Why is Buttery Spread classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The spread contains refined vegetable oil blends, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavorings and fortified vitamins, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods, giving it a NOVA‑4 rating. Its additive list includes sunflower lecithin (E322), sorbate (preservative), EDTA (chelating agent), monoglycerides, beta‑carotene colour and added vitamin A palmitate and vitamin D3.

How does the high salt content in this spread affect a hypertensive diet?

With 1.6 g of salt per 100 g, the spread exceeds the daily recommended limit for sodium and can raise blood pressure, so people with hypertension should use it sparingly or choose a lower‑salt alternative.

Can people following a vegan or gluten‑free diet safely use this spread?

All listed ingredients are plant‑derived and the product bears a "no gluten" label, making it suitable for gluten‑free diets. While most components are vegan, vitamin A palmitate can be sourced from animal fat, so strict vegans should verify the source on the package, but the spread is generally considered vegan‑friendly.

Smart Balance • 15 oz

Buttery Spread

Fat And Sauces

Product Insights

Buttery Spread is a plant‑based spread that falls under the "Fat and sauces" group. Its nutritional profile provides 571 kcal per 100 g, 64 g total fat (including 18 g saturated fat) and 1.6 g salt, resulting in a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA‑4 ultra‑processed classification, with no sugars or protein. Positives include zero sugar, a blend of vegetable oils and added vitamins A and D, while negatives are high saturated fat, high salt, the presence of palm oil and several additives such as lecithin, sorbate and EDTA.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

low

Salt

high

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal571 kcal

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average spreads, its fat (64 g vs 77 g), saturated fat (18 g vs 22 g) and sugar (0 g vs 3.6 g) are lower, but its salt (1.6 g vs 0.4 g) is markedly higher.

Ingredients

VEGETABLE OIL BLEND (PALM OIL, CANOLA OIL), WATER, OLIVE OIL, SALT, PEA, PROTEIN ISOLATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, BETA, CAROTENE (COLOR), VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL), MONOGLYCERIDES, FLAXSEED OIL, WITH POTASSIUM, SORBATE, LACTIC ACID AND CALCIUM DISODIUM, EDTA

84%

35%

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