Ingredient Comparison
🧈
Butter
vs
🧈
Margarine
Butter vs Margarine
Both are common in the kitchen, but they behave differently. Here's how to choose between them for your next recipe.
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The short answer
Use Butter when you need it for any margarine recipe, baking, biscuits. Use Margarine when you need it for any margarine recipe, baking, bread.
🧈
ButterDairy
A solid dairy fat made from churned cream, used in baking, cooking, and as a spread. Adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to baked goods.
6 substitutes available
🧈
MargarineOils & Fats
Plant-based butter substitute from vegetable oils, used in baking, spreading, and cooking.
4 substitutes available
Key Differences
| Attribute | Butter | Margarine |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Dairy | Oils & Fats |
| Substitutes | 6 | 4 |
| Diet Options |
Diet Compatibility
Substitutes
🧈 Butter Substitutes
- Coconut Oil1:1
- Olive Oil3/4 cup per 1 cup butter
- Ghee1:1
- Applesauce (unsweetened)1:1
- Mashed Avocado1:1
- Vegetable Oil7/8 cup per 1 cup butter
🧈 Margarine Substitutes
- Butter1:1
- Coconut Oil1:1
- Olive Oil3/4 cup per 1 cup margarine
- Applesauce1/2 cup per 1 cup margarine
🔄 Shared Substitutes
These ingredients work as substitutes for both Butter and Margarine:
Coconut OilOlive OilApplesauce (unsweetened)
Which Should I Use?
Use Butter when…
✅ Best for
any margarine recipebakingbiscuitscookiesfrostingslow to medium heat cookingpastrypie crustsaucesspreading
⚠️ Not ideal for
dairy-free dietshigh-heat fryingrecipes needing very stable frosting at room temptempering chocolateveganvegan recipesvery high heat (lower smoke point)
Use Margarine when…
✅ Best for
any margarine recipebakingbreadcakesmuffinsquick breadssautéingsavory baking