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)
Ingredients: water, vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil), water, contains less than 2% of, flaxseed oil, salt, fish oil, monoglycerides, olive oil, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3, beta-carotene (color), and potassium sorbate, lactic acid, tbhq, calcium disodium edta (to protect freshness). contains: fish.
Nutrition (per tablespoon): 50 calories, 6g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Low Sodium Whipped
Ingredients: vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil), water, less than 2% of salt, pea protein isolate, monoglycerides, sunflower lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin a palmitate, 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.*
with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ingredients: water, vegetable oil blend (canola oil, palm oil, extra virgin olive oil), less than 2 percent of: flaxseed oil, salt, monoglycerides, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3, beta carotene (color), and potassium sorbate, lactic acid, tbhq and calcium disodium edta (to protect freshness).
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)
Ingredients: oil blend (palm fruit*, soybean*, canola* and olive* oils), water, salt, natural flavor*, crushed soybeans*, soy lecithin*, lactic acid (non-dairy), and naturally extracted annatto* (color). *organic. contains: soy.
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.
Changes in Soft Balance not appreciated.
I’ve used this product for years . It has always tasted
and acted like a healthier version of butter. Suddenly, it is too soft and
separates into water and other at the bottom of the container.
I would have appreciated something on the container that said
“reformulated” in some fashion.Because of this lack of information
for the consumer I’m going shopping for another brand.
Smart Balance charges more for water
Conagra changed the formula for Smart Balance original and it is terrible. They just ruined a great product. This was definitely not an improvement. I will be looking for a new spread after being a loyal customer for years! Gross!
New Smart Balance Original - Terrible!
I’ve been using this product for many, many years and loved it! It tasted better than butter. Since they changed the ratio, it’s terrible. It doesn’t melt on toast anymore and when you use it to sautee or fry, the water separates out of it. I need to find another heart healthy product to replace it.
Smart balance original tastes like nothing! 😩
After reading the reviews, I agree wholeheartedly with the consensus! There’s not much to add of my opinion of the new product. Only to say I’m very disappointed as we’ve been loyal customers for decades but no more! Consumers need to contact the company!
Smart Spread Review of Changed Original Product
We have used Smart Balance for years. We did not know of the planned changes but we have noticed a huge difference in the product is why I googled it to see if there had been a change. The new Original tasted like MARGERINE of years past. It has no flavor, does not melt like the past formula, in no way is comparable in taste or attributes as the past ORIGINAL PRODUCT…. Why was this change made? You are going to lose many customers.
No longer son's favorite
Smart Balance Original was my son’s favorite because of taste. The rest of the family liked it too. The last tub we bought no longer had the taste, consistency, or ability to melt on toast. I thought maybe we just got one that the manufacturer had accidentally put the wrong product in. From the sound of reviews here, the formula has been changed and many varieties. No point in buying the same product again if it is going to be the new unwanted version. My son has used Smart Balance exclusively since he was little. This change is sad.
Original version has lost its butter taste
We’ve used the Original Smart Balance for years and definitely noticed the reformulated change made in September. Unfortunately, it has lost its buttery taste. So disappointed with this change, it’s time to find another brand.
I knew it
I knew something was up. It has weird consistency, does not cook well
New recipe sucks!
Very disappointed with the NEW smart balance taste and spread. Won’t be buying any more. Definitely will find a new spreadable margarine.
Leave my smart balance alone!
They took away all the good things about this product, and left a watery no taste paste in its place. Good bye Smart Balance.