Is Land O’ Lakes Butter Real Butter?
Yes, Land O’ Lakes butter is, in fact, real butter. It is made from cow’s milk, adhering to the standards and definitions set forth by the FDA regarding butter composition and production.
The Ubiquitous Spread: A History of Land O’ Lakes
Land O’ Lakes, more than just a butter brand, is a farmer-owned cooperative with a rich history dating back to 1921. Initially formed to improve the quality and marketing of dairy products from Minnesota dairy farmers, it quickly became a household name across the United States. The iconic Native American maiden logo, while undergoing updates in recent years, is instantly recognizable and synonymous with quality dairy.
What Makes Butter, Butter? The FDA Definition
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines defining what can legally be called “butter.” To meet this definition, butter must be made from milk or cream (or both) and contain at least 80 percent milkfat by weight. It can also include added salt and coloring. Land O’ Lakes butter meets these stringent requirements, solidifying its status as real butter.
Land O’ Lakes Production Process: From Cow to Kitchen
The butter-making process, at its core, is relatively simple. However, Land O’ Lakes utilizes advanced technology and stringent quality control to ensure consistency and superior taste. The process typically involves these key steps:
- Milk Separation: Fresh milk is separated into cream and skim milk.
- Pasteurization: The cream is pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria and improve shelf life.
- Churning: The pasteurized cream is agitated vigorously in a churn, causing the milkfat globules to collide and coalesce.
- Draining and Washing: Buttermilk, the liquid byproduct of churning, is drained away. The butter granules are then washed to remove any remaining buttermilk.
- Kneading: The butter is kneaded to consolidate the granules and remove excess water.
- Packaging: Finally, the butter is shaped, wrapped, and packaged for sale.
Salted vs. Unsalted: A Matter of Preference
Land O’ Lakes offers both salted and unsalted butter options. Salted butter typically contains around 1.5-2% salt. Salt serves as a preservative and enhances the flavor of the butter. Unsalted butter allows the natural flavor of the butter to shine and is often preferred for baking, where the salt content can be precisely controlled. The choice between salted and unsalted is primarily a matter of personal preference and intended use.
Butter Beyond the Stick: Variations and Specialty Products
Beyond the standard salted and unsalted varieties, Land O’ Lakes produces a range of butter-related products, including:
- Whipped Butter: Lighter and easier to spread than regular butter, whipped butter incorporates air during production.
- Butter with Canola Oil: This blend combines butter with canola oil for a softer, more spreadable consistency straight from the refrigerator.
- European Style Butter: This butter is churned longer, resulting in a higher fat content and richer flavor.
- Butter Spreads: A variety of flavored butter spreads are available, offering convenient and delicious options for toast, bagels, and more.
Health Considerations: Butter in a Balanced Diet
While butter is relatively high in saturated fat, it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have health benefits.
Butter Storage: Keeping It Fresh
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavor of butter. Keep butter refrigerated in its original packaging or an airtight container. Butter can also be frozen for longer-term storage. When freezing, wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Land O’ Lakes butter made with rBST-free milk?
Yes, Land O’ Lakes butter is made with milk from cows not treated with rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin), a synthetic growth hormone. The company has clearly stated its commitment to this practice. This assurance is important to many consumers concerned about hormone usage in dairy production.
Does Land O’ Lakes butter contain any artificial ingredients?
In its pure form (salted or unsalted), Land O’ Lakes butter does not contain any artificial ingredients. However, flavored butter spreads and other blended products may contain additives for flavoring, preservation, or texture. Always check the ingredient list for specifics on any product.
What’s the difference between Land O’ Lakes butter and European-style butter?
European-style butter, including Land O’ Lakes’ European Style butter, typically has a higher milkfat content (82% or more) than standard butter. This higher fat content results in a richer, creamier flavor and texture. The churning process is also often longer, further contributing to its distinct characteristics.
Can Land O’ Lakes butter be used for baking?
Absolutely! Land O’ Lakes butter is excellent for baking. Unsalted butter is often preferred in baking because it allows for precise control over the salt content in the recipe. However, salted butter can also be used, just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Is Land O’ Lakes butter grass-fed?
While Land O’ Lakes is committed to responsible farming practices, they don’t specifically market their standard butter as grass-fed. The diet of the cows providing the milk can vary depending on the farm and the season. To ensure your butter is grass-fed, look for certified grass-fed butter options from other brands.
How long does Land O’ Lakes butter last in the refrigerator?
When properly stored, Land O’ Lakes butter can typically last for several weeks in the refrigerator past its “sell-by” date. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or discoloration. Freezing will extend its shelf life significantly, for several months.
What’s the best way to soften Land O’ Lakes butter quickly?
There are several ways to soften butter quickly. You can cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature. Alternatively, you can grate it using a cheese grater, or microwave it on low power for a very short time, being careful not to melt it. Avoid over-softening, as melted butter won’t cream properly in baking.
Is the salt in Land O’ Lakes salted butter iodized?
Land O’ Lakes salted butter does not specify whether the salt used is iodized. If iodized salt is important to your dietary needs, you should check the product packaging directly or contact Land O’ Lakes customer service for confirmation.
Why is Land O’ Lakes butter sometimes lighter in color?
The color of butter can vary depending on the cows’ diet and the season. Cows that graze on fresh grass produce milk with higher levels of beta-carotene, which gives butter a more yellow color. During the winter months, when cows are fed hay, the butter may be lighter in color. Land O’ Lakes uses natural coloring to maintain consistency.
Is Land O’ Lakes butter gluten-free?
Yes, Land O’ Lakes butter in its pure form (salted and unsalted) is gluten-free. Butter is made from milk and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the ingredient list of flavored butter spreads to ensure they are also gluten-free.
What is the difference between butter and margarine?
Butter is made from dairy cream and consists primarily of milk fat. Margarine, on the other hand, is typically made from vegetable oils and is designed to mimic the taste and texture of butter. Butter contains saturated fat, while margarine often contains unsaturated fats.
Does Land O’ Lakes offer organic butter?
Yes, Land O’ Lakes does offer organic butter. This butter is made from milk from cows raised on certified organic farms, where they are fed organic feed and not treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics. Look for the USDA organic seal on the packaging.