Only a product containing at least 82% animal fat can be called “butter” in Poland

In Poland, the term “butter” is strictly regulated by EU law. Only a product containing at least 82% animal fat can be called “butter”. Products that look like butter, but contain a lower percentage of animal fat or are replaced with vegetable fats, should be called “mixes”, “spreads” or “fat blends”. In this article, we’ll look at why it’s important to buy real butter, how to distinguish it from substitutes, and what the risks are of consuming products with low-quality fats.

What is butter?

According to Polish law, butter must meet the following criteria:

• Contain 82-84% animal fat.
• It must be made exclusively from cow’s milk cream.
• Contain no artificial additives, flavors or vegetable fats.

This makes butter a natural source of healthy fats, vitamins (in particular, A, D, E) and trace elements.

Butter-like products: what are they?

On store shelves, you can see products that look like butter, but are much cheaper. They have names like “mix”, “fat mixture” or “spread”. The main characteristics of such products:

• Reduced animal fat content: Usually 40-60%.
• Addition of vegetable fats: These are often cheap and unhealthy hydrogenated fats such as palm or coconut oil.
• Synthetic additives: Butter substitutes can contain artificial flavors, emulsifiers, and preservatives to improve flavor and extend shelf life.

Why choose real butter?

1. Naturalness and health benefits

Butter is a natural product that:

• Is a source of healthy fats necessary for brain function, hormonal system and vitamin absorption.
• Contains vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, eyesight and immune system.
• Provides the body with fat-soluble vitamins D, E and K.

2. No harmful trans fats

Butter substitutes often contain hydrogenated vegetable fats, which are a source of trans fats. Trans fats:

• Increase the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
• Increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
• Have carcinogenic properties.

3. Better taste and texture

Real butter has a rich creamy flavor and creamy texture. Substitutes are often artificially flavored, which negatively affects the quality of the dishes.

How to recognize real butter?

Check the packaging:

• Real butter always states that the animal fat content is 82% or more.
• If the fat content is lower (for example, 60-70%), it means that you are dealing with a “mix” or “spread”.

Pay attention to the composition:

• Butter should contain only cream or pasteurized cream.
• If it contains vegetable oils, stabilizers or emulsifiers, it is not butter.

Price:

• Real butter cannot be too cheap. Its production requires significant resources. If the price of a product is significantly lower than the market average, you should check its composition.

Risks of consuming butter substitutes

Harmful components in substitutes:

• Palm oil: Although it is a cheap ingredient, it is often a source of saturated fat, which is bad for heart health.
• Hydrogenated fats: Used to preserve texture and extend shelf life, but contain trans fats that are dangerous to health.

Possible health effects:

• Increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Decreased immunity due to a lack of natural vitamins.

Where to buy real butter in Poland?

1. Supermarkets:

• In large chains such as Biedronka, Lidl or Carrefour, real butter is always available. Choose trusted Polish producers such as Mlekovita, Łowicz or Piątnica.

2. Local dairies:

• Buying butter directly from farmers or local dairies guarantees its quality. These establishments often offer butter made in the traditional way.

3. Online platforms:

• Websites such as Allegro.pl or EkoBazaar.pl allow you to order natural butter from farms and have it delivered to your home.

Why is butter the best choice?

Real butter is not only a source of flavor, but also an important element of a balanced diet. It supports the health of the heart, brain, skin, and immune system, while butter substitutes can contain harmful components that harm the body.

To be sure of the quality of the product, read the label carefully, avoid cheap alternatives, and choose trusted sources. Health starts with choosing the right products, and real butter is a choice that deserves your trust.