Air-dried butter powder is an effective way to extend the shelf life of any dish. Butter gets used in several ways, and adding powdered butter to your pantry can make sense.
Not all powdered butter is made with the same method, so you will encounter a variety of tastes, nutritional values, and shelf lives in different brands.
The best butter powders maximise these qualities at affordable rates. So in this guide, I have tried my hand at a variety of powdered butters, compared and tasted them, and listed the best of them in this guide.
Powder butter offers the same rich, creamy flavour of traditional butter without refrigeration. Whether you are planning for trip, emergencies, or just looking for the best butter alternative that will be long-lasting.
So let’s explore the list.
Contents
What is powdered butter?
Powder butter is light powder butter made with real butter; it has more shelf life than real butter. Butter powder is used as a substitute for butter in baking and other recipes.
The powder butter is made by blending fresh butter with nonfat milk solids as well as other ingredients before being fully dried to preserve its flavour and increase its shelf life.
Once dried, the butter turns into a fine and pile yellow powder which can last for years while string properly. It is specially used in conditions where refrigeration is not available.
How is powered butter used?
- Use as substitute for butter: One of the most basic uses of powder butter is with water to create a spreadable or cookable version.
- Baking with powdered butter: Powdered butter is popular in baking as it blends smoothly with dry ingredients, like when you are making cookies and brownies, bread and rolls, cakes, and muