In recent times, butter has transcended its traditional role as a simple spread or baking staple. One of the latest trends fueling the growth of butter is the rise of “butter boards.” This trend took off when TikTok creator Justine Snacks showcased a viral video of thick layers of butter spread across serving boards, adorned with a variety of sweet and savory toppings. These butter boards have become a hit for entertaining and serving large groups, allowing guests to dip breads, fried dough, or crudités into a flavorful array of butter and toppings. Hotels and restaurants have also embraced this trend, offering elaborate butter boards with a wide range of toppings to indulge in.
The Butter Coffee Craze
Another trend that has gained popularity in recent years is butter coffee. This beverage of choice among followers of keto and paleo diets has been spearheaded by Dave Asprey, the founder of Bulletproof Coffee. Butter coffee combines coffee beans, water, Brain Octane Oil, and unsalted butter or ghee to create a creamy and rich drink. Advocates of butter coffee extol the nutritional benefits of incorporating butter into coffee, including increased satiety, heightened energy levels, and mental clarity for the day ahead. This trend finds its origins in Tibet, where tea blended with yak butter is a common beverage.
With a growing interest in adopting plant-based alternatives for health benefits, vegan butter has risen in demand. The increasing popularity of vegan butter is evident from the rise in social conversations about this alternative. Beleaf PlantBetter is one such product that replicates the aroma, flavor, and texture of conventional butter, making it an ideal choice for bakers. Additionally, Lauds Cultured Oat Butter offers a luxurious and creamy spread crafted from oat and yellow split pea cultured yogurt, organic refined coconut oil, and Tasman Sea Salt.
Flavored butters have become a favorite among consumers looking to elevate their meals without adding complexity to their preparation. Chefs and content creators have introduced a variety of flavored butter options, such as Garlic & Shallot, Truffle, Miso, Maple & Cinnamon, and Pesto, among others. Artisanal brands like Churn Foods offer a range of organic flavored butters to tantalize taste buds and enhance culinary experiences.
Cultured butter, a European-style variant, has gained popularity for its rich flavor profile and higher butterfat content compared to standard American butter. Vermont Creamery’s Cultured Butter with sea salt is a standout brand in this category, known for its award-winning quality. This type of butter is crafted by fermenting cream with lacto acid bacteria and churning to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk, resulting in a product with a distinct lactic flavor profile.
The world of butter is experiencing a renaissance like never before, with innovative trends and flavors shaping its evolution. From butter boards and butter coffee to plant-based alternatives and flavored varieties, butter has indeed taken center stage in the culinary scene of 2024. As we continue to explore the endless possibilities that butter has to offer, let us savor each creamy bite and toast to the timeless luxury of this beloved ingredient.
Leave a Reply