The Ultimate Guide to the Best Supermarket Butters for 2026, Taste-Tested
In an era where the cost of butter has surged by approximately 19 percent over the past year, discerning which brands deliver exceptional quality and value has never been more crucial. Butter, a versatile kitchen staple, enhances everything from simple toast to sophisticated butter boards, and its reputation has been rehabilitated as a component of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. With sales of essentials like Waitrose's salted butter up by 16 percent and flavoured varieties seeing a 24 percent increase in the UK, the demand for premium and affordable options is clear. This comprehensive review, based on extensive tasting by a seasoned food writer, identifies the top 13 supermarket butters that merit a place in your shopping basket.
How the Testing Was Conducted
The evaluation involved 16 salted butters, each assessed over multiple days using a consistent method. The writer applied a generous amount to slices of Sainsbury's multiseeded loaf, tasting them both on toast and independently. Key criteria included taste and creaminess, focusing on rich, full flavours with notes ranging from sweet to savoury; texture, prioritizing smooth, non-greasy consistencies from slow churning; and value, considering the rising prices with most blocks now near £3. This rigorous approach ensures that every recommendation is trustworthy and based on firsthand experience.
Top Supermarket Butter Picks for 2026
1. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference West Country Farmhouse Butter – Best Overall
Hailing from Somerset and priced under £3, this butter features Maldon sea salt flakes and a slow churn process using high-quality whey cream. It boasts a bright yellow hue, a savoury tang, and a creamy, whipped-like texture that makes it ideal for indulgent toast slathering.
2. M&S British Salted Butter – Best Cheap Option
At just £2, this affordable butter from M&S selected farms offers a lightly salted, balanced flavour. It is creamy and perfect for everyday use, especially in households with high consumption.
3. Tesco Finest Butter with Sea Salt Crystals – Best with Chunky Salt
Priced at £3 and made in the West Country, this butter includes noticeable salt crystals that provide a delightful zing. Its sophisticated packaging and balanced taste make it a standout choice.
4. Kerrygold Pure Irish Salted Butter – Best Creamy Butter
Recognizable by its gold wrapper, this Irish butter uses milk from grass-fed cows, resulting in a velvety, creamy texture. Though slightly smaller at 200g and priced at £3, its rich, morish flavour is unparalleled.
5. Trewithen Salted Butter – Best Locally-Produced
Originating from Cornwall and often reduced in price, this butter has a bright yellow colour, a complex flavour with a savoury tang, and easy spreadability. It has won two-star Great Taste Awards.
6. Anchor Salted Butter – Best Spreadable
Priced at £3 for 200g, this Wiltshire-made butter is double-churned for creaminess and is farmer-owned. It spreads easily with a subtle saltiness, though it has a slight greasiness.
7. Yeo Valley Organic Salted Butter – Best Ethical Choice
This organic butter from Somerset, priced just over £3 for 200g, adheres to high ethical and sustainable standards. It is creamy, well-salted, and made from cows grazing on clover-rich pastures.
8. M&S Cornish Gold Butter with Sea Salt – Most Luxurious
Produced by Rodda's in Cornwall and priced at £4, this butter features Cornish sea salt crystals and a traditional churn. It is ultra-creamy, indulgent, and visually appealing with ridge patterns.
9. Sainsbury's British Butter – Best Everyday
At £2, this is the cheapest option, offering a mild, pale butter with minimal flavour. It is suitable for baking and everyday use where a plain taste is preferred.
10. Waitrose No.1 French Butter with Sea Salt Crystals – Best French Style
Priced at £4, this butter from Brittany has a higher butterfat content, resulting in a creamy, tangy flavour with sea salt crystals. It is perfect for slow breakfasts and French-inspired dishes.
11. M&S Salted Jersey Butter – Best Jersey Variety
Made on Jersey and priced at £3, this butter has a complex, generously salted flavour with a slight tang, thanks to the island's creamy milk.
12. Waitrose Duchy Organic English Salted Butter – Best Subtly Salted
This organic butter from Cornwall, priced at £4, supports charitable causes through the Duchy. It is very lightly salted and balanced, though it is the most expensive on the list.
13. Sainsbury's Slightly Salted So Organic Butter – Best Lightly Salted Organic
Priced at £3, this Soil Association certified organic butter has just a hint of salt, a mild, slightly sweet taste, and is made from British cows reared to high welfare standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Supermarket Butters
What is the best supermarket butter overall?
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Farmhouse butter is the top pick due to its rich flavour, creamy texture, and value under £3. For budget-conscious shoppers, M&S British salted butter at £2 is an excellent choice, while Waitrose No.1 French butter offers luxury with its sea salt crystals and higher butterfat content.
How were the butters tested?
The testing involved 16 salted butters evaluated over several days. Criteria included taste and creaminess for full, rich flavours; texture for smooth, non-greasy consistency; and value considering current price trends. This method ensures reliable recommendations for everyday and special occasions.
In conclusion, with butter prices on the rise, selecting the right brand can enhance your culinary experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly option like M&S or a luxurious treat like M&S Cornish gold, this guide provides detailed insights to help you make an informed choice. Remember, butter is a versatile ingredient that, when chosen wisely, can elevate even the simplest meals to new heights of deliciousness.
