Epic source
Energy
742 kcal · 37% DV target
A rich, pale-yellow fat produced by churning cream, unsalted butter provides a neutral, creamy foundation for both baking and sautéing while serving as a concentrated source of dietary energy.
Unsalted butter is primarily composed of saturated fat, which accounts for approximately 60% of its total fat content .5
Major health institutions, including the USDA and Harvard Nutrition Source, recommend limiting butter intake in favor of healthy oils like olive or canola to support cardiovascular health .911
Unlike salted varieties, unsalted butter allows for better control of sodium intake, which is a key recommendation in heart-healthy dietary patterns like the DASH diet .1011
While butter contains cholesterol and fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A, it lacks the fiber and significant protein found in other dairy or plant-based fat sources .411
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
742 kcal · 37% DV target
81.6 g · 105% DV target
48.6 g · 243% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
2.87 g · 287% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
1.12 g · Top 4% of dairy & cheese
1.56 g · Top 10% of dairy & cheese
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep wrapped to prevent absorption of other food odors.
Dairy production is associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions and water usage compared to plant-based fats.
In the 19th century, butter was often used as a medium for preserving other foods because its high fat content creates an anaerobic environment that inhibits bacterial growth.