Unsalted Butter — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 3, 2024
Unsalted butter nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 717 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 0 g | - |
| Fiber | 0 g | - |
| Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
| Sodium | 11 mg | 0.48% |
| Total Fat | 81 | 103.85% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Unsalted butter facts & tips
Health benefits
- Rich in healthy fats, which provide energy and support cell function.
- Contains essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E, and K, which support overall health and well-being.
- Free from added sodium, making it a better choice for individuals managing their salt intake.
- Enhances flavor and texture in a variety of dishes and baked goods, making them more enjoyable and palatable.
Health risks
- High fat content particularly in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed frequently.
- High calorie content which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently or in large quantities, particularly as a cooking fat or spread.
- Potential for overconsumption due to its rich and palatable nature, leading to excessive calorie and fat intake if not mindful of portion sizes.
- Low nutrient density as unsalted butter provides limited vitamins and minerals compared to other dairy products like milk or yogurt.
- Risk of contamination with harmful bacteria if unsalted butter is not properly stored or handled, leading to potential foodborne illness.
How to choose unsalted butter
Unsalted butter should be pale and uniform in color with a creamy texture, indicating it is fresh and has been stored at a consistent temperature. The wrapper should be intact to prevent exposure to other flavors and odors in the fridge.
Avoid unsalted butter that appears yellowed or has a rancid smell, signs that it is old or has been improperly stored. Butter with a crumbly texture or that has been exposed should also be avoided, as it likely won’t perform well in recipes.
How to store unsalted butter
Unsalted butter should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in its original wrapper or an airtight container. Proper refrigeration maintains its freshness and flavor for up to two weeks.
Exposure to air can cause butter to absorb odors and spoil. Avoid leaving it uncovered and always reseal tightly. Proper storage preserves its creamy texture and taste, ensuring it remains fresh and ready for baking or cooking.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Unsalted butter can last for 1-2 months in the refrigerator. For longer storage, unsalted butter can be frozen for up to 6-9 months. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and texture, making it perfect for baking and cooking. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container to avoid absorbing other flavors.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover unsalted butter can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, unsalted butter is essential for baking, sautéing, and making sauces. Its neutral flavor makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, from cookies and cakes to grilled vegetables and pasta.
Beyond cooking, unsalted butter has several other uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments as a natural moisturizer for the skin and hair, helping to hydrate and soften. Butter can also be applied to dry, cracked skin on the hands or feet to promote healing and softness. Additionally, butter is sometimes used in traditional remedies for soothing minor burns or cuts, thanks to its calming properties. Unsalted butter can also be used in crafting, such as making homemade candles or as a lubricant for tools and machinery to prevent rust and wear.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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