If you are diabetic, it's important to choose a healthy butter spread that will fit into your diet. There are many different types of butter available on the market, but not all of them are good for diabetics.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best butter for diabetics and the best substitutes for those who want to avoid dairy products. We'll also talk about the benefits of using a healthy butter spread and where to pay attention when buying one.
So, whether you're looking for a delicious way to add flavor to your food or you need a substitute for regular butter, read on!
Is Butter Good for Diabetes?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Butter is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. However, butter also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid that has been linked to lower insulin resistance.
So, while butter may not be the best choice for people with diabetes, it's not necessarily bad either. The key is to eat it in moderation and to choose a healthy butter spread that fits into your overall diet.
What Kind of Butter Should Diabetics Use?
Because of the strong relationship between saturated fats and cardiovascular diseases, butter and other foods containing them were shunned.
When it comes to choosing a healthy butter spread, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, look for one that is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fats (more healthy fats). This will help to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Second, choose a spread that is rich in CLA. This fatty acid has been shown to lower insulin resistance, which can be helpful for diabetics.
- Finally, make sure to select a product that is low in sugar and sodium (unsalted butter). Sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike, so it's important to avoid them if you're diabetic.
Choosing a more plant-based butter or spread that is made from plant-based ingredients and contains more unsaturated fats can boost cholesterol levels, maintain heart health, and lower inflammation.
If you're looking for a butter substitute with less saturated fat that is better for your blood sugar levels and overall health, there are a few options available.
One option is to use a plant-based spread made from ingredients like olive oil or avocado. These spreads are high in healthy unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. They also contain no cholesterol and are a good source of antioxidants.
Another option is to use a dairy-free spread made from nuts or seeds. These spreads are also high in healthy unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats. They are also cholesterol-free and a good source of fiber and will help you to decrease trans fat intake.
What Is the Best Butter for Diabetics?

1. Earth Balance Olive Oil Buttery Spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fats: 9g
- Sat. fats: 2g
- Trans. fat: 0g

2. Benecol Original spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fats: 8g
- Sat. fats: 1g
- Trans. fat: 0g
3. Miyokos Creamery, Butter Unsalted Cultured Vegan Organic
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fats: 10g
- Sat. fats: 8g
- Trans. fat: 0g
4. Land O Lakes® Plant-Based Creamy Spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fats: 11g
- Sat. fats: 3g
- Trans. fat: 4.5g
5. Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil Tub
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fats: 11g
- Sat. fats: 5g
- Trans. fat: 0g
6. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Light Buttery Spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fats: 4g
- Sat. fats: 1g
- Trans. fat: 2g
7. Smart Balance Original Buttery Spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fats: 7g
- Sat. fats: 2g
- Trans. fat: 0g
8. Earth Balance Original Buttery Spread
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fats: 11g
- Sat. fats: 3g
- Trans. fat: 0g
9. Carrington Farms USDA Certified Organic Grass Fed Ghee
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fats: 14g
- Sat. fats: 10g
- Trans. fat: 0g
No products found.
Where to Pay Attention to When Buying Butter?
When you buy butter you should pay attention to a few key factors.
- Avoid trans fats
- The amount of saturated fat
- The amount of unsaturated fat
- The presence of CLA
- The sugar and sodium content
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butter Better for Diabetes Than Margarine?
Research learned us that there is no need to replace butter with margarine. Margarine usually contains fewer unhealthy fats and is made from vegetable oils (partially hydrogenated oils) and contains unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
These types of fats will help you to reduce LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, and lower the chances of cardiovascular disease.
Do remember that butter is a whole food and that margarine is ranked under the processed foods due to its heating process and that it can contain increased oxidations, and therefore can increase free radicals.
Which Butter is the Healthiest?
Diabetics can use unsalted butter. Butter/olive oil spreads are also great alternatives for lowering saturated fat consumption while maintaining the taste of butter.
Conclusion
You need to be careful about what type of butter you buy. There are plenty of options out there in the grocery store that provides a healthy and tasty way to add flavor to your food without compromising on healthiness and preventing blood sugar spikes.
The best option will vary depending on your personal preferences, so take some time browsing through different brands before making a decision.
You can also use plant-based spreads as an alternative if dairy isn't something you're interested in or have dietary restrictions against it.
In general, choosing a healthier butter spread should help with weight management while providing essential fatty acids like CLA that lower insulin resistance levels and improve cholesterol levels.
Sources
To ensure that we give you correct, accurate, and relevant information, all articles on Diabetic & Me are backed by verified information from academic research papers, well-known organizations, research institutions, and medical associations.
- Less saturated fats
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats#.V681hjXGrEk
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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