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.
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What Others Are Saying ...
Classic Corporate Screw Up
Like many other loyal consumers, several months ago Conagra assured me everything was going back to normal. Right. Doesn’t taste right, melt right or look right. Old tubs were filled to the top, now maybe 80% full. Is this product denser so the same weight equals less volume? I don’t know and don’t care, just like Conagra. Tried to call last week, nobody answered nor responded to my request for a return call. This will be studied in business schools everywhere for decades to come as one of the most colossal marketing failures of modern times. For a few pennies Conagra has devastated a money making mature brand and alienated a devoted customer base. Bravo and well done. The overpaid geniuses who signed off on this should be pushing a broom out in the warehouse.
Smart Balance? Dumb Balance!
Horrible in all ways. We have been using this product for so many years. I don’t remember when we didn’t. But we have gone back to regular butter and margarine.
taste
the new formula is terrible. it was changed to save money and for no other reason
Sneaky business leads to NO business!
ConAgra has jerked me around enough times with your formula changes over the past months that you’ve lost the most important thing you can have from a customer – TRUST!
Your skimpflation tricks have turned a formerly great product into one I no longer want to risk my money on.
Worst marketing fiasco since New Coke in the 1980s! If you had any integrity heads would roll over this.
Money wasted - SO SO disappointed!
For YEARS I have been faithful and purchased your product (Olive Oil version). I am now trying to get through the last tub I purchased. I found it was in short supply and purchased two tubs, boy was I sorry! Certainly not the same as I had before, nice buttery taste, melted nicely and I could not get enough of it on potatoes, bread. Actually put it on every thing.
I am only one customer and I am sure my lack of purchasing will not put a dent in your financial pocket. Once, I get through ( if I can) this is my last purchase.
Oh by the way, I did reach out and write an email earlier this year about the consistency of taste. As usual a ‘canned’ reply and received two coupons for other products, I found that a bit perplexing. I will purchase something else from now on.
Thank you for the great product all those years and good luck with the “new” product with no taste at all.
Its awful!
They spoiled a good product. The consistency has changed. The taste has changed, and all for the worst. It’s awful. I will look for another product. They should consider going back. Why try to fix something that wasn’t broken?
Awful!!!!!
Why did you change?? You had a quality product and now you’ve ruined it…it doesn’t melt and is foamy, please bring back the old formula…i thought it was spoiled until I heard of others complaints.
Review of Smartbalance
Bad flavor and marshmallowy consistency. Bring back 80 calorie version.
Smart Balance
After using Smart Balance for years, I recently bought two containers of it, but when we used it on potatoes, toast, or anything else that’s hot, it doesn’t melt. It forms an ugly mass of a grease-looking glob. Now we’re stuck with this garbage and cannot return it.
I’m never buying Smart Balance again! We’re going back to butter or another “Healthy” spread.
P.S. It doesn’t even deserve one star but I can’t submit it unless something is checked off.
Watery Balance
A new low in food companies finding creative ways to sell you water.
