TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Butter Types in the World
Irish butter refers to butter made in Ireland from the milk of cows that have been grass-fed, often without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. This high-quality milk, rich in beta-carotene, results in a butter with a distinctive rich, creamy flavor and a natural golden color.
The grass-fed diet of the cows has a significant impact on the flavor and texture of the butter, making it prized in culinary applications. The temperate climate in Ireland allows cows to graze on lush grasses for much of the year, leading to these unique characteristics.
THE BEST Irish butter Butters
Beurre d'Isigny is a butter made from pasteurized milk and cream in the Veys Bay and surrounding valleys in France. No additional colorings, creams or substances can be added to the product. The butter is golden yellow in color due to the high amounts of carotenoids in it.
The Veys Bay and the surrounding area are made of chalky, clay soil near the sea and have top quality pastures where the grass is very rich in iodine and beta-carotene. The soil and pastures give the milk a unique taste, color and high mineral salt content, all of which can be seen and tasted in the final product - d'Isigny Butter.
THE BEST Beurre d'Isigny Butters
Isigny Sainte-Mère
Beurre d'Isigny A.O.P Demi sel Rouleau
Concours International de Lyon - Gold 2025
This butter originates from Turkey, specifically the Yakcukur area in the province of Trabzon. It's made with a combination of pasteurized cow's milk cream and butter cultures. Once prepared, the butter is washed with ice-cold water, then stirred with a large wooden spoon for a long time until the butter is shaped.
It's traditionally decorated with a few incisions on top, usually made with a spoon. This butter with a unique flavor, color, and aroma is produced using only traditional methods. It's mostly consumed as a breakfast item.
THE BEST Trabzon Butter Butters
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is considered a superfood by many people. It is cooked for a long time so that nearly all of the milk and moisture is removed. In India, due to the hot climate, butter has to be stabilized for storage and use, so people decided to clarify it.
Although it was initially made in the northeast of India, ghee first started to gain popularity in southern India. Ghee is also extremely healthy, since it is full of vitamins A and E, fights inflammation, and is low in lactose and casein. It is also considered a sacred fat, and ritual candles are sometimes made of ghee.
THE BEST Ghee Butters
Beurre Charentes-Poitou is a traditionally made, solid, pale butter that has a unique aroma. It is produced using pasteurized cream and easily spreads on toast or bread. Its unique taste and soft texture are due to the traditional process of barrel churning.
After the cream is churned, the fat pieces are damaged and clump together in a mass that separates itself to butter and buttermilk. The butter is rinsed in cold water and shaped to preference. Before being sold, the butter is salted, packaged and chilled.
THE BEST Beurre Charentes-Poitou Butters
Manteiga dos Açores refers to a type of butter that originates from the Azores, an archipelago in Portugal. This butter is renowned for its high quality and unique flavor, which is a result of the distinctive environment of the Azores. The Azores are known for their lush, green pastures and a climate that is ideal for dairy farming.
The cows in the Azores graze on rich, diverse grasslands, which contributes to the unique taste and quality of the milk they produce. This milk, in turn, is used to make Manteiga dos Açores. The butter has a rich, creamy taste, with a slight hint of saltiness.
THE BEST Manteiga dos Açores Butters
Traditionally made in the Belgian Ardennes since the 1800s, Beurre d'Ardenne is a type of butter made from cow's milk. It is crafted in a similar manner even today and produced within the provinces of Luxembourg, Namur and Liège, where the cows graze on lush Ardenne pastures.
In order to preserve the quality and authenticity of the final product, the entire process, including the production of the milk and the maturing and churning of the butter must take place within the designated area. Beurre d'Ardenne is marketed in two varieties, Doux (sweet or unsalted) and Salé (salted).
Mantequilla de Soria is a high-quality butter made from the local Friesian or Pardo-Alpina cows' milk in the province of Soria. The color of Mantequilla de Soria ranges from ivory to straw yellow, and the taste is slightly acidic and reminiscent of fresh cream.
The butter comes in three varieties, natural, salty and sweet, depending upon whether salt or caramelized sugar syrup is added to the butter. After skimming the milk and beating the cream, lactic ferments are added after 3 or 4 hours after the start of the ripening to achieve a smoother and silkier butter.
Manteiga de garrafa, also known as "butter in a bottle," is a traditional clarified butter. Originating from the Northeast region of Brazil, it is made by simmering butter slowly to remove the milk solids and water. The result is a clear, golden liquid that has a rich, nutty flavor and a higher smoke point than regular butter.
Manteiga de garrafa is commonly used in Brazilian cuisine to cook and flavor a variety of dishes, adding a distinctive taste that is cherished in many traditional recipes.
Safed makhan refers to white butter, a traditional type of butter made from fresh cream or yogurt, typically without any added salt. It is a staple in Indian cuisine, especially in rural areas, and has a rich, creamy texture and mild flavor. Safed makhan is prepared by collecting fresh cream (malai) from milk over several days or by churning yogurt.
