How to make your own flavoured butter (and save money)
So popular is the current 'buttertok' trend that social media star chef Thomas Straker, creator of salt and vinegar crisp butter among many others, now has his own eye-catchingly packaged range – including Cinnamon Bun (£2.85 for 115g; £2.48 per 100g, at Sainsbury's) – on the shelves at major supermarkets.
Waitrose has reported a huge surge in sales of flavoured butters; especially its excellent-value frozen Garlic & Herb Butter (£3.50 for 200g; £1.75 per 100g), sales of which are up an incredible 569 per cent compared to this time last year. Meanwhile, M&S has introduced a top-tier flavoured butter line including smoked paprika and chilli (£2.75 for 100g) and a truly delicious Parmigiano Reggiano & Truffle butter – though at £3.75 for 100g, it's one to keep for special occasions.
But with the price of butter already at a premium, is it worth shelling out even more for flavoured versions? I certainly see the appeal: their ability to instantly add a touch of magic to the most basic of foods, from an ear of corn to a simple seared steak or thick slice of toast, makes them worth keeping close to hand, especially when you're short on time and desire an easy flavour boost for dinner.
But why splash the cash when they're so easy and, in most cases, much cheaper to make at home? Supermarket own-label British butter is currently priced around 80-90p per 100g and the additional ingredients can cost from just a few pence upwards depending on what flavours you go for.
With savings to be made and a medley of flavours to experiment with, homemade flavoured butter is win-win. If you've got your own favourite blends, do share them with me in the comments below the article. If not, here's a quick guide and six delicious ideas to get you started.
Skip to:
The butter
Straightforward supermarket own-label butter is perfect for flavouring. Choose unsalted as this provides the best flavourless base with which to work; salt can later be added to taste depending on the ingredients you add. Take it out of the fridge at least two hours before you use it so it's soft enough to blend in the flavours easily. If the butter is still a little firm, give it a quick beat with a wooden spoon or whisk until it's spreadable. Avoid types that spread straight from the fridge as you want the butter to set firmly once you've added your flavours.
Back to index
The flavours
There are no limits here and you can go sweet or savoury, but plump for ingredients that pack a punch rather than mild-tasting additions which need to be used in large amounts to carry through. This is particularly important when adding liquids – you don't want to over-soften the final texture too much, so use a small amount of strong espresso or dark maple syrup, for example, rather than a delicate, golden style. Taste and adjust the finished butter to balance the flavours in the same way you would if making a dressing (or a cocktail for that matter), adding more sweetness, salt or some acidity, as needed.
Back to index
How to blend
It's simply a case of mixing together room-temperature butter with your favourite flavourings. While a bowl and wooden spoon will suffice, an electric whisk or food processor (as I've used in the recipes below) will take the effort out of blending the ingredients together. Though if you do choose to beat the mixture by hand, any unevenly blended butter with visible marbling is still very attractive when sliced into discs or scooped into.
Back to index
How to store
To maximise freshness and minimise odour transference (butter easily absorbs pungent smells), it's important to keep your flavoured butter chilled and airtight. Either pack it into a sealed container or wrap in greaseproof paper, rolling it to form a tight cylinder. Twist the ends then, ideally, place in a food bag for extra protection. Slice off discs from the log when ready to use, or spread or scoop directly from your container.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
21 minutes ago
- Daily Record
New Look's 'non-iron' midi dress is a 'wardrobe essential' for under £30
