Ingredient

Buttercream

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use buttercream as a sweet, flavorful topping and filling for cakes, cupcakes, and …

What it is

Buttercream is a type of frosting or filling made primarily from butter and powdered sugar. It often includes other ingredients like milk or cream, vanilla extract, and sometimes egg whites for added richness and flavor. The mixture is beaten until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use buttercream as a sweet, flavorful topping and filling for cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. Its creamy texture and ability to hold shapes make it ideal for decorating. It adds sweetness and richness to baked goods, enhancing their overall taste and appeal.

Health notes

Buttercream is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is primarily composed of sugar and fat, and like all foods high in these components, excessive consumption can contribute to calorie intake. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated the components of buttercream, such as sugar and fats, in various contexts. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects from typical consumption as part of a balanced diet.

Allergen info

Buttercream is derived from milk, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Buttercream

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Charles River Media Jumbo White Patriotic Cupcake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 415kcal 1.4Protein 23.2Fat 50.7Carbs Cybercycle, Inc. Classic Victoria Sponge Cake, Classic Victoria Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 408kcal 4.0Protein 21.1Fat 51.3Carbs Jerry's Enterprises Inc. White/Chocolate Buttercreme Cupcakes, White/Cho Cho Olate Buttercreme Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 23% DV per serving 362kcal 3.5Protein 19.0Fat 48.3Carbs Spinach & Feta Cheese-Stuffed Chicken With Green Beans & Mayer Lemon Butter, Spinach & Feta Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Publix Super Markets, Inc. Spinach & Feta Cheese-Stuffed Chicken With Green Beans & Mayer Lemon Butter, Spinach & Feta Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Other Deli High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 58% DV per serving 141kcal 13.5Protein 8.2Fat 3.2Carbs Byerly Foods International Hot Cross Buns, Hot Breads & Buns 209kcal 3.0Protein 3.0Fat 41.8Carbs Jerry's Enterprises Inc. Buttercream Single White Cake, Buttercream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 424kcal 2.5Protein 21.2Fat 74.6Carbs Jerry's Enterprises Inc. White Buttercream / Sprinkles Sheet Marble Cake, White Buttercream / Sprinkles Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 434kcal 3.0Protein 22.2Fat 57.6Carbs Jerry's Enterprises Inc. White Buttercream Chocolate Cake, White Buttercream Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 434kcal 3.0Protein 23.2Fat 56.6Carbs HP Hood LLC Pecan Turtle Trail Butter Pecan Flavored Frozen Dairy Dessert With Caramel Swirls, Pecans And Caramel Filled Chocolate Turtles, Pecan Turtle Trail Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 205kcal 3.4Protein 6.8Fat 33.0Carbs Upstairs Software Inc. Praline Frosted Pecans, Praline Frosted Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 633kcal 6.7Protein 20Fat 43.3Carbs Schnuck Markets, Inc. Asparagus & Mashed Potatoes Pork Tenderloin Meal, Asparagus & Mashed Potatoes Other Deli High in sodium — 41% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 165% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 70% DV per serving 209kcal 11.5Protein 16.5Fat 3.2Carbs Turkey Hill Dairy Inc. Party Cake Premium Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 241kcal 3.5Protein 11.5Fat 31.0Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.