Butters and spreads taste tested

Courtesy of Wendalicious.com

The next time you’re cooking, baking, or simply slathering a piece of toast, reach for one of these—the cream of the crop of 78 butters and spreads.

Best Unsalted

 Land O Lakes Unsalted Butter 

The lush, creamy flavor and the silky texture of this workhorse explain why it has been the go-to stick for generations of bakers.

To buy: $4.50 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Kateshomemadebutter.com Best Salted Kate’s Homemade Butter Tasty crystals of sea salt stud this farm-fresh pick. The ultimate finishing touch for everything from pancakes to peas. To buy: $4.80 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Organicvalley.coop Best Organic Organic Valley Unsalted Butter Crafted from antibiotic- and pesticide-free milk, this bold option trampled the flat-tasting competition. To buy: $6 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Walmart.com Best European-Style Plugrá Unsalted Butter Slow churning and less water are the secrets to this intensely rich, golden brick, which is suited to everycooking task. To buy: $3 for 8 ounces.

Courtesy of Walmart.com Best Spreadable Country Crock Spreadable Butter Good things—and softened butter—come to those who wait. For those who can’t, try a schmear of this salty blend of butter and canola oil. It has a balanced flavor that bested its greasy rivals. To buy: $3.20 for 12 ounces.

Photo: Thinkstock Best Light Land O Lakes Light Other light varieties tended to be gritty and overly soft, but this winner has a smooth consistency and a mild flavor. Formulated for spreading, not cooking, it clocks in with half the calories of standard butter (just 50 per tablespoon) and 6 grams of fat (versus 11). To buy: $4.80 for 1 pound.

Courtesy of Walmart.com Best Butterlike Spread Brummel & Brown Made With Nonfat Yogurt Yogurt lends brightness to this tangy, low-calorie butter alternative for those looking for a cholesterol-free topper. It’s meant for bagels and bread, not cooking.