The Ultimate Guide to Supermarket Butters: Expert Taste Test Results for 2026
Butter, a staple in kitchens across the UK, has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity. Once criticised for its saturated fat content, it is now embraced as part of a balanced diet. With sales of essentials like Waitrose's salted butter up by 16% and flavoured varieties surging 24% over the past year, according to Worldpanel data, butter is firmly back in favour. However, as prices have climbed approximately 19% in the last year, finding value without compromising on quality has become essential. In this comprehensive review, we tested 16 salted butters from major supermarkets to identify the top picks for every need and budget.
How We Tested the Butters
Our testing methodology was rigorous and consistent. Each butter was evaluated by slathering a generous amount onto slices of Sainsbury's multiseeded loaf, ensuring a uniform base for comparison. We assessed taste, creaminess, texture, and value for money. The selection included basic own-brand options, premium ranges, and well-known national brands. Only salted butters were considered, as they are preferred for toast, with a focus on everyday usability and indulgence.
Top Picks: The Best Supermarket Butters
- Sainsbury's Taste the Difference West Country Farmhouse Butter – Best Overall: This bright yellow butter from Somerset, made with Maldon sea salt, offers a rich, savoury tang and creamy texture. Priced at £3 for 250g, it's a standout for its artisanal quality and slow churning process.
- M&S British Salted Butter – Best Cheap Butter: At just £2 for 250g, this affordable option provides a balanced, lightly salted flavour perfect for daily use. It's creamy and reliable, making it ideal for families.
- Kerrygold Pure Irish Salted Butter – Best Creamy Butter: Known for its grass-fed cow milk, this 200g block (£3) delivers a velvety, morish texture with a subtle saltiness, though it's slightly smaller than standard sizes.
- M&S Cornish Gold Butter with Sea Salt – Best Luxurious Butter: Produced by Rodda's in Cornwall, this £4 butter features chunky sea salt crystals and a bright yellow hue, offering an ultra-creamy, indulgent experience.
- Trewithen Salted Butter – Best Locally-Produced Butter: A Cornish butter with a two-star Great Taste Award, it's rich, tangy, and easy to spread, often available at a reduced price around £3.
- Sainsbury's British Butter – Best Everyday Butter: The cheapest at £2, this mild, pale butter is perfect for baking or those who prefer a plainer taste, though it lacks strong flavour.
- Yeo Valley Organic Salted Butter – Best Ethical Butter: Organic and sustainably produced in Somerset, this 200g block (£3) boasts high welfare standards and a creamy, well-salted profile.
- Waitrose No.1 French Butter with Sea Salt Crystals – Best French Butter: A traditional Breton recipe at £4, it offers a tangy, creamy taste with higher butterfat content, ideal for slow mornings.
- M&S Salted Jersey Butter – Best Jersey Butter: Made on Jersey, this £3 butter has a complex, generously salted flavour with a creamy texture, perfect for weekend treats.
- Waitrose Duchy Organic English Salted Butter – Best Subtly Salted Butter: Organic and supporting charitable causes, this £4 butter is lightly salted but may not justify its premium price for taste alone.
- Sainsbury's Slightly Salted SO Organic Butter – Best Slightly Salted Organic Butter: At £3, this Soil Association certified option offers a delicate, sweet taste with minimal salt, suited for those preferring lighter flavours.
- Tesco Finest Butter with Sea Salt Crystals – Best Butter with Chunky Salt: Priced at £3, this West Country butter features noticeable salt crystals for a zingy touch, balancing quality and affordability.
- Anchor Salted Butter – Best Spreadable Butter: A farmer-owned brand from Wiltshire, this 200g block (£3) is double-churned for creaminess and easy spreading, though it has a slight greasiness.
Key Insights and Recommendations
Butter prices have stabilised around £3 for most blocks, with budget options like M&S and Sainsbury's own brands offering excellent value under £2.50. For those seeking indulgence, premium choices like M&S Cornish Gold or Waitrose French butter provide luxurious experiences, albeit at higher costs. Ethical consumers can opt for Yeo Valley, which combines organic credentials with sustainable practices. Ultimately, the best butter depends on personal preference: whether you prioritise creaminess, salt intensity, or ethical production.
Our testing confirms that butter remains a versatile and beloved ingredient. With careful selection, you can enjoy quality without overspending, even as market trends shift. Keep an eye on promotions, as many of these butters, such as Trewithen, are frequently discounted, making them even better value for your weekly shop.
