Overrated Store-Bought Butter: Overpriced and Excessively Salty
The dairy aisle offers a multitude of butter choices, making it challenging to select the best option. Beyond just spreading on a bagel, butter is used in various culinary applications, from baking to flavoring dishes. Recently, a taste test revealed some surprising findings about popular store-bought butters, particularly concerning the quality of Cabot Creamery’s butter.
Overrated Store-Bought Butter: The Case of Cabot Creamery
Cabot Creamery, a brand famed for its cheese, surprisingly ranked low in a comparison of store-bought butters. The butter scored second-to-last, just above Walmart’s Great Value sweet cream salted butter. Critics noted that Cabot’s product was excessively salty, overshadowing the delicate sweetness that butter should possess.
Pricing and Availability
- The price of Cabot butter averages around $4.93 for a 16-ounce package at Walmart in Pennsylvania.
- While it may appear reasonably priced compared to others, its flavor profile makes it a poor choice.
Testing Methodology
In the taste test, each butter was sampled on a slice of warm bread. Cabot’s version was described as overwhelmingly salty, leading to a comparison with saline solution. This experience highlights the pitfalls of choosing an overly salty store-bought butter.
Alternatives to Cabot Butter
If you find yourself with Cabot butter but are dissatisfied with its flavor, there are several alternatives to enhance its use.
Transforming Too-Salty Butter
- Combine Cabot salted butter with an unsalted variety to create a balanced compound butter. You can add ingredients like herbs, garlic, or lemon zest for added flavor.
- Utilize it in baking by substituting Cabot butter for unsalted butter, reducing additional salt in the recipe by approximately ¼ teaspoon for every half cup used.
Top Recommendations for Quality Butter
Ultimately, the best strategy is to choose high-quality butter. During the taste test, Kerrygold salted butter emerged as the top choice. Another commendable option was Plugra salted butter, both of which provide rich flavor without the overpowering saltiness of Cabot.
In summary, when selecting store-bought butter, consider both flavor and price. Avoid the pitfalls of saltiness by opting for better-quality brands that enhance dishes rather than detract from them.
