Butter
What is Butter?
Butter is a dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk. This process separates the butterfat from the buttermilk. It is primarily composed of butterfat, water, and milk solids.
Is Butter vegan?
No. Butter is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.
Is Butter a major allergen?
Butter is derived from milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA.
What is Butter used for?
Butter is widely used in cooking and baking for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and ability to add moisture and tenderness to foods.
Is Butter safe?
Butter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices.
Why it's used
Butter is widely used in cooking and baking for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and ability to add moisture and tenderness to foods. It functions as a fat, flavor enhancer, and emulsifier in products like baked goods, sauces, and spreads.
Health notes
Butter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used according to good manufacturing practices. It is high in saturated fat, and the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. As a traditional food, butter is not typically evaluated by JECFA or EFSA in the same way as food additives, and no specific ADI has been set for it.
Allergen info
Butter is derived from milk, which is one of the nine major food allergens identified by the FDA. Individuals with a milk allergy should avoid butter.
Foods that contain Butter
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