Updated September 2022! This summer, Smart Balance Buttery Spreads underwent a recipe transition, and it’s a doozy. In most varieties, the water to oil ratio was increased, reducing the fat and calories by 25 to 40%. In essence, several of the “regular” buttery spreads became the “light” buttery spreads, and the formal light versions were discontinued. Flaxseed oil was substituted for the pea protein in most varieties, which is good news for some with legume allergies, but it is reportedly causing more oil/water separation in the product. Also, several varieties now specifically contain “vitamin D3” and do not state if it is vegan sourced. We have full information in this post, followed by current reviews.
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads Continue to Evolve as Dairy-Free Alternatives
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads confuse many dairy-free consumers, and for good reason. This brand has twisted and turned more times over the years than I can count. Early on, a company called GFA Brands produced Earth Balance and Smart Balance. Yes, they are made by the same company, and reportedly in the same facility. GFA was eventually bought by Boulder Brands, which has since been swallowed up by Conagra Foods.
The Earth Balance line of products has been dairy-free all along, but many of the Smart Balance products started out with dairy. They made a light version without dairy, and later added a specifically dairy-free Smart Balance Buttery Spread. Then one day, Smart Balance, as a brand, went completely dairy-free and plant-based. For a while, their packaging even said “dairy free butter” on the front. Some of their old customers weren’t happy about this, so they have since added a dairy “Butter Blend” line of products back into their mix.
So now, all of the Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are dairy-free, but they do have a dairy butter blend line of spreads. Whew! Fortunately, the two lines look quite different. The butter blends are small oval containers, while the buttery spreads are full-size, square-ish tubs. They did remove “dairy free butter” from the buttery spread packaging, but I’m guessing it was just to avoid potential dairy lawsuit issues about using the term “butter.” There wasn’t any other change to that product line, and they remained dairy free.
But this year, the transitions are continuing. All light versions of Smart Balance have been discontinued, and the aforementioned formula change is a massive one. It affects the consistency, nutrition, and customer base. The packaging still looks nearly identical. But if you look closely, the oil percentages have changed quite a bit. In fact, the Original, Omega3, and Olive Oil versions went from 64% vegetable oils to 39% vegetable oils. And of course, the ingredients and basic nutrition facts have changed to the ones detailed below.
Smart Balance Buttery Spreads Reveal Lighter Formulas in Regular Line
Here are current details on all of the non-organic dairy-free and vegan buttery spreads from this brand. We’re not sure yet if the organic variety has changed, as the company hasn’t updated any information anywhere online. For now, we have the organic information from prior. Please do leave your own unbiased rating and review below if you buy and try any of them, and be sure to mention which one(s) you use!
Original
Ingredients: vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil, olive oil), water, contains less than 2% of salt, flaxseed oil, monoglycerides, natural and artificial flavors, sunflower lecithin, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3, beta-carotene (color), and potassium sorbate, lactic acid, calcium disodium edta (to preserve freshness).
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 60 calories, 7g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Omega 3 (not vegan)
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 50 calories, 6g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Low Sodium Whipped
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 60 calories, 7g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 50 calories, 6g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Organic (Not Sure if Ingredients / Nutrition Have Changed – Please Comment if You have New Packaging Information)
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 80 calories, 9g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Discontinued Smart Balance Buttery Spreads
All “Light” versions were discontinued – with Flaxseed Oil, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and with Omega 3. But, all of the regular versions were made significantly more light. In essence, the light versions replaced the regular versions.
More Facts on Smart Balance Buttery Spreads
- Price: $4.49 per 13- to 15-ounce tub
- Availability: Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are sold at mainstream grocers throughout the U.S., like Walmart, Kroger stores, Albertsons stores, and more. Look for them refrigerated in the butter section.
- Certifications: Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are Certified Kosher Pareve. The Organic variety is also Certified Organic.
- Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Smart Balance Buttery Spreads are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and keto-friendly. All non-organic varieties are now soy-free. Select varieties are vegan and vegetarian, but some one contains fish oil and some now contain vitamin D3 which might be of animal origin. Check with the company to confirm, if concerned.*
- For More Product Information: Visit the Smart Balance website at www.smartbalance.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
Smart Balance Original no longer works for dipping purposes...or even corn on the cob
Because the water separates out forget using this spread for artichoke dipping or even corn on the cob. Last time I used it for corn it left a large watery residue in the bottom of the cob dish. Let’s not even mention garlic butter for artichokes. Won’t buy this product any more. If I wanted that amount of water I’d add it to my olive oil. I’ve tried to get used to the new recipe, but no more. This just won’t work for me.
No more Smart Balance for me
I have enjoyed Smart Balance for years but I am truly done. Whatever changes have been made have made the product inedible. The taste and consistency are terrible and it now tastes like spry or crisco. It is also priced at a priced way beyond what it is worth. I am sad because I used to love it for taste, texture and how well I was able to incorporate it into recipes. Sorry to say I am no longer a fan and am looking for a replacement.
Tastes terrible now!
They have change the formula! I did not know this and thought my bread had gone bad and threw out a loaf of bread! Do not buy!
If I could give it a zero I would
We used smart balance for years. Recently we noticed they changed it and it is awful. We won’t ever buy it again.
Still not right
I left a previous review several months ago disparaging the “new formula.” Con Agra promised to revert to the original formula, and it did, but even this product is still softer, more watery, and more tasteless than the original. The top layer turns yellow if unused for several days…this only occurs with the higher-water products.
The better product is Blue Bonnet Plant Butter…still ConAgra, but nearly identical to the original (in my opinion). This is all I use now.
Allergic to flax
I am allergic to flax so can’t use it anymore! The original was the best!
Extra virgin olive oil, smart, balance, buttery spread
Smart balance, olive oil, buttery spread has been my favorite choice but I just purchased a recent tub and it was the most terrible tasting buttery spread I have ever had. I hope you have not change the recipe again I’m afraid to buy another.
TOOoo Watery
I’ve been using smart balance since the beginning.. I should know it has changed — Toooo much water.
I’m not paying your price for Water…
Brand New and Tastes Slightly Rancid
This spread had the best nutrition profile so I thought I’d give it a try. I bought two tubs from a major grocery store and was well within the expiration date. I’ve also kept them in the fridge. We’ll, the first one I used had what I can only describe as a rancid flavor. I threw it away and opened the second tub. Same unpleasant flavor. I guess I’ll go back to real butter and take my chances
Unbelievable Product Disaster
This faithful buyer is shocked at the stupidity shown in changing this once wonderful product. I hope whoever was the “genius” who developed this substitute is no longer employed. I’m still searching for a replacement. What a disaster.
