Prices for groceries have been steadily increasing, so many consumers are curious to know what splurges are really worth it. Butter is a staple in most kitchens and adds an irreplaceable richness. It's hard to beat a hearty spread of butter on top of a crusty sourdough slice! So we set out to see which butter would reign supreme. I was primarily concerned with butter that would be used as a topping/condiment (I.e. on toast, corn on the cob, popcorn) rather than as an ingredient (in baking or sauteeing). For the taste test, we gathered five adults who identified themselves as having above-average standards of taste. Each butter was spread on a small square of bread in equal amounts. The butters were assigned a number and none of the taste testers knew which brand was which. Taste testers privately ranked the butters based on flavor, texture, and overall experience.
The contenders:
Kerrygold grass-fed pure Irish butter, salted
Imported from Ireland
Sodium: 100 mg
Price per lb.: $10.98
Price per lb. (in bulk): $9.64 (for 4 pack of 8 o.z packages)
Kirkland New Zealand grass-fed butter, salted
Imported from New Zealand
Sodium: 75 mg
Price per lb. (in bulk): $6.81 (for 4 pack of 8 oz. packages)
Aldi’s pure Irish butter, grass-fed
Imported from Ireland
Sodium: 84 mg
Price per lb.: $6.70 (8 oz. package for $3.35)
Land O Lakes butter, salted
Sodium: 90 mg
Price per lb: $5.39
Aldi’s Countryside Creamery butter, salted
Sodium: 90 mg
Price per lb.: $3.39
The verdict:
The winner for all-around flavor and texture was Aldi’s Irish grass-fed butter. Aldi’s Kerrygold dupe proved to be tastier than the real thing with a fraction of the price tag (30% less). Kerrygold, with the highest sodium content (100 mg) of any butter we tasted, was generally popular and high-scoring, but landed in second place. Costco’s Kirkland brand was also a tasty choice, but landed in the middle of the ranking. Taste-testers felt that the Aldi’s dupe was more balanced and savory than the saltier Kerrygold alternative and more flavorful than Kirkland. The two standard stick butters (Aldi’s Country Creamery and Land O Lakes) were indiscernibly similar to each other, but simply didn't compare to the sumptuous experience of grass-fed butter, which is richer, nuttier, and more complex.
When we compare prices side-by-side, Aldi’s offered the most affordable option amongst both the grass-fed options and the traditional stick variety. Kirkland’s grass-fed butter is notably cheaper than Kerrygold, but consumers only have the option to purchase it in bulk quantities since it is a Costco exclusive. Conversely, Aldi’s grass-fed butter offers the cheapest price for grass-fed butter, has flexibility of quantity (since it comes in 8 oz. packages), and was the winner of the blind taste test.
If Kerrygold still holds your heart but is weighing on your wallet, this taste test could be great news! If you personally favor the saltier Kerrygold option, you may be able to replicate the taste (while still saving a bit of money) by opting for Aldi’s or Kirkland grass-fed butters and adding your own sprinkling of salt.