The cream or yogurt is then churned vigorously, either by hand, with a wooden churner (mathani), or with a modern blender, to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk. The butter is then washed with cold water to remove any remaining buttermilk, which helps improve its shelf life.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Butter Producers in the World
Maison Bordier is a French company specializing in artisanal butter production and cheese aging, founded in 1985 by Jean-Yves Bordier. Based in Saint-Malo, the company is known for its traditional butter-making methods, including hand-kneading on wooden boards, resulting in a smooth texture and rich flavor.
In addition to classic butter, Maison Bordier offers various flavored varieties, such as butter with seaweed, lemon and olive oil, and Roscoff onion. Their products are highly valued by top chefs and gourmet enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond butter, the company is also involved in the aging of select cheeses, emphasizing high-quality raw ingredients and respect for traditional techniques.
BEST Maison Bordier Butters
Ampersand Dairy is a British dairy specializing in the production of handcrafted cultured butter and buttermilk. It was founded by Grant Harrington, an experienced chef with international expertise, with the goal of creating the world's most flavorful butter by using traditional and refined techniques combined with the highest quality ingredients.
Their butter is made from the milk of Jersey, Holstein, and Guernsey cows, which are raised in England. The process includes the addition of healthy bacterial cultures and mineral-rich Himalayan pink salt, resulting in butter with a rich and creamy flavor.
BEST Ampersand Dairy Butters
BEST Le Ponclet Butters
Rodolphe Le Meunier is a cheese producer and affineur based in Tours, France. He comes from a family with a long tradition in the dairy industry, which has influenced his deep knowledge and expertise in cheese production. Le Meunier has won multiple awards for his work, including the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in the cheese category, an honor given to craftsmen who achieve the highest level of skill in their field.
His business includes aging and refining cheeses, as well as sourcing from various regions in France to offer a diverse selection.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
BEST Rodolphe Le Meunier Cheeses
Abernethy Butter is a family-run artisanal dairy. It was founded by husband-and-wife team Will and Allison Abernethy, who transformed their passion for traditional butter-making into a successful business. Their butter is handcrafted using traditional methods from fresh cream sourced from a local farmer, whose cows graze on the lush green fields of the Lagan Valley.
The production process involves slow churning in small batches, which gives the butter its characteristic color and rich flavor. After churning, the butter is hand-washed to remove any remaining buttermilk, lightly salted, and shaped using traditional wooden paddles.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 1 Star
2018
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars
2018
BEST Abernethy Butter Butters
Fromagerie Beillevaire is a French company specializing in the production and distribution of dairy products, particularly cheeses. Founded in 1980 by Pascal Beillevaire in the Marais Vendéen region, between the Loire River and the island of Noirmoutier, the company has grown from a family-run dairy into a renowned producer, affineur, and distributor of fine cheeses.
Today, Beillevaire operates six dairies and five aging cellars across France, where they produce and refine a wide range of cheeses, including those with Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) status, such as Camembert de Normandie, Chabichou du Poitou, and Brie de Meaux.
BEST Fromagerie Beillevaire Butters
Founded in 2000 by Diane St. Clair in Orwell, Vermont, Animal Farm Creamery quickly gained cult status among top chefs, including those at The French Laundry and Per Se, where its butter became an essential ingredient in fine dining. Animal Farm Creamery employs the best traditional dairy methods, producing handcrafted cultured butter made from fresh, raw milk, collected directly from the farm.
The butter is churned and shaped by hand, giving it an exceptional texture, rich dairy flavor, and delicate aroma. In addition to butter, the creamery also produces high-quality cream, which is regionally distributed through Provisions International.
BEST Animal Farm Creamery Butters
Barber's is a distinguished British cheesemaker with over 190 years of history. Founded in 1833 by Daniel Barber, the company has remained family-owned and is based in Somerset, a region known for its rich agricultural tradition. Today, Barber's continues to be a leader in the production of premium cheddar cheeses.
Barber's prides itself on maintaining traditional methods of cheesemaking. The process begins with the highest quality milk sourced from over 100 local farming families who follow strict standards for animal care and milk production. The milk is then processed in the cheese dairy using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2021
Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2019, 2018
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
Isigny Sainte-Mère is a cooperative dairy located in Normandy, France, specializing in producing Camembert cheese, butter, and cream with milk sourced from the local area. The cooperative was established in 1932 and takes advantage of the rich grasses of Normandy, which impart a particular quality and flavor to its dairy products.
Isigny Sainte-Mère also holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for some of its products, such as Isigny butter and Isigny cream, ensuring they meet strict geographical and quality criteria.
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2021
BEST Isigny Sainte-Mère Cheeses
Nos Cabanes is a brand that lovingly celebrates the richness and diversity of maple syrup, transforming this traditional Canadian product into a true culinary experience. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that every syrup carries a unique story, flavor, and character, much like fine wine or olive oil.
Through carefully selected sugar bushes and close collaboration with local producers, Nos Cabanes curates a collection of authentic maple syrups that reflect the land, the seasons, and the people behind them. The brand also offers delicacies such as creamy maple butter made from pure syrup, and scented candles inspired by the warmth and sweetness of maple sugar.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Butters in the World
Bordier Salted Butter 4% is a premium artisanal butter with a rich, full-bodied flavor, crafted using traditional methods at the renowned French dairy Maison Bordier. This butter is hand-kneaded on wooden boards, achieving its signature silky texture and unique aroma.
