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Margarine

Margarine is a plant-based alternative to butter also known as vegetable oil spread, developed in the 19th century. Margarine is a versatile spread and cooking ingredient that has gained popularity due to its lower levels of saturated fats and cholesterol compared to traditional butter. It is commonly used for spreading on bread or toast, baking, and frying. Made popular by the brand "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". In recent years, margarine has undergone significant reformulations to improve its nutritional profile. Although many modern margarines still contain milk byproducts like casein or whey so they are not necessarily vegan. Consumers should look for versions containing healthy, unsaturated fats derived from sources such as olive or canola oil.
#2
IN BUTTER & MARGARINE
717
CAL / 100G
$0.07
AVG / OZ
margarine
1%
CARBS
99%
FAT
0%
PROTEIN
Margarine FAQ
Margarine is a versatile ingredient that can often be used as a healthier alternative to butter. However, when cooking with margarine, people commonly fall into the trap of not considering the type of margarine they're using. Believe it or not, not all margarine is created equal! Some margarines are better suited to certain tasks, and knowing the difference can enhance your dishes. To get the most out of margarine, choose the variant that best suits your cooking needs. For frying or sautéing, go for liquid or tub margarine since they spread well and melt quickly, but when baking, you might want to opt for stick margarine because it can deliver a better texture. Remember that margarine doesn't handle high heat as well as some other fats, keep your cooking temperatures moderate to avoid burning. A lesser-known tip or trick with margarine is that you can use it to grease your measuring cups before measuring sticky substances like honey or syrup. This hack enables you to get accurate measurements without the mess. As a side note, many margarine products contain a good amount of salt. If you're watching your sodium intake, look for unsalted versions and adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for baking?
Is margarine healthier than butter?
Why does my margarine burn when I fry with it?
Can I use margarine to grease pans?
Why does my dish taste salty when I cook with margarine?
Can margarine go bad?
Why is my baked goods dry when I use margarine?
Can I melt margarine and use it as a liquid?
Is margarine vegan?
Can I freeze margarine?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does margarine expire?
Margarine, when unopened, can last anywhere from 8-10 months past the printed date on the package. Once you've opened it, you should use it within a month for the best quality, although it will likely still be safe to consume for another 2-3 months if stored correctly. If you choose to freeze margarine, it can last about a year. But remember, the texture may change after being frozen, making it less satisfactory for spreading. In terms of homemade margarine, it typically lasts for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Always remember to check for signs of spoilage before using it.
How do you tell if margarine is bad?
Margarine that's gone bad usually develops a strong, unpleasant odor and may also develop mold. Margarine that's old or has been improperly stored may exhibit changes in color, becoming pale or developing dark spots. The texture may also change, becoming lumpy, grainy, or oily. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the margarine.
Tips for storing margarine to extend shelf life
• Keep margarine in its original packaging or a tightly sealed container to protect it from odors and contamination. • Store margarine in the refrigerator, away from the door where temperature fluctuations are common. • Use a clean knife each time when scooping margarine to prevent the introduction of bacteria. • If you need to freeze margarine for extended storage, wrap it in a freezer-safe bag or wrap to protect against freezer burn and keep it separate from other frozen foods. • When using frozen margarine, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before trying to spread it.
EXPIRES WITHIN
5 - 8
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
0g
CARBS
7g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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