Over recent months, butter prices have climbed to record highs – and then broken those records repeatedly. The surge in butter prices is due to a variety of factors, such as general inflation, strong domestic demand, and H5N1 flu outbreaks among cattle putting a throttle on supply. Butter costs are so high that they were even skewered in a story line in season 3 of the Emmy-winning series The Bear. As this pressure is bearing down on real-world restaurateurs, liquid butter alternatives are gaining traction as a cost-saving solution. Here are three key things to consider when choosing the best butter alternative.
Inspect ingredients
What makes a good butter alternative is subjective, but no one knows your restaurant’s needs better than you do. Take a look at the ingredients and consider how they will perform in your kitchen and on your menu. Do you want to focus on formulas that contain butter, or would a plant-based recipe that is suitable for vegetarians and vegans be more versatile? Consider how your back-of-house team will use the product. High-heat applications like pan-frying benefit from the high heat stability of a soybean oil-based formula. Lean in to your experience and expertise to determine which butter alternatives will work best for your operation.
Plan for prep
In thinking about how you will be using your butter alternative, also evaluate the prep time required. Is it ready-to-use, or does it need more preparation before use? Is a solid or liquid format more suited to your kitchen workflow? Pre-salted options can streamline your process, while unsalted varieties offer greater control over sodium levels. Consider how this will add to – or reduce – your team’s prep workload.
Test for taste
As with any ingredient, the proof is in the performance. Reading labels and descriptions can be helpful in narrowing down the field, but there is no substitute for a real taste test. Ask your broker or supplier for a sample or demo, and put that butter alternative through its paces. How do they perform in your signature dishes? Assess factors like visual appeal on the plate, mouthfeel, and overall flavor contribution. Established butter alternative brands have been around for decades, and innovative newcomers may surprise you with their clean flavors and pleasing textures. You won’t know which you prefer without a proper taste test.
Choosing the right liquid butter alternative
At Catania Oils, we know our liquid butter alternative hits all the marks. Our blend of soybean, palm, and extra virgin olive oil is stable at high heats and pleasantly creamy at room temperature, with just the right amount of sea salt mixed in. It’s ready to use straight from the bottle, ideal for serving alongside freshly cracked lobster, but also excellent for pan-frying or griddle applications like pancakes and french toast. Contact Catania Oils today to learn more about sampling our liquid butter alternative. Discover how you can enhance your menu offerings while potentially reducing your butter costs.
