Butter is a kitchen staple that can elevate even the simplest dishes. Whether slathered on toast, melted over a jacket potato, or used in baking, the right butter makes all the difference. With prices rising by around 19% in the past year, it pays to know which brands are worth their salt.
How We Tested
We tested 16 salted butters over several days, spreading them on the same multiseed bread to ensure consistency. Each butter was evaluated on taste, creaminess, texture, and value for money. Our expert food writer, Emma Henderson, brings years of experience from editing IndyEats and judging food awards.
Our Top Picks
1. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference West Country Farmhouse Butter
Best overall – This bright yellow butter from Somerset uses Maldon sea salt and a slow churning process for a creamy, tangy, and well-salted flavour. At just under £3 for 250g, it's exceptional value.
2. Kerrygold Pure Irish Salted Butter
Best creamy – Made from grass-fed cow milk, this iconic butter offers a velvety texture and rich taste. It's slightly smaller at 200g but worth the £3 price.
3. Trewithen Salted Butter
Best locally-produced – A Cornish newcomer with a two-star Great Taste Award, this bright yellow butter is rich, tangy, and easy to spread. Often reduced in price, it's a premium option for everyday use.
4. Anchor Salted Butter
Best spreadable – Double churned for creaminess, this farmer-owned butter is subtly salted and very spreadable. At 200g for £3, it's a reliable choice.
5. Yeo Valley Organic Salted Butter
Best ethical – Organic and sustainably produced, this Somerset butter has a great yellow hue and balanced saltiness. It's slightly smaller at 200g but offers high welfare standards.
6. Sainsbury's British Butter
Best everyday – At just £2 for 250g, this mild butter is perfect for baking and large households. It's the cheapest on the list but lacks strong flavour.
7. Waitrose No.1 French Butter with Sea Salt Crystals
Best French – Made in Brittany with a traditional recipe, this butter has a higher fat content for extra richness and tang. The sea salt crystals add a luxurious crunch. £4 for 250g.
8. Waitrose Duchy Organic English Salted Butter
Best subtly salted – Organic and supporting Duchy charities, this Cornish butter is lightly salted and well-balanced. At £4, it's the most expensive but supports good causes.
9. Sainsbury's Slightly Salted So Organic Butter
Best slightly salted organic – With just a hint of salt, this creamy butter is delicate and slightly sweet. Soil Association certified, it's made from organic British milk. £3 for 250g.
10. M&S British Salted Butter
Best cheap – At £2 for 250g, this lightly salted butter is a great everyday option. It's creamy and balanced, perfect for morning toast.
11. Tesco Finest Butter with Sea Salt Crystals
Best with chunky salt – This West Country butter features chunky salt crystals for a zesty kick. At under £3, it's a well-balanced choice.
12. M&S Cornish Gold Butter with Sea Salt
Best luxurious – Made by Rodda's, this butter is the brightest yellow and packed with Cornish sea salt crystals. It's ultra creamy and indulgent, but pricey at £4.
13. M&S Salted Jersey Butter
Best Jersey – Churned on the island of Jersey, this butter is generously salted with a complex, tangy flavour. Ideal for leisurely breakfasts. £3 for 250g.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best supermarket butter?
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Farmhouse butter is our top pick for its flavour, texture, and value. For a budget option, M&S British salted butter at £2 is excellent. For luxury, Waitrose No.1 French butter with sea salt crystals is a treat.
How did you test the butters?
We tested 16 salted butters on the same multiseed bread over several days, evaluating taste, creaminess, texture, and value. Each butter was rated by our food writer with extensive experience in food journalism.