This effortless midi dress is so popular it has already sold out in three colours online. Having a wardrobe item that can be worn time and time again is a must. It's even better if it's a fuss-free option with little maintenance. Which is exactly why many fashion enthusiasts have been flocking to New Look for the Flutter Sleeve Button Front Midi Dress that retails for under £30. Already sold out in a few colours online, this £29.99 frock falls to a trendy midi-length hemline, with the floaty material boasting a slightly 'crinkle-style' effect that means it won't need ironed and can easily be popped into a suitcase. Also featuring short, fluttery sleeves that add a romantic touch, relaxed design, side slits, V-neckline and a button-down front, New Look's dress is ideal for effortless styling. It's also pretty versatile, as it can be paired with a pair of sandals or chunky trainers during the day, or even some chic stilettos when out during the evening. As of writing, New Look's frock is still available to buy in six to 22, but only four out of seven colours are left in stock - burgundy, camel, green and khaki. Another easy-to-wear design that fashion fans can also check out on the high street is M&S' Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi T-Shirt Dress, available in three colours for an affordable £25. For those who would prefer a printed design, then we have spotted this Green Ditsy Floral Dee Dee Midi Dress from Nobody's Child for under £50. However, New Look shoppers can't stop heaping praise on the flutter sleeve midi dress that has been awarded a 4.7 rating from reviewers, who say it is a "wardrobe essential" and "perfect" for summer. One delighted customer wrote: "Lovely black dress, nice fabric, true to size, good length and I'm 175cm. Could be dressed up or dressed down. "A wardrobe essential. Wanted it in blue as well but it was OOS!" Someone else praised: "The perfect summer dress! Very light material, doesn't show sweat! Slightly crinkle material so ironing is not essential, for the suitcase. Real buttons." Fashion deal of the week New Balance has just launched a massive sale ahead of the summer, with up to half-price off. Hate that break in period with stiff footwear? Then look no further than the Unisex RC42 Shoes, said to be "comfy straight out of the box", that have been reduced from £90 to just £45, saving shoppers 50 percent off the original asking price. Featuring the classic minimalist silhouette that can be worn with everything from denim jeans to leggings, these trainers have been particularly designed for those with an active lifestyle. Crafted from a "lightweight" suede/mesh construction, they boast a low profile that is suitable for those who spend long periods of time on their feet, while the a padded tongue and cushioned rubber sole ensure all day comfort. Finished with the classic signature 'N' branding on the side, the half-price discount covers two colours - granite with white and linen with sea salt. As of writing, sizes range from a four through to nine, including a few half-sizes. Shoppers can't stop praising the New Balance RC42 Shoes, as they have earned a 4.2 rating and glowing reviews for their "comfortable" design that means they "don't even have to break them in." One five-star review read: "Very cute and comfortable right out of the box. On trend and has a somewhat cushioned midsole—perfect for wearing all day." Another shopper praising the fit said: "Very comfy, stretchy material that fits nicely around your body shape!" A couple of shoppers knocked a star off in their review over marks being easily visible on the material, as one said: "Nice dress, shows spills, sweat etc as black - you've been warned! "Very light fabric perfect for summer, dries very quickly. Slightly smaller fit than the black version."
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Shoppers run to Primark for £6 home staple that's giving Barbie Dream House
PRIMARK fans are rushing to the store after it dropped new a homeware line that is giving Barbie Dream House vibes. Bows have been a massive trend this summer, inspired by the likes of pop powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter who loves girly chic. And pink is the shade of the moment, with celebs drenched in every shade from rose to magenta. Primark have now got in on the action with a whole section of their homeware website dedicated to the season's 'colour crush'. And a new selection of pink, bow items are now in stock. Staff at the high street favourite's East Kilbride store showed off the fresh drop. First up is a gorgeous, fleecy blanket covered in pretty rose bows. It might still be summer but Scots love to get cosy all year round - especially when the throw only costs £6. Meanwhile, the store also has an adorable blush trinket box - you guessed it, shaped like a bow. The little earthenware pot is ideal for keeping jewellery or hair ties tidied away. And finally, they have released the cutest teddy fleece cushion. 'Stop, I need this', shoppers in frenzy over £25 Primark iconic Netflix show merch Shaped like a giant bow, it will turn any bedroom into a Barbie boudoir. Primark fans were loving the collection. One said: "I need." While another gushed: "The blanketttt!" It's not the only new line that's getting lovers of the store in a spin this summer. Shoppers have been racing to the shop to bag a pretty holiday outfit that's a "90s rewind" and only costs £20.
