Olive Oil Butter: A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Butter?

Have you ever come across the term “olive oil butter” and wondered what exactly it means? You’re not alone. This term actually refers to two distinct products:

• A homemade spread made by mixing butter with olive oil
• Butter-flavored olive oil (an infused oil product)

This guide breaks down both options to help you understand the differences, benefits, and uses of each. Whether you’re a home cook looking to create a healthier spread, someone watching their health, or just curious about new food options, this article has you covered.

Why trust this guide

This guide combines research from:

• Nutritional studies on fats and oils
• Professional culinary techniques
• Home kitchen testing of recipes and methods
• Analysis of commercial products

We focus on practical, tested advice you can use today in your kitchen, with clear instructions and honest evaluations of taste, texture, and usability.

The best of both worlds: homemade olive oil butter spread

Why make your own olive oil butter spread?

Creating your own olive oil butter blend offers several advantages:

• Better spreadability: Stays soft even when cold
• Health benefits: Contains more heart-healthy fats than regular butter
• Custom flavor: Adjust salt levels and add herbs to suit your taste
• Cost savings: Often cheaper than specialty spreads
• Kitchen control: You decide exactly what goes into your spread

Core ingredients & equipment

For the butter component:

• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Choose high-quality butter for best results

Butter selection tips:

• European-style butter (higher butterfat) creates a richer spread
• Grass-fed butter offers more nutrients and often a better flavor
• Unsalted gives you complete control over salt content

For the olive oil:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Strongest flavor, most health benefits
• Virgin Olive Oil: Milder taste, still healthy
• Light Olive Oil: Most neutral flavor, fewer health compounds

Olive oil selection by region

Optional add-ins:

• Salt (if using unsalted butter)
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
• Minced garlic or other seasonings
• Citrus zest for brightness

Equipment you’ll need:

• Mixer (hand or stand)
• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Storage container with lid

Step-by-step recipe: perfect homemade olive oil butter

Basic Ratio: 2 parts butter to 1 part olive oil (This ratio keeps the spread firm but spreadable. For a softer spread, use equal parts.)

Exact measurements for standard batch:

• 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) room temperature butter
• 1/2 cup (118ml) olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using unsalted butter)

Instructions:

1. Let the butter soften at room temperature (about 30 minutes).
2. Cut butter into 1-inch chunks and place in your mixing bowl.
3. Whip the butter using your mixer on medium speed until fluffy (exactly 2 minutes).
4. Reduce speed to low and slowly drizzle in the olive oil over 60 seconds while mixing.
5. Continue mixing until fully combined and creamy (1-2 minutes more).
6. Add salt or other flavorings if desired and mix briefly (15-30 seconds) to combine.
7. Transfer to a storage container and refrigerate.

Visual cues: The mixture should look smooth and uniform with no oil separation. It will appear lighter in color than the original butter.

Quick recipe card:

Tips for success & troubleshooting

For perfect consistency:

• Make sure butter is soft but not melted
• Add oil gradually—too much at once can cause separation
• Mix thoroughly but don’t overmix
• Room temperature should be below 75°F (24°C)

Common problems and fixes

Temperature tips:

• Will be softer at room temperature
• Stays more spreadable than butter when refrigerated
• Best texture after sitting 5 minutes from refrigerator

Flavor variations to try

Savory options:

• Classic Garlic Herb: 2 minced garlic cloves + 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs
• Mediterranean: 1 tsp dried oregano + 1/2 tsp lemon zest + pinch of red pepper
• Roasted Pepper: 1 tbsp finely chopped roasted red peppers + pinch of smoked paprika
• Umami Bomb: 1 tsp miso paste + few drops of soy sauce

Sweet variations:

• Honey Cinnamon: 1 tsp honey + 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Maple: 1 tsp pure maple syrup + tiny pinch of salt
• Orange Cardamom: 1/2 tsp orange zest + pinch of ground cardamom

Storage and shelf life

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Keeps for 1-2 weeks refrigerated
• Not recommended for freezing (may separate when thawed)
• Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if kept covered

Nutritional snapshot

Note: Values are approximate. DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Best uses for homemade olive oil butter spread

Recipe idea: simple olive oil butter pasta

1. Cook 8oz pasta according to package directions
2. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water before draining
3. Toss hot pasta with 2 tbsp olive oil butter, cooking water, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan
4. Add fresh herbs and black pepper to taste

Butter-flavored olive oil: the dairy-free alternative

What is butter-flavored olive oil?

Butter-flavored olive oil is olive oil infused with butter flavor. It’s made through one of two methods:

1. Natural infusion: Using natural butter flavors derived from plants
2. Artificial flavoring: Adding butter-like flavor compounds to olive oil

Most commercial versions are dairy-free, making them suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies (always check the label to confirm).

