Enjoy the Simple Delights of Butter, Dairy-Free

(Family Features) Chef Julia Child once said, “With enough butter, anything is good.” The rich flavor of butter has been a staple in cooking and baking for ages. Gracing home chefs with its deliciousness, the simple smell of butter ignites fond memories and provides inspiration for creative recipes. Based on data from the U.S. Census and the Simmons National Consumer Survey, which predicts more than 300 million Americans will consume butter in 2024, the nostalgic ingredient is expected to continue taking over time-honored and trending recipes with no end in sight. However, as consumers explore how to incorporate better-for-you ingredients into their diets, the dairy-free market has become a leader in the discussion. In fact, according to McKinsey’s 2022 U.S. Dairy Consumer Survey, the U.S. plant-based dairy market has grown year-over-year with approximately 45% of people who consume plant-based products planning to increase their consumption in the next three years. When it comes to butter, the exploration of dairy-free alternatives is increasingly evident as shoppers scan grocery aisles for simple and health-forward swaps that mimic the irresistible qualities of traditional butter, which often proves a challenge. Consider dairy-free solutions from Miyoko’s Creamery, which is leading the charge in introducing high-quality dairy-free alternatives to households, providing simple and approachable recipe swaps. The dairy-free butter is cultured, churned and made with real, organic ingredients that appeal to both dairy and dairy-free enthusiasts alike. Unlike traditional margarines, which contain blended oils that can cause overly soft baked goods, the oat milk-based butters deliver a smooth spread and rich, creamy taste for a 1:1 swap. The spreadable products provide delicious, plant-based, convenient solutions to enhance any meal or occasion. Beginning with organic oats that are milled to creamy perfection then churned to create a cultured plant milk base, the oat milk butter is created using traditional creamery methods to upgrade your recipes. Social media platforms have also aided the surge of dairy-free options and, according to Food Navigator, 81% of consumers cook recipes they discover by content creators. As seen with the viral “Butter Board,” a creative appetizer containing softened butter spread across a board topped with jams, honey, nuts and more, the butter trend garnered a total of 236.9 million views and counting, per “Forbes.” Justine Doiron, the creator who brought the trending “Butter Board” to social media and cookbook author of “Justine Cooks,” is a pivotal example of how content creators introduce consumers to real ingredients while highlighting inventive recipes. “What I look for in my butter is that signature rich taste, along with a smooth, spreadable texture,” Doiron said. “There’s no joy like spreading softened butter on bread or tossing a few cubes in to finish a pasta sauce. With dairy-free butter, I can take everything I love about butter and share it with all the people I love. All diets, all values – all getting the same amazing food experience.” Explore more diverse examples of creative ways to use dairy-free butter in the kitchen. Spreading: Embrace the simplicity of fresh sourdough bread slathered with Miyoko’s Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oat Milk Butter for a quick morning or afternoon snack. Melting: Elevate everyday pasta dishes with a perfect cube of garlic parm oat milk butter. Baking: Experience made-at-home garlic bread with a delectable spread of salted plant milk butter baked to crunchy, garlic excellence. Grilling: Find joy in entertaining friends at home by elevating grilled vegetables and fruit with salted oat milk butter for added mealtime delight. Dabble in a dairy-free diet with more inspiration to enhance your snacks, meals and recipes at miyokos.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock