The Best Grocery Store Butter: Top Picks for 2025

Butter—it’s a staple in every kitchen, a cornerstone of both baking and cooking. But with so many options lining the shelves of your local grocery store, how do you know which one to pick? As someone who’s spent countless hours experimenting with different brands and types, I’m here to share my top picks for the best grocery store butter. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of cookies or sautéing vegetables, there’s a butter out there that’s perfect for you.

Growing up, my mom always insisted on using a specific brand of butter for her famous pie crusts. It wasn’t until I moved to Nashville and started exploring the local food scene that I realized just how much variety there is. From European-style butters to grass-fed options, the world of butter is vast and delicious. So, let’s dive in and find the best butter for your needs.

What Makes a Great Butter?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about what makes a great butter. For starters, it’s all about the fat content. European-style butters typically have a higher fat content, which makes them richer and creamier. Then there’s the matter of flavor; some butters have a more pronounced taste, while others are milder. Finally, consider the source—grass-fed cows tend to produce creamier, more flavorful butter.

Fat Content: The Higher, the Better?

When it comes to fat content, more isn’t always better. Higher fat content means the butter will be richer and creamier, but it also means it will be more expensive. For everyday use, a standard butter with around 80% fat content is usually sufficient. But for special occasions or specific recipes, splurging on a higher fat content butter can make a world of difference.

Flavor Profiles: From Mild to Robust

The flavor of butter can vary widely depending on the diet of the cows and the manufacturing process. Grass-fed butter tends to have a more complex, richer flavor, while grain-fed butter is often milder. European-style butters are known for their robust flavors, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Source Matters: Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed

The diet of the cows can significantly impact the quality and flavor of the butter. Grass-fed butter is generally considered superior due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grain-fed butter, on the other hand, is more common and often less expensive.

Top Picks for the Best Grocery Store Butter

1. Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter

Kerrygold is a household name for a reason. This Irish butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows, giving it a rich, creamy flavor that’s hard to beat. With an 82% fat content, it’s perfect for both baking and cooking. I’ve used Kerrygold in everything from croissants to scrambled eggs, and it never disappoints. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the versatility and consistency Kerrygold offers.

2. Plugrá European-Style Butter

Plugrá is another favorite among bakers and chefs. With an 82% fat content, it has a lower moisture content than standard American butters, making it ideal for laminated doughs and flaky pastries. The flavor is mild but delightful, allowing the other ingredients in your recipe to shine. I’m torn between Kerrygold and Plugrá for baking, but ultimately, Plugrá’s consistency makes it a go-to for pastries.

3. Land O Lakes Butter

Land O Lakes is a classic American butter that’s widely available and reasonably priced. With an 80% fat content, it’s a solid choice for everyday use. The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, making it a good all-purpose butter. Maybe I should clarify that while it might not have the richness of European-style butters, it’s a reliable option for most cooking and baking needs.

4. Organic Valley Pasture Butter

Organic Valley’s Pasture Butter is a standout in the organic category. Made from the milk of pasture-raised cows, it has a rich, creamy flavor that’s perfect for spreading on bread or using in recipes. With an 84% fat content, it’s one of the richest butters on the market. I love using it in recipes where the butter flavor really needs to shine, like shortbread cookies or compound butters.

5. President Unsalted Butter

President is a French butter that’s known for its creamy texture and mild flavor. With an 82% fat content, it’s another great option for baking and cooking. I find that it works particularly well in sauces and sautés, where its mild flavor complements rather than overpowers the other ingredients. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality is worth it.

6. Cabot Creamery Butter

Cabot Creamery is a co-op owned by farm families, and their butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows. With an 80% fat content, it has a rich, creamy flavor that’s perfect for both cooking and baking. I appreciate that it’s a bit more affordable than some of the other grass-fed options, making it a great everyday butter.

7. Challenge Butter

Challenge Butter is a California-based brand that’s been around since 1911. Their butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows and has an 80% fat content. The flavor is rich and creamy, making it a versatile option for both cooking and baking. I’ve found that it works particularly well in baked goods where you want a pronounced butter flavor, like scones or biscuits.

8. Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter

Vermont Creamery’s Cultured Butter is a bit different from the others on this list. It’s made using a traditional European method that involves culturing the cream before churning, which gives it a tangy, complex flavor. With an 82% fat content, it’s perfect for spreading on bread or using in recipes where you want a unique butter flavor. I love using it in compound butters or as a finishing touch on grilled meats.

9. Straus Family Creamery Butter

Straus Family Creamery is an organic, family-owned dairy in California. Their butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows and has an 85% fat content, making it one of the richest butters available. The flavor is incredibly creamy and delicious, perfect for both cooking and baking. I find that it works particularly well in recipes where the butter flavor is a key component, like croissants or brioche.

10. Anchor Butter

Anchor Butter is a New Zealand brand that’s known for its high-quality dairy products. Their butter is made from the milk of grass-fed cows and has an 80% fat content. The flavor is rich and creamy, making it a versatile option for both cooking and baking. I’ve found that it works particularly well in baked goods where you want a subtle butter flavor, like cakes or muffins.

How to Choose the Right Butter for You

With so many options, how do you choose the right butter for your needs? Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Consider the fat content: For baking, a higher fat content is generally better. For everyday use, a standard 80% fat content is usually sufficient.
• Think about the flavor: Do you want a rich, creamy flavor, or something milder? Grass-fed and European-style butters tend to have more robust flavors.
• Look at the source: Grass-fed butter is generally considered superior due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA.
• Check the price: Higher fat content and grass-fed options tend to be more expensive. Consider your budget when making your choice.

Conclusion: Embrace the Butter Revolution

Butter is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s a key ingredient that can elevate your cooking and baking to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice baker, there’s a butter out there that’s perfect for you. So go ahead, experiment with different brands and types, and find your new favorite. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new world of flavor!

And remember, the best butter is the one that makes you happy. Whether it’s a rich, creamy European-style butter or a mild, all-purpose American butter, the choice is yours. So embrace the butter revolution and let the creamy goodness flow!

Prediction with self-doubt qualifier: As we move forward into the future of food, I predict that we’ll see even more variety and innovation in the world of butter. But who knows? Maybe I’m wrong, and the classics will always reign supreme. Either way, I’m excited to see what the future holds for this beloved kitchen staple.

FAQ

Q: What is the best butter for baking?
A: For baking, a higher fat content butter is generally better. European-style butters like Kerrygold, Plugrá, and Straus Family Creamery are excellent choices.

Q: Is grass-fed butter really worth the extra cost?
A: Grass-fed butter is generally considered superior due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and CLA. It also tends to have a richer, more complex flavor. So if you can afford it, grass-fed butter is definitely worth the extra cost.

Q: What is cultured butter, and how is it different?
A: Cultured butter is made using a traditional European method that involves culturing the cream before churning. This gives it a tangy, complex flavor that’s different from standard butter. Vermont Creamery’s Cultured Butter is a great example.

Q: Can I use any butter for cooking and baking?
A: While you can use any butter for cooking and baking, some butters are better suited for specific tasks. For example, a higher fat content butter is generally better for baking, while a milder butter might be better for cooking.

@article{the-best-grocery-store-butter-top-picks-for-2025,
    title   = {The Best Grocery Store Butter: Top Picks for 2025},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/best-grocery-store-butter-top-picks/}
}