Kerrygold’s Reign Threatened? Delicious New Butter Brands You Need to Try
For years, Kerrygold Irish Butter has held a coveted spot in refrigerators across the globe. Its rich, creamy texture and distinctive flavor, derived from the lush pastures of Ireland, have made it a staple for home cooks and professional chefs alike. But the butter landscape is evolving, and several contenders are emerging, offering unique qualities and challenging Kerrygold’s dominance. This article explores the rising competition in the premium butter market, highlighting some of the most exciting alternatives and providing delicious recipes to showcase their distinct flavors.
## The Allure of Kerrygold: A Quick Recap
Before diving into the competition, let’s briefly revisit why Kerrygold has been so successful. Several factors contribute to its popularity:
* **Grass-Fed Goodness:** Kerrygold butter is made from the milk of cows that graze primarily on grass. This grass-fed diet results in milk that’s richer in beta-carotene, giving the butter its signature golden hue and a more complex flavor profile.
* **High Butterfat Content:** Kerrygold boasts a butterfat content of around 82%, which contributes to its creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality. This higher fat content also makes it ideal for baking and cooking, as it adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Distinctive Flavor:** The combination of grass-fed milk and high butterfat creates a flavor that’s often described as slightly tangy, grassy, and intensely buttery. This unique flavor sets it apart from many commercially produced butters.
* **Wide Availability:** Kerrygold is readily available in most supermarkets and grocery stores, making it a convenient choice for consumers.
## The Contenders: New Butters on the Block
While Kerrygold remains a strong contender, several other butter brands are vying for a piece of the premium butter pie. These brands offer unique qualities, production methods, and flavor profiles that appeal to a growing number of consumers. Here are some notable examples:
**1. Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter:**
Vermont Creamery has been producing high-quality dairy products for decades, and their cultured butter is a standout. Unlike traditional butter, cultured butter is made from cream that has been fermented with beneficial bacteria. This fermentation process adds a subtle tang and complexity to the butter’s flavor, making it a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
* **Flavor Profile:** Tangy, creamy, slightly nutty.
* **Best For:** Spreading on toast, topping pancakes, enhancing sauces, and adding depth to baked goods.
* **Why it’s a contender:** The cultured aspect gives it a more complex and interesting flavor compared to standard butter. Many find the added tang to be quite addictive.
**Recipe Suggestion: Cultured Butter & Herb Roasted Chicken**
This recipe uses Vermont Creamery’s Cultured Butter to create a flavorful and moist roasted chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 4 tablespoons Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 lemon, quartered
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened cultured butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast and legs. Spread the cultured butter mixture under the skin, ensuring even coverage.
4. Place the lemon quarters, onion quarters, carrots, and celery stalks inside the cavity of the chicken.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. The cultured butter infused under the skin will create a crispy, flavorful skin and keep the chicken moist.
**2. Strauss Family Creamery European Style Butter:**
Strauss Family Creamery is known for its organic dairy products, and their European Style Butter is no exception. This butter is made from the milk of cows that graze on organic pastures in Northern California. It has a high butterfat content (85%) and a rich, creamy flavor that’s reminiscent of European butters.
* **Flavor Profile:** Rich, creamy, slightly sweet.
* **Best For:** Baking, cooking, spreading on bread, and making sauces.
* **Why it’s a contender:** The organic certification and high butterfat content appeal to health-conscious consumers who are looking for a premium butter experience.
**Recipe Suggestion: Strauss Butter Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies**
The high fat content in Strauss butter will give these cookies a tender crumb and rich, decadent flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) Strauss Family Creamery European Style Butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Strauss butter will create cookies with a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness.
**3. President Butter:**
President Butter, a French import, has carved out a significant niche in the gourmet butter market. It is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional churning methods, resulting in a smooth, rich, and flavorful butter.
* **Flavor Profile:** Nutty, slightly tangy, very creamy.
* **Best For:** Pastries, sauces, enriching stews, and enjoying on a crusty baguette.
* **Why it’s a contender:** It provides a European butter experience without necessarily costing as much as some of the artisan brands.
**Recipe Suggestion: Beurre Noisette (Brown Butter) Sauce with President Butter**
President butter makes a superior beurre noisette because of its excellent flavor and ability to brown evenly.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) President Butter
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Place the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it melts and begins to foam. The butter will then start to turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the butter is browned and fragrant, remove the pan from the heat immediately.
4. Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and parsley (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, fish, or chicken. The browned butter will add a rich, nutty flavor to any dish.
**4. Alexandre Family Farm A2/A2 Organic Butter:**
Alexandre Family Farm is a pioneer in producing A2/A2 dairy products. Their butter is made from the milk of cows that produce only A2/A2 beta-casein protein, which is believed to be easier to digest for some people. This butter is also organic and has a rich, creamy flavor.
* **Flavor Profile:** Clean, creamy, slightly sweet.
