1. Why are soft margarine spreads the country’s most popular tablespread?

Americans eat more than twice as much soft margarine spreads as they do butter. The reasons could be taste, versatility, spreadability and reasonable price -- but more healthful eating is the most important reason. Because health experts recommend a diet lower in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart disease, the consumption of soft margarine spreads (buttery spreads) has become a key part of dietary recommendations made by leading health organizations.

2. Why are soft margarine spreads sensible alternatives to butter?

Soft margarine spreads (buttery spreads) are a wise alternative for consumers who want a tasty tablespread that offers nutritional advantages over butter. In addition, buttery spreads contain no cholesterol and 0-2 grams of saturated fat. Soft margarine spreads are much lower in total fat and calories than butter. Not only are buttery spreads a good source of vitamins A and E, they also contain mono- and poly-unsaturated fats as well as linoleic and linolenic acids, both of which are essential fatty acids. Buttery spreads are made from nutritious, natural vegetable oils; butter is made from animal fat.

3. How was traditional margarine developed?

Margarine was developed in the 1800’s by a Frenchman who was searching for a substitute for butter, which was costly and scarce at the time. First called “oleomargarine,” derived from the Greek word margarites (meaning pearl) and the Latin term oleum (meaning oil), “oleomargarine” first came to the U.S. in the late 1800s. Over time the term oleomargarine was shortened shortened by common usage to “margarine.” Today, "margarine" usually refers to traditional stick margarine (which now represents only about 20% of the tablespreads market) and "buttery spreads" is the term used to describe soft margarine spreads (including tubs, sprays and squeeze varieties). Today’s healthful buttery spreads are not traditional margarines (not your mother’s margarine).

4. What is in traditional (stick) margarine besides oil?

There are laws that govern what must be in traditional margarine. It must contain:

1. 80 percent oil,
2. at least 15,000 IUs of vitamin A, and
3. an aqueous solution such as one made of milk products and water.

Optional ingredients are salt, vitamins and ingredients that enhance the taste, texture or stability. Margarine products that have less than 80 percent oil are commonly called “soft margarine spreads” or “buttery spreads”. Not only do these products have less total fat and saturated fat, they have fewer calories as well. Because of the natural vitamin E content of the nutritious, natural vegetable oils from which margarine is made, margarine and buttery spreads are a leading source of vitamin E in the U.S. diet today.

5. How can I select the best margarine product?

Margarine products are available today to suit virtually every special need and taste. These products vary in oil content as well as form. Traditional (stick) margarine products are higher in oil and are commonly used for baking and cooking. Reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free products, known as buttery spreads, are most often used for spreading and topping. Margarine products are now available in sticks, tubs, squeeze and spray forms to serve various purposes and consumer needs.

6. Are there margarine products available without trans fatty acids?

In keeping with public health recommendations to reduce total fat and saturated fat, and subsequently in response to the health-conscious consumer, the average fat content of margarine has decreased by 30% since 1980. That is why soft margarine spreads offer a sensible alternative to consumers who are concerned about saturated fat and cholesterol. Most soft margarine spreads (buttery spreads), including tub and squeeze/liquids, are labeled as trans fat-free. As a rule, the softer the margarine product, the fewer trans fatty acids it contains. Trans-free products increase the variety of buttery spread choices for health-conscious consumers.

7. How can making the right food choices help lower my blood cholesterol level?

One of the major factors associated with high blood cholesterol is a diet relatively high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Following a sensible eating plan that lowers total fat intake and limits foods higher in cholesterol and saturated fat can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Buttery spreads (soft margarine spreads) can easily be incorporated into such a healthy eating plan.

8. Why do I need to eat any fat at all?

Fats do play a vital role in a balanced diet. Not only is fat an important energy-providing nutrient, some dietary fat is needed for the body to function properly. Fat assists the body in transporting and digesting fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, but fat from vegetable oil sources also provide two essential fatty acids that the body requires. Health professionals do not recommend that individuals eliminate all fat from their diets. Rather, they state that a person’s diet should contain no more than 30 percent of total calories from fat and less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat.

9. What about dietary cholesterol?

The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that dietary cholesterol intake is still a factor that needs to be moderated along with total fat and saturated fat. This is especially true for certain individuals who have high blood cholesterol levels. Although one function of the liver is to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, AHA and other leading health professional organizations still recommend that you limit the cholesterol you eat to no more than 300 milligrams per day. Because soft margarine spreads contain no dietary cholesterol (as well as lower levels of total fat and saturated fat), they are recommended as the sensible alternative to butter.

10. Where I can find more information about controlling fat, saturated fat and cholesterol intake?

Ask your doctor, dietitian or other health professional for tips on making the right dietary changes for you. In addition, there are several organizations that can provide information about ways to lower your cholesterol levels, to reduce your risk of heart disease. These include:

American Heart Association
Check your phone directory for your local AHA affiliate.

American Dietetic Association/National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics

National Cholesterol Education Program