Lurpak has addressed ongoing confusion over whether its popular spreadable product qualifies as butter, following reader complaints and social media debates. While many shoppers refer to it as butter on their shopping lists, the product in the plastic tub is technically a blended spread.
A recent Metro article that described Lurpak Spreadable as butter prompted numerous reader emails alleging the descriptor was 'misleading the public.' One reader stated, 'It's not allowed to be called butter anymore,' while another added, 'It's not proper butter.' Online discussions on Reddit echoed similar sentiments, with comments like 'Lurpak Spreadable is a lie, as it isn't butter — it is half butter half vegetable oil' and 'Lurpak Spreadable ≠ butter. I will die on this cross.'
What Lurpak Spreadable Actually Contains
Lurpak Spreadable, sold in plastic tubs, is not marketed as butter. Depending on the variant — Original, Lighter, or Softest, available in salted and unsalted — it contains between 36% and 64% butter. The remaining ingredients include pressed rapeseed oil, water, and salt. Manufacturer Arla explains that this blend allows the product to 'spread straight from the fridge, while keeping that unmistakable Lurpak taste and creamy texture.'
A spokesperson for the brand clarified: 'In line with UK and EU rules, products that blend butter with a small amount of oil aren't labelled simply as “butter”, they're correctly described as “spreadable”. On pack, the legal description appears on the back; for Lurpak Spreadable it is “blended spread”. We're clear about that on pack and in everything we say.'
Lurpak Butter vs. Spreadable
The confusion may stem from Lurpak Butter, a separate product sold in foil-wrapped blocks. Arla confirms this product is 'made from cream (butter) and salt — nothing more.' While both items are found in the dairy aisle and look similar, the Spreadable is designed for everyday use because unblended butter takes longer to soften. For those who prefer pure butter, the block version is recommended, ideally kept at room temperature rather than refrigerated.
Recipe Changes Confirmed
Social media speculation about recipe changes is accurate. Arla confirmed to Metro that Lurpak Spreadable was reformulated in 2024, and its Lighter variant underwent changes last year — the first revamp in a decade. A spokesperson said: 'On Lurpak Spreadable we slightly reduced total fat while maintaining our butter content and the signature Lurpak taste, and for Lurpak Lighter Spreadable, we made a small tweak to reduce total fat and butter content slightly.' The company insists these changes were made 'without compromising flavour or quality,' though some consumers may notice a difference.
Wider Industry Confusion
Lurpak is not alone in causing confusion. Other major dairy brands like Anchor and Kerrygold also sell products with varying butter content and additional ingredients, often with similar packaging. Supermarkets have launched their own oil-blended spreads, including Tesco Butterpak, Lidl Danpak, Morrison's Spreadable, and Aldi Nordpak (a recent taste test winner), all in familiar silver and blue pots.
The butter content in these products varies, and some manufacturers use palm oil instead of rapeseed oil, raising environmental concerns. Lurpak stresses that none of its UK products contain palm oil; pressed rapeseed oil is chosen for its 'naturally simple processing' and 'neutral flavour.' The spokesperson added: 'Where possible, rapeseed can be sourced closer to home, supporting local agriculture and helping to reduce transport-related impact.'
Ultimately, consumers are encouraged to check packaging labels to determine whether they are buying pure butter or a blended spread. For those who prefer the latter, Lurpak Spreadable remains a convenient option, though it is not technically butter.
