Spread
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What it is
A spread is a soft, viscous food substance that is solid at room temperature but spreads easily. It is typically made from a combination of fats, oils, and other ingredients like sweeteners, flavorings, and emulsifiers. Common bases include vegetable oils, butter, or nut butters.
Why it's used
Spreads are used to add flavor, moisture, and richness to foods. They can also act as binders or emulsifiers in baked goods and confectionery. Spreads are commonly found in products like chocolate spreads, peanut butter, margarine, and cream cheese.
Health notes
In the US, many common spread ingredients are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, or approved as food additives. For example, vegetable oils and fats used in spreads are common food components. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many common spread ingredients. Evidence on the health effects of specific spread formulations is often tied to the overall nutritional profile, particularly fat and sugar content.
Allergen info
Spreads can be derived from major allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, or soy, depending on their specific ingredients. Always check the product label for allergen information. Gluten is not typically a primary component of spreads themselves, but may be present in the food they are paired with.
Products containing Spread
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Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Garlic Bread Sticks, Garlic
320kcal
8Protein
10Fat
46Carbs
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Five Cheese Garlic With Real Crushed Garlic And Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago And Smoked Provolone Cheese Bread, Five Cheese Garlic
321kcal
10.7Protein
12.5Fat
39.3Carbs
Unilever Bestfoods North America
Skippy, Peanut Butter Spread With Honey
625kcal
18.8Protein
50Fat
28.1Carbs
The Kroger Co.
Hazelnut Spread With Breadsticks
High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving
481kcal
9.6Protein
21.1Fat
63.5Carbs
Giant Eagle, Inc.
Garlic Bread Sticks, Garlic
320kcal
8Protein
12Fat
46Carbs
123 CHA-CHA -CHA CORP
Jamaican Style Beef Empanadas Beef With Jamaican Style Seasoning, Jamaican Style Beef Empanadas
High in sodium — 21% DV per serving
High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving
250kcal
6.2Protein
8.8Fat
36.2Carbs
Rouse's Enterprises, Inc.
Creamy Hazelnut Spread With Dipping Breadsticks, Creamy Hazelnut
High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving
High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving
481kcal
9.6Protein
21.1Fat
63.5Carbs
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Garlicknots
342kcal
7.9Protein
11.8Fat
47.4Carbs