The distinct feature of this variety is its 4% fine salt content, which is evenly distributed throughout the butter, enhancing its natural creamy taste and adding a pronounced salty character. This balance makes it an excellent choice for gourmet pairings and culinary experiments.
Beurre d'Isigny AOP Demi-Sel is a semi-salted butter with a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP), produced in the renowned dairy region of Isigny-sur-Mer. This region, which includes the Cotentin and Bessin areas, is known for its mild climate, abundant rainfall, and rich pastures, all of which contribute to the exceptional quality of the milk used to make this butter.
With its soft and supple texture, Beurre d'Isigny AOP Demi-Sel offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Its natural golden-yellow color, rich creamy taste, and perfectly balanced salt content make it an essential ingredient in every kitchen.
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
Beurre d'Isigny AOP Doux Baratte 250g is a premium unsalted butter with a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP), traditionally churned ("baratte" method) in the heart of Normandy. This butter stands out for its creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor, thanks to the careful processing of fresh cream, which undergoes slow fermentation to develop its unique aromas.
With its natural golden-yellow color, Beurre d'Isigny is perfect for spreading on fresh bread, baking, or enhancing fine sauces, delivering an authentic taste of French culinary tradition.
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
Beurre de Baratte aux cristaux de sel de Guérande is a premium semi-salted butter, traditionally churned ("barattage") from cream that has been aged for 18 hours. This process allows the cream to develop a rich, velvety texture and aromatic notes.
The butter is distinguished by its natural golden-yellow color, a reflection of the rich pastures of Normandy. This exceptional butter is produced by Isigny Sainte-Mère Cooperative, renowned for its high-quality
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
Ampersand Cultured Butter is a premium handcrafted butter that stands out with its rich, full-bodied flavor and irresistibly creamy texture. Its characteristic mild tanginess comes from a carefully controlled fermentation process, where natural dairy cultures (Lactobacillus) are used to develop complex, deep flavors and aromatic notes.
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian cultured butter-making techniques, founder Grant Harrington spent years researching dairy fermentation, perfecting a method that results in a product of exceptional quality. Himalayan pink salt, added in precise amounts, enhances the natural sweetness of the milk and provides a perfectly balanced finish.
Beurre le Ponclet is crafted from the milk of specific cow breeds, including Jersiaise, Guernesey, Armoricaine, and Froment du Léon. These cows graze on natural pastures rich in diverse flora, imparting distinct aromatic qualities to the milk. Fresh, warm milk is collected daily and gently skimmed.
The cream is then matured for three days at a cool temperature before being slowly churned and hand-beaten, resulting in a butter with fine, fresh, and smooth fat content. Due to its artisanal production and limited quantities, Beurre le Ponclet is primarily available in select gourmet markets and high-end restaurants.
Cabot Salted Butter is a premium butter made from the highest quality fresh cream, with the addition of pure salt that perfectly enhances its natural, creamy flavor. Known for its smooth, velvety texture and rich, full-bodied taste, this butter is an essential ingredient in every kitchen.
Its perfect balance of salt enhances the flavor without being overpowering, while the 100% natural cream provides depth and authenticity, free from any artificial additives or preservatives. Its versatility makes it ideal for a variety of culinary uses—perfect for spreading on freshly baked bread, toast, and pastries, essential in baking cakes, cookies, and flaky pastries, and widely used in cooking to enrich soups, sauces, and pasta dishes.
AWARDS
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024
Anchor Original Soft Spreadable Butter combines the rich, creamy taste of pure New Zealand butter with the convenience of easy spreading straight from the fridge. Made with high-quality dairy and a touch of vegetable oil, it delivers the perfect balance of smooth texture and delicious buttery flavor.
Ideal for spreading on toast, sandwiches, or baking, this versatile butter blend enhances every meal with its natural richness. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, Anchor Original Soft Spreadable Butter ensures a wholesome, great-tasting experience in every bite.
AWARDS
International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Creamy British Butter is a high-quality butter produced by Devon Cream Company, a brand under Coombe Castle International. This butter is made from the milk of cows grazing on the lush pastures of the British countryside, providing rich cream that is traditionally churned to create the finest British butter.
It is lightly salted, with a creamy, smooth, and almost silky texture, making it irresistible when spread on warm toast or freshly baked bread. The butter has a rich golden color and is hand-wrapped in a luxurious gold foil. Ingredients include pasteurized cream and salt, and the product contains milk.
AWARDS
Bath & West British Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
Bath & West British Cheese Awards - Champion
2024
Hollis Mead's Hand Rolled Organic Salted Butter is a high-quality organic butter made from the milk of cows that graze exclusively on pasture. This butter is hand-shaped using traditional methods in the early morning hours to achieve the optimal temperature for processing.
The result is a butter with an exceptionally light consistency, a well-balanced amount of salt, and a luxurious flavor that melts in your mouth. Thanks to the milk from pasture-fed cows, the butter has an unusually creamy texture reminiscent of whipped butter.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
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