Benefits of using butter-flavored olive oil

• Dairy-free butter flavor: Great for those avoiding dairy
• Higher smoke point: Better for high-heat cooking than butter
• Heart-healthy fats: Contains beneficial olive oil compounds
• Versatility: Works for cooking, baking, and finishing dishes
• Lower saturated fat: Contains about 14% saturated fat compared to butter’s 64%

What to look for when buying

Quality indicators:

• Extra virgin olive oil as the base
• Natural rather than artificial flavoring when possible
• Clear ingredient list without additives or preservatives
• Dark bottle to protect oil quality
• Cold-pressed extraction method
• Production date (fresher is better)

Price considerations:

Top culinary uses

Cooking application table:

Recipe idea: perfect butter-flavored oil popcorn

1. Pop 1/2 cup popcorn kernels using your preferred method
2. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp butter-flavored olive oil over hot popcorn
3. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and toss to coat evenly
4. Optional: add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

Taste profile: does it really taste like butter?

Popular places to find butter-flavored olive oil

• Specialty olive oil shops
• Gourmet food stores
• Natural food markets
• Online retailers
• Some larger supermarkets in the specialty oil section

Olive oil butter blend vs. butter-flavored oil vs. traditional butter vs. olive oil: a head-to-head comparison

Flavor profile comparison:

Nutritional benefits comparison

Which should you choose and when?

Choose homemade olive oil butter when:

• You want a healthier, more spreadable butter
• You’re reducing but not eliminating dairy
• You need something for room temperature spreading
• You want to control exactly what goes in your spread

Choose butter-flavored olive oil when:

• You need a dairy-free option
• You’re cooking at higher heat
• You want the lightest option
• You’re following a vegan diet but miss butter flavor

Choose traditional butter when:

• You’re baking pastries that need butter’s structure
• You want the richest dairy flavor
• Traditional recipes call specifically for butter
• Authentic taste is more important than health concerns

Choose regular olive oil when:

• You want the pure taste of olive oil
• You’re making dressings or marinades
• You’re focusing on heart health
• Mediterranean cuisine is your goal

Health considerations

The case for including olive oil

Research shows that replacing some saturated fats (like those in butter) with unsaturated fats (like those in olive oil) may support heart health. Olive oil contains:

• Monounsaturated fatty acids, which may help reduce bad cholesterol
• Polyphenols with antioxidant properties (up to 36mg per tablespoon in high-quality oils)
• Vitamin E (about 1.9mg or 13% of Daily Value per tablespoon)
• Oleocanthal, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties

Research highlights:

• A 2020 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found replacing just 5g of saturated fat with the same amount of olive oil was associated with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease
• The PREDIMED study showed participants consuming olive oil had a 30% lower risk of major cardiovascular events

How “olive oil butter” fits into a healthy diet

Moderation is key:

• Both options are still fats and should be used in reasonable amounts
• Homemade spread reduces saturated fat compared to butter alone
• Butter-flavored oil has the fat profile of olive oil

Considerations for specific needs:

• Those watching calories should portion carefully
• People with dairy allergies should use butter-flavored oil
• Those on Mediterranean diets might prefer the homemade blend
• Individuals with heart concerns may benefit from either option over pure butter

Smoke point comparison

Higher smoke points mean the fat can be heated to higher temperatures before breaking down.

Why smoke points matter:

• Heating oils beyond their smoke point creates harmful compounds
• Off flavors develop when fats break down
• Nutrient loss occurs at high temperatures
• Proper fat selection for cooking method improves health and taste

Historical context: olive oil and butter through the ages

The combination of olive oil and butter has deep roots in Mediterranean cooking, particularly in Italian cuisine where the blend has been used for centuries in dishes like risotto. Historical cooking texts from the 16th century mention mixing olive oil with butter to extend its use and improve spreadability in warmer climates.

In ancient Rome, olive oil was the primary cooking fat, while butter was considered a food of “barbarians” from northern Europe. As culinary traditions merged through trade and conquest, cooks began to appreciate the unique properties of both fats, eventually leading to their combined use in various cuisines.

Today’s interest in olive oil butter blends represents a modern continuation of this historical practice, now driven by both culinary preference and nutritional awareness.

Regional variations

Different cultures have their own versions of blended fats similar to olive oil butter:

• Italian Cooking: Often combines olive oil and butter for pasta and risotto
• Middle Eastern Cuisine: Sometimes mixes olive oil with ghee (clarified butter)
• Spanish Traditions: May blend olive oil with lard for certain pastries
• Modern American: Focus on spreadable butter products for convenience
• Northern European: Trend toward butter-olive oil blends for health benefits

Conclusion

Whether you choose to make your own olive oil butter spread or use butter-flavored olive oil, both options bring unique benefits to your kitchen. The homemade spread offers an easy way to create a more heart-conscious, spreadable version of butter, while butter-flavored oil provides a dairy-free alternative that maintains that buttery taste we all love.

The perfect balance varies for everyone—some prefer a 50:50 mix for maximum spreadability, while others prefer just a touch of olive oil to soften butter while maintaining its rich taste. The beauty of making your own is the ability to customize exactly to your preference.

