I tried seven brands of salted butter and the difference was a major surprise
Little did I know that this seemingly simple taste test would push me to the limits of human endurance, writes Vita Molyneux. Until you've tasted seven distinct butters in a mere 30 minutes, you can't truly understand what the body is capable of.
By mid way, I was struggling. Maybe I was being too generous with my spreading, or perhaps it was the 23-degree heat in my bedroom, but I did not feel great.
I stared down at three more butters feeling my arteries beginning to clog. My head was spinning and I needed a drink of water and a lie down.
I needed a piece of fresh fruit, I needed a hug. Instead I took a deep breath, reminded myself that this is my job and I'm extremely lucky to have it, and cracked on.
By the end, I believe I had transcended. But the results were in and I have declared a winner - and a loser. All the butters were left out on my counter for an hour to achieve the perfect spreadability, reports the Express.
The seven salted butters I sampled were: All Things Butter, Lurpak Slightly Salted, Kerrygold, Anchor, Tesco own brand, Aldi Cowbelle and Lidl Dairy Manor.
Lurpak
This is a classic. It's my usual purchase, but I must confess, I rarely indulge in just bread and butter, so I most often use it in cooking.
I had high expectations but, to be honest, Lurpak left me somewhat disappointed. It tasted a bit oilier than I anticipated, and the salt was more subtle than I prefer.
However, the texture and spreadability were good. Overall, Lurpak scores OK.
Rating: 6/10.
All Things Butter
The colour of this was a stunning rich yellow.
When I sliced off the piece I was going to taste I was taken aback by its crumbly texture.
However, after softening, the butter was rich, creamy and indulgent with the perfect level of salt.
This butter tasted like luxury, and I loved it!
Rating: 9/10.
Aldi Cowbelle
This one had the best spreadability so far - it went on the bread perfectly and was the saltiest of the bunch. There was an aftertaste of the sea, but I like the sea, so that's fine.
It had a rich, golden colour, and almost had a hint of garlic about it (although that could be the chopping board). Really lovely.
Rating: 8/10.
Kerrygold
The spreadability was a little poor, but it didn't tear the bread, which is always a good sign. It had the most gorgeous colour of all the butters, a stunning yellowish gold - I suppose it's in the name.
However, it wasn't very salty at all, and the texture was pretty nondescript. Overall, OK.
Rating: 6/10.
Lidl Dairy Manor
This butter was nearly white, and quite salty, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
It had top-notch spreadability and I favour the saltier ones, so this gets an extra point.
Rating: 7/10.
Tesco
Tesco's own brand was a real let down. It was overly oily and lacked flavour with no real salty tang.
Despite its spreadability and appealing colour, I can only award Tesco a modest score.
Rating: 4/10.
Anchor
The final hurdle!
The end was in sight. This butter had a pleasing texture and was rich and creamy, although not as salty as I might prefer - instead it had that peculiar garlic undertone like the Aldi butter.
But again, that could very well have been my wooden chopping board.
It was satisfactory, but nothing exceptional, so it receives an in-between score.
Rating: 5/10.
Final thoughts
All Things Butter clinched the title for the best butter, and sadly, Tesco's own brand needs to be cast aside.
But overwhelmingly, I learned a crucial lesson - too much of a good thing is indeed a real phenomenon.
The next time I'm offered such a decadent taste test, I am calling for reinforcements. sent twice daily to your inbox
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