for freezing leftovers!
Valuing your Butter or spread beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Vegetable spread contains polyunsaturated fats (Omega 3 & 6) which the body needs for brain function and cell growth.
- Butter is high in saturated fats which can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This could increase your risk of developing heart disease so butter should be used sparingly.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Butter or spread
This recipe is great for when you find those stale slices of bread left at the end of the loaf.
![Small ramekins of soft bread and butter pudding topped with berries](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-05/bread_and_butter_pudding_1120442708.jpg.webp?itok=iFOw8iST)
Comfort food at its best by award-winning chef Neil Forbes of Café St Honore in Edinburgh.
![two slices of crisp toasted bread topped with sliced mushrooms](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-05/mushrooms_and_tarragon_buttery_toast_1669872601.jpg.webp?itok=o1kxRr8w)
Chilling in the fridge rather than baking in the oven is the key to this simple yet spectacular fruity, nutty deliciousness which pleases nearly everyone and is great for entertaining.
![Portions of chocolatey biscuit cake dotted with walnuts and blueberries](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_two_column_sm/public/2022-06/chocolate-walnut-and-blueberry-biscuit-cake-126284903_adobe_express.png.webp?itok=syYT5qN8)