So… imagine me rambling through someone else’s fridge looking for the butter they’d asked me to acquire. There, I see my old time friend, Country Crock.
“Awww, dang – my Mother uses this!”
And as I’m standing up to hand it over… I realize that it doesn’t… say butter anywhere – anywhere – on the front label.
I turn it to the side and check out the ingredient list. Y’know.. because I love disappointing myself.
I just… didn’t know that the “butter” I ate for 4387498345 years was not, in fact, butter. Hell, I thought “spread” was just a cute descriptor for the butter because it was so spreadable! Yeah… not so much.
A few days later at the grocery store, I noticed that not only does the tub of “vegetable oil spread” say “spread,” but the sticks of “butter” say “spreadable sticks,” as well!
That joint is margarine. Not butter. That’s why there’s “no cholesterol.” Cholesterol is in all animal by-products.
If you knew that already, awesome – but for someone like me who grew up not thinking twice about the brands they ate as a kid? You might have had a WTF? moment just like me. Shoot, you’d be better off buying this stuff:
…at least they’re up-front about their dirt. Jeez.
PS: Please don’t buy that stuff. Blech. Real butter, thanks.
15 comments
Hahaha good grief. I never even thought of that! I developed the habit in childhood like you and another habit from Mom: using real butter (Land O Lakes) for baking.
Oh yeah, that Oleo 2.0. Hate it, but when financial embarrassment ensues, there’s…this. *sad face* spreads like a dream (usually), but the flavor? Er, not so much.
Otherwise–budget permitting, though I consider them investments–it’s real butter, eevo and coconut oil.
I heard that margarine is one molecule away from being plastic. Idk if that was a joke but I’m inclined to believe it. I always thought twizzlers were pretty close to being plastic as well.
My girlfriend and I just talked about this yesterday. She told me to stop using Country Crock because it’s plastic! I’m transitioning to Land of Lakes whipped butter. It’s not as “spreadable” but it’s real butter.
Erika, you’re not alone. I also grew up on Country Crock, and did not realize it wasn’t BUTTER until my late 20s (I’m 33 now).
It’s funny – I had family staying with me for a few days this week, and we saw a ICBINB commercial on TV. A woman had a sexy Frenchman serving her food, and I said, aloud with no shame, “Well, they can have the fake butter, but I’ll definitely take Jacque!” I’ve learned that my food doesn’t need to be slathered with butter to be good, and a little goes a long way. So, I shall be keeping my real butter (Country Crock gets the side-eye!).
Never liked the stuff. taste like grease. As soon as I was on my own I only bought butter. Now I rarely use butter. I much rather prefer Olive oil (Olave is my brand of choice) or coconut oil. Times are hard, but I’ve learn (sadly) eating right isn’t cheap. At least not for me.
EWW- Gross! Fakery is nasty.
I like Earth Balance and Best Life Buttery Spread. My brother is allergic to dairy, so we use these. They taste like butter and are made of real oils that aren’t hydrogenated at all.
It seems like living in a family were loved ones have allergies and sensitivities, label reading is second nature, lolz. 😀
Ok so maybe I’m missing something here… I know margarine is NOT butter. They don’t even taste the same… But what is this about it being not an animal product? What makes it taste the way it does? I actually don’t like the taste of butter. I prefer margarine. While I rarely even use that, I’d like to know if this stuff is just horrible and I’ve been under a rock all these years!! Help!!
According to my mom people during WWII didn’t eat butter because they needed it for the troops or to make bombs or something. That is when margarine came out.
That, to my knowledge, is sort of true. I’m writing about it, though.
So what are you supposed to eat in your oatmeal? I’ve been on an ahem diet since my doc told me I had high cholesterol. Been eating good things..but then again I was never a bad eater the last 5 years of my life anyway. So I’ve been using ICBINB for a minute now…hubby hates the smell of butter. But I did for a time use country crock. I am so confused by all of this. Monofat, PolyFat, not cholesterol, some cholesterol, no satfat. WHAT?!?!? I’m tired of living in confusion. LOL..funny but true!
Since I became an adult, 14 yrs ago, I stopped putting butter or fake butter on my veggies and in my oatmeal. I use fresh apples, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, and sometimes a little brown sugar in my oatmeal. Try it. It’s yummy I promise you.
OMG I use I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Clearly, I knew it wasn’t butter but I thought it was a healthier alternative. Is it not? I only use a litlte bit to spread on my whole wheat waffle or my wheat toast or bagels. Not good? Would you mind explaining why I should be using real butter instead? (Other than because it’s the real stuff, not the fake.) Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks so much!
The main thing to be cautious about with margarine is Trans Fats. These are fats that are found very rarely in nature and are usually fairly indigestible. They have also been strongly linked to heart disease and an increase in Low Density Lipoprotiens (bad cholesterol) and a decrease in High Density Lipoprotiens (good cholesterol). It’s also been linked to various other health issues you’d be better off without. A general Google search turns up a lot of information if you’re really interested.
P.S. “American” cheese is not cheese.
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