Key takeaways:

• Homemade olive oil butter spread combines the taste of butter with some health benefits of olive oil
• Butter-flavored olive oil offers a dairy-free alternative with a familiar flavor
• Both options are more spreadable and often more versatile than pure butter
• The ratio can be adjusted based on your preference for taste, texture, and health benefits
• While healthier than butter alone, moderation remains important as both are still fats

Try both options to see which works best for your cooking style and dietary needs. With the information in this guide, you can make informed choices about which option best fits your cooking needs and health goals.

FAQs

Is olive oil butter healthy?

Olive oil butter blends are generally healthier than regular butter due to reduced saturated fat and added benefits from olive oil. The homemade version contains about 30% less saturated fat than pure butter while adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While still a fat to use in moderation, it represents a better nutritional choice than butter alone.

What are the benefits of olive oil butter?

Olive oil butter offers multiple benefits: better spreadability right from the refrigerator, reduced saturated fat content, added antioxidants from olive oil, customizable flavor, and the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats found in olive oil. For many, it provides a perfect balance between the familiar taste of butter and the health benefits of olive oil.

Does butter with olive oil taste different?

Yes, butter with olive oil has a distinct taste profile. It maintains the creamy, rich flavor of butter but adds subtle notes from the olive oil. The intensity of the difference depends on your ratio and the type of olive oil used. Extra virgin olive oil creates a more pronounced flavor difference, while light olive oil results in a spread closer to traditional butter’s taste.

Is spreadable butter healthier than regular butter?

Spreadable butter that contains olive oil is generally healthier than regular butter because it has less saturated fat and contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. However, not all spreadable butters are created equal—some commercial versions might contain palm oil or other less healthy ingredients, so always check labels.

Is it OK to mix olive oil and butter?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to mix olive oil and butter. This combination has been used in Mediterranean cooking for centuries and offers both culinary and potential health benefits. Combining them creates a spread with better nutritional value than butter alone and provides excellent flavor for cooking and finishing dishes.

What butter has the lowest fat?

If looking for the lowest fat option, butter-flavored olive oil contains no butter fat at all, making it the lowest in saturated fat. Among actual butter products, whipped butter contains less fat per tablespoon (due to incorporated air), and light butter products typically contain about half the fat of regular butter, though they often include water and additives.

Is it healthier to use butter or olive oil?

Olive oil is generally considered healthier than butter because it’s high in monounsaturated fats (which may help reduce bad cholesterol) and lower in saturated fats. Olive oil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds not found in butter. For most cooking applications where either could be used, olive oil represents the healthier choice.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter in many recipes. For sautéing and cooking, use a 1:1 ratio. For baking, use 3/4 cup olive oil for each cup of butter called for. Be aware that this substitution works better in some recipes (like quick breads) than others (like flaky pastries), and will change the flavor profile of your dishes.

Can you cook with olive oil spread?

Yes, you can cook with homemade olive oil butter spread, but be mindful of heat levels. It works well for light sautéing and low-to-medium heat cooking (below 375°F/190°C). At higher temperatures, it may smoke or separate. For high-heat cooking, butter-flavored olive oil is a better choice due to its higher smoke point.

What is the healthiest butter you can buy?

The healthiest butter option would be butter-flavored olive oil (for those avoiding dairy) or a homemade olive oil butter blend. Among commercial butters, organic grass-fed butter offers more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins than conventional butter, though it still contains significant saturated fat.

Is extra virgin olive oil butter?

No, extra virgin olive oil is not butter. Butter is a dairy product made from cream, while extra virgin olive oil comes from pressed olives. Though they’re both fats used in cooking, they have different compositions, flavors, and nutritional profiles. Extra virgin olive oil is plant-based and rich in monounsaturated fats, while butter is animal-based and higher in saturated fats.

What are the health benefits of olive oil butter?

Health benefits of olive oil butter include: reduced saturated fat compared to regular butter, addition of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, increased vitamin E content, addition of beneficial plant compounds (polyphenols), potential cholesterol-improving properties from the olive oil component, and better nutritional profile while maintaining good flavor and cooking functionality.

What is the olive oil equivalent to 1 stick of butter?

For cooking, the olive oil equivalent to 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup, 8 tablespoons, or 113g) is about 6 tablespoons (90ml) of olive oil. For baking, this can vary based on the recipe, but generally 6-7 tablespoons works well. Remember that this substitution works better for some recipes than others and will change both flavor and texture.

Is olive oil better than butter or margarine?

Olive oil is generally considered nutritionally superior to both butter and margarine. Unlike butter, it’s low in saturated fat and high in beneficial monounsaturated fats. Unlike many margarines, it’s free from trans fats and artificial ingredients. Olive oil also contains natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds not found in either butter or margarine.

Can you use olive oil spread instead of butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil spread (homemade olive oil butter blend) instead of butter in many applications. It works excellently for spreading on bread, light sautéing, finishing dishes, and some baking recipes. For high-heat cooking or recipes where butter’s solid state at room temperature is crucial (like pastry), you may need to adjust techniques or use another alternative.