What can I use instead of butter on a plant based diet?
Christopher Pierce
Updated on February 28, 2026
Best Oils to Use as a Plant-Based Butter Substitute
- Olive oil.
- Sunflower oil.
- Avocado oil.
- Walnut oil.
- Peanut oil.
- Sesame oil.
- Flaxseed oil.
- Canola oil.
Can you substitute oil for butter on popcorn?
Popping Popcorn With Butter Instead of Oil on the Stove Top The classic stove-top method for popping popcorn with butter instead of oil will give you great results as long as it’s clarified butter. Add four or five popcorn kernels, place a lid on the pan, and wait until you hear the kernels pop.
What’s a healthy substitute for butter?
Ghee, coconut oil, and olive oil have properties that are comparable to butter, which make them appropriate baking substitutes.
Are there plant based butters?
Plant-based butter, also referred to as vegan butter, is a nondairy butter substitute that’s typically made by combining water with a plant-derived oil, such as olive, avocado, coconut, palm kernel oil, or a combination of oils.
How can I Flavour popcorn without butter?
Seasoning popcorn without fat or butter
- Water (or saltwater)
- Vinegar.
- Soy sauce.
- Lime juice.
- Tabasco.
- A mix of the above (you can use water to dilute any of the flavors for a more mild taste)
What is plant based butter?
What is a heart healthy butter substitute?
Here are 10 of the healthiest butter substitutes nutritionists recommend.
- Earth Balance Pressed Avocado Oil.
- Nutiva Coconut Manna.
- Carrington Farms Organic Ghee.
- I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
- Olivio Ultimate Spread.
- Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil.
- Miyoko’s Vegan Butter.
- WayFare Salted Whipped Butter.
What is a good plant based butter?
Here’s a list of the six best vegan butters that taste like the real thing.
- Earth Balance. When it comes to versatility and availability, Earth Balance is the best vegan butter overall.
- I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.
- Miyoko’s Kitchen.
- WayFare Whipped.
- Melt Organic.
- Nutiva Organic Buttery Coconut Oil.
Is plant based butter just margarine?
Not all margarine is vegan, though. According to the US Department of Agriculture, in the United States, margarine must be at least 80 percent fat—but it can also include some milk and still be called margarine. Vegan butter therefore is a type of dairy-free margarine that’s got all of the fat with none of the milk.
How does kernels make their popcorn?
As heat is applied to the dried kernels, the droplet of water converts to steam, and pressure begins to build. Once the hull can no longer hold the pressure of the steam, the kernel explodes. The starch inside the kernel turns into the white fluffy, crunchy stuff we call popcorn.
How do you make homemade popcorn butter?
Steps Pop a bag of microwave butter popcorn according to the directions. Take a small dish and fill it with up to a quarter pound (1 stick) of butter (note… a baby sippy cup works very well for melting butter. Microwave the butter until it melts; about 30 seconds if whipped and 1 minute if cold. Place the popcorn you just popped into a bowl.
What is a healthy alternative to popcorn?
Ideas – unsalted peanuts, unsweetened chocolate chips, dried fruit, etc. Cherry tomatoes or grapes – cherry tomatoes or grapes are a very good alternative to your usual buttery delight. These alternatives are healthy, significantly healthier than popcorn, and will probably make you forget that you’re not eating popcorn.
What are the best substitutes for butter?
The best substitutes for margarine are natural butters and purified cooking oils. Margarine was created as an inexpensive alternative to butter, and has similar properties. Although margarine substitutes can often be used at the same volume, they may have a somewhat different taste, consistency and nutritional profile.
Is spray butter a healthier option?
It is also made with olive oil, a healthy fat that has numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. If you are concerned about clean eating, than spray butter is not the best option as a butter substitute for your diet. A better choice for this type of consumer would be a natural whipped butter.