Dairy-Free Butter For All
A Post by Audrey Depenbrook, Guest Blogger (Thanks, Audrey!!)
It’s been 9 years since any form of cow’s milk has touched my lips intentionally. If I had to pick something that I missed the most, you might expect me to say “cheese” or “ice cream”. However, something I missed the most was butter. Salty, creamy, delicious butter.
Think about it, butter has countless uses in the kitchen - it’s not just a condiment. It’s used endlessly in baking, we spread it on our toast and bagels, we use it to make a rue to thicken a sauce and much more.
Thankfully, the awareness of food allergens has been a higher priority of food manufacturers lately and there are many options for dairy free butter. I’ve found two that I love - and they’ve earned a permanent place in my refrigerator.
Earth Balance - Soy Garden
Shed's Willow Run Margarine Sticks
Both manufactures have done a wonderful job in eliminating the “soy aftertaste” that so frequently accompanies many dairy-free products. They have also both labeled their products well - making it very clear which allergens the product contains and which allergens have been avoided.
If you’re a Tender Foodie that has to avoid milk due to an allergy or intolerance, go ahead and pick up either of these products and indulge yourself in the deliciousness of butter.
Earth Balance and Willow Run spreads can both be found in store at Meijer and at Wegeman's.
PLEASE NOTE: Since the labeling on these products expresses that they are "non-dairy", but not expressly "dairy-free", we have a requested more information about the factory practices from Earth Balance and Shedd's Willow Run. We will post any information that we receive.UPDATE 6/7: Willow Run is made without contact with any dariry ingredients. Click here to read their statement.
About Audrey:
Just got a very nice response from Earth Balance about its processing practices. Here it is:
Dear Elisabeth,
First, please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your recent email. Thank you for taking the time to contact us here at Earth Balance. We always appreciate hearing from consumers who care enough to reach out to us with their comments or questions.
All Earth Balance® products are dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan. All of our products are produced in gluten free facilities.
We do manufacture in facilities that also produce spreads that contain dairy; however, our manufacturing lines are cleaned and sterilized prior to non-dairy product production since we have parve certification.
Thank you for supporting Earth Balance® products. We hope you continue to enjoy our products for many years to come!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at Earth Balance