* **Best For:** Those with sensitivities to A1 protein, general baking and spreading.
* **Why it’s a contender:** It offers a unique benefit for those who find traditional dairy difficult to digest, while still delivering a premium butter experience.
**Recipe Suggestion: A2/A2 Butter and Garlic Mashed Potatoes**
This recipe is gentle on the stomach while delivering a satisfying and flavorful side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup Alexandre Family Farm A2/A2 Organic Butter
* 1/4 cup milk or cream (A2/A2 if needed)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the A2/A2 butter, milk or cream, and minced garlic.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot. The A2/A2 butter will create mashed potatoes that are rich, flavorful, and easy to digest.
**5. Banner Butter:**
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Banner Butter focuses on slow-churned, small-batch butter with a high butterfat content (around 85%). They offer both salted and unsalted varieties, as well as unique flavored butters, such as roasted garlic and sea salt.
* **Flavor Profile:** Intensely buttery, rich, clean.
* **Best For:** Searing meats, spreading on artisanal breads, enhancing simple dishes.
* **Why it’s a contender:** The focus on small-batch production and unique flavors appeals to consumers looking for a more artisanal and local option.
**Recipe Suggestion: Pan-Seared Steak with Banner Butter**
The high butterfat and clean flavor of Banner Butter make it perfect for searing steak, creating a beautiful crust and adding incredible richness.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (1-inch thick) steak (ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon)
* 1 tablespoon Banner Butter (salted or unsalted)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
* Optional: 1 clove garlic, smashed
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is very hot.
3. Add the Banner Butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and slightly smoking, carefully place the steak in the skillet.
4. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F (54-57°C). Adjust cooking time for desired doneness.
5. Optional: During the last minute of cooking, add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and a smashed clove of garlic to the skillet. Baste the steak with the melted butter and herbs for added flavor.
6. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. The Banner Butter will create a delicious crust and add a rich, buttery flavor to the steak.
## The Factors Driving the Butter Boom
Several factors are contributing to the increasing popularity of premium butters:
* **Increased Consumer Awareness:** Consumers are becoming more aware of the differences in butter quality and production methods. They are willing to pay a premium for butter that is made from high-quality ingredients and produced using traditional methods.
* **The Rise of Food Culture:** The growing interest in food and cooking has led to a greater appreciation for quality ingredients. People are more likely to experiment with different types of butter and appreciate the nuances in flavor.
* **Health Concerns (and Misconceptions):** While butter has often been demonized in the past, more recent research suggests that it can be part of a healthy diet, especially when consumed in moderation. Some consumers are also drawn to the perceived health benefits of grass-fed butter.
* **Demand for Artisanal Products:** There’s a general increase in demand for artisanal, small-batch products, and butter is no exception. People want to support local producers and enjoy unique, handcrafted foods.
## How to Choose the Right Butter for Your Needs
With so many butter options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider:
* **Flavor Profile:** Consider the flavor profile you’re looking for. Do you want a tangy, cultured butter or a rich, creamy butter? Think about how the butter will complement the other ingredients in your dish.
* **Butterfat Content:** Higher butterfat content generally translates to a richer flavor and creamier texture. Look for butters with a butterfat content of at least 82%.
* **Production Method:** Consider the production method. Cultured butter, for example, has a unique flavor that sets it apart from traditional butter. Small-batch butters often have a more artisanal quality.
* **Ingredients:** Pay attention to the ingredients. Look for butters that are made from high-quality milk and contain minimal additives.
* **Price:** Premium butters typically cost more than commercially produced butters. Consider your budget and how often you plan to use the butter.
* **Specific Dietary Needs:** If you have dietary restrictions, such as lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to A1 protein, look for butters that are specifically made for your needs, such as A2/A2 butter.
## Kerrygold’s Response and the Future of Butter
Kerrygold is not standing still amidst the increasing competition. They continue to emphasize their grass-fed heritage, high-quality ingredients, and distinctive flavor. They’ve also introduced new products, such as flavored butters and butter spreads, to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
The future of butter looks bright. As consumers continue to seek out high-quality, flavorful ingredients, the demand for premium butters is likely to grow. This will lead to even more innovation and variety in the butter market, giving consumers a wider range of choices than ever before.
## Conclusion: Embrace the Butter Revolution
While Kerrygold has long been a favorite, the emergence of new and exciting butter brands is a testament to the evolving palates and increasing awareness of consumers. From the tangy notes of cultured butter to the rich, creamy flavor of European-style butter, there’s a butter out there to suit every taste and culinary application. So, venture beyond the familiar yellow package and explore the world of premium butters – your taste buds will thank you.
By experimenting with these different butters in your cooking and baking, you can unlock new levels of flavor and elevate your dishes to new heights. Don’t be afraid to try something new and discover your own personal favorite. The butter revolution is here, and it’s delicious!