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
My friends died in the Shoreham air crash – so I turned my life around
Reinvention is more than just a positive lifestyle choice; it's a necessity as society changes. The traditional three-stage life model — education, work, retirement – has been replaced by the 'multistage' life. The job for life has gone out of the window. It's time to embrace the many versions of you. Take Angela Rippon. The 80 year old has had a six decade-long career in journalism and broadcasting, full of twists and turns – and including a memorable turn on Strictly Come Dancing. One of the most searched terms about her is 'Can Angela Rippon really still do the splits?' Yes she can – and if like her you want to 'stay young until the day you die', you may need to reinvent yourself along the way. Leslie Kenny, a longevity expert from the Oxford Longevity Project, explains that there is evidence to prove that reinvention is a powerful tool for a healthier, longer life. 'It reawakens curiosity, builds resilience, and helps us shift from surviving to thriving. That shift is what gives us extra years and, more importantly, better years,' she adds. Dr Mohammed Enayat, founder of longevity clinic, HUM2N, agrees. 'Reinvention in midlife, whether through career transitions, dietary improvements, or optimised sleep and movement routines, triggers positive epigenetic changes that directly impact the ageing process,' he adds. 'In clinical practice, we observe that embracing change reduces harmful stress hormones, enhances metabolic function, and significantly improves both health span and lifespan,' he adds. So, if you're planning on living a longer, healthier and happier life, it's time to start reinventing. Need some inspiration? Here's how three brave midlife individuals navigated their big change. 'I was a Headteacher – now I'm a channel swimmer and lifeguard' Married mother of two, Hildi Mitchell, 54, from Brighton traded the demanding world of head teaching for the open water I began my career in academia with a PhD in social anthropology. My first reinvention came in 2003 when I left the university world to become a primary school teacher. I loved to teach and a role for headship came up at my local primary school. It was my dream job. But it wasn't easy. Like many, my husband Jon and I juggled careers and looking after our children, Polly and Elise. I loved my job, but I think many of us sleepwalk through life, ticking off the next task. I kept fit and healthy – running, swimming and cycling. I wasn't fast but always consistent. Then it was 2020, I combined turning 50 with COVID and a surge in stress levels. I led my school through the pandemic and headed the local branch of the national headteachers' union. Parents and staff relied on me and turned to me for answers that I didn't always have. I felt the weight of it in my body. My mum had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her 50s. She never got to retire and live out her dreams, and that also weighed on my mind as I navigated the pandemic and kept the school afloat. Then in 2021, my friend Izzi died suddenly from COVID due to complications from diabetes. She was five days younger than me. An astrophysicist and serial reinventor, she lived life to the full, and we had such fun taking off on impromptu road trips and swimming holidays. Her death reminded me how fragile life is. I'd trained as a swim teacher 18 years earlier. I always had a dream to swim the Channel, but I'd kept putting it off: 'I'll do it some time' I told myself. It was Jon who said 'some time' may never come. So, I did it. I booked the Channel swim. And then I resigned from my role as head teacher. The day I had to hand in my notice, I sobbed in my car. I had no clear plan, just the North Star of the Channel swim. But I knew I couldn't keep going as I was. I had taught children as part of my role as a part time swim coach, and loved swimming. So I thought I would combine my two passions. I retrained as a beach lifeguard. This was harder than the Ironman I'd done, surrounded by 20-somethings, trying to clamber onto the board. After day two I told my husband Jon I wanted to give up. But I didn't. Now I work at a 50m outdoor pool called Sea Lanes in Brighton. I clean toilets, fish hair out of drains, sit on the lifeguard stool in all weathers, and I love it. I'm working about 30 hours a week and taking home about 40 per cent of what I did before. That was supposed to be a full time job but I worked about 60 hours a week. So in some ways it works out well in the sense of having more time and more joy in my life. I've cut back on spending, cancelled subscriptions, like Amazon Prime, and I feel more mindful about how I spend my time and money. I completed my solo Channel swim in July 2024. And now I'm planning to swim the Bristol Channel – and maybe even the North Channel, for the triple crown. Setting goals is vital, without the Channel Swim, I may never have taken the plunge. I had a vision and now I'm living that out. I'm making sure I enjoy it. Status and money are not important to me, and I'm not worried about what others may or may not think. What does matter is having a choice and living a healthy and happy life. 'My friends died in the Shoreham air crash and it was a catalyst to get fit and change my life' A decade ago, Nigel Lambe, 55, was a father of three caught in the corporate grind. Today, he's reinvented himself as an entrepreneurial fitness coach It's been said that people overestimate what they can achieve in a year, and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade. I'm a natural planner, I set long and short-term goals and it's how I've always lived, but if I went back to 2015, I think I'd be amazed to see the life I have now. Aged 40, I was the classic slightly overweight businessman, married, three kids in private school, commuting to London to my corporate role as the chief executive of eCourier, a London-based logistics company. In 2010 I switched careers to start a successful coffee company and brewery. But the first time I did anything you could call 'sport' was after the 2012 Olympics. Like many others, I got swept up in the Bradley Wiggins hype. It wasn't long after this that I opened a cycling café and started a social cycling club — no egos, no competition, just community and enough activity to justify a few beers. That group became a space for people like me to get together, have some fun, and tick the fitness box. Then, in August 2015, everything changed. Two friends, Dylan and Richard, from the cycling group I'd set up were killed in the Shoreham airshow crash when they were out on a ride. It was devastating. A brutal reminder that time isn't promised. I started a programme of therapy, which had a big impact on how I moved my life forward, and it pushed me to stop and take stock. By 2017, my 18-year marriage had ended. Divorce, stress and three kids depending on me — it cracked something open. The following year, I met my partner, Grace, online – she's lived in the UK for many years but was born in Nairobi. By now, I was doing some parkruns and getting a bit fitter. And after focusing on running during lockdown, the change that had started four years before was accelerated. I put more energy into fitness and began serious training for a duathlon (cycling and running). I set a goal of becoming an age grouper (i.e. representing my country for my age). I qualified and ran my first duathlon race in Irish kit in Bilbao. My goal? Not to come last. I didn't and am now preparing for my fourth race for Ireland, the World Championships in Spain this June. Next up was marathon running. In just two years, I managed to achieve a PB [personal best] of 3.27 at the Brighton Marathon. While training for the marathons, I was set to go on a three-week trip to Kenya, to visit my partner's family. I decided I might need some time away from the new 'in-laws', so I signed up to a two-week running trip with the Kenya Experience who organise training holidays for amateur runners based in Iten, 2,400m at altitude – the 'home of the champions'. I didn't just get fitter from that trip. I was inspired by the small town of Iten and the Kenyan culture. I loved the people and the contrast of their society to ours. At that point, I was working as chief executive of Sussex Innovation, part of the University of Sussex. I didn't wait, I invested in the Kenya Experience as both a runner and a business coach and am now helping to expand the business. And over the last year, I've also worked hard to qualify as a triathlon and endurance running coach (while working full-time). Reinvention isn't what I was consciously doing. I wasn't trying to change who I was, but in always trying something new, I've certainly reconnected with who I'm meant to be. At 55, I feel like I'm just getting started, and I'm looking forward to discovering what's next. 'I ditched wine for Ironmans' In 2020, Myanna Duncan was juggling her full-time career as a scientist, being a new single mum, and grieving her mother. Wine o'clock was firmly fixed in her day, but aged 40, she decided enough was enough My daughter was born in lockdown, and six weeks later, my relationship ended. I was suddenly a single parent, raising her alone while working full-time as a Behavioural Scientist. Just nine months earlier, my mum had died suddenly. I was grieving, overwhelmed and trying to keep everything going. Like many new parents, I slipped into an unhealthy daily habit when Ruby became a toddler. I'd collect her from nursery and pour a glass of wine while making dinner. When I wasn't alone, I was catching up with the girls from my maternity leave 'wine club'. I wasn't drinking excessively – two to three glasses of wine. There were no wild nights or blackouts. But it was a bad habit that affected everything: my sleep, mood, energy and general wellbeing. I was always tired, without really knowing why. Alcohol is sneaky. It slowly wears you down without you noticing. I'd always stayed fit. I did my PhD in 2009 at Loughborough University, the home of sport. But after having a baby and a C-section, my body changed and I felt sluggish. By the time I turned 40 in 2023, I realised how deeply the bad habits had become embedded. Still, it wasn't until March 2024 that I finally gave up alcohol for good. As a scientist, I needed evidence to help shape my 'why'. I read This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. It explained not just the lived experience of quitting, but the science behind why alcohol is so damaging. I'm all or nothing, so I decided to stop, as an experiment. I was amazed by how quickly I felt better. I was sharper, less irritable, my skin was clearer, I lost weight and was leaner all around, and I had more energy. It wasn't easy. Drinking had been my way of coping with stress, and it was central to my social life. My first test was a ski holiday in Austria in April 2023. Ski trips had always been about the après as much as the skiing. I swapped booze for Red Bull and powered through with caffeine. I remember thinking, if I can do this, I can do anything. The first three months were the hardest. If you're thinking of quitting, it's worth having a game plan. Even as someone sporty, alcohol was ingrained in my life. At university, I played water polo and drinking after matches was how we bonded. It's easy to become dependent without realising. In the early days, I used the excuse of 'training for something' to dodge the inevitable question: 'Why aren't you drinking?' The biggest motivation to stay a non-drinker has been how good I feel. Your 40s can be a great time to enjoy the benefits of endurance sport, especially for women. My fitness improved quickly. My Parkrun time dropped from 28 to 20 minutes. At Hyrox Manchester, my training partner Joey and I came second, just behind the world champions. I'm back competing in Olympic triathlons and have an Ironman 70.3 coming up in September. I still have friends who drink, and I don't judge. But now, when I go out, I enjoy the food and the company, not just the drinks menu. My social circle has shifted too. I've got more fit friends, and the Hyrox community is so supportive and inspirational. We train, grab coffee, and go for lunch. I could never have imagined this life four years ago. It's changed beyond recognition, and I've never once wished I hadn't stopped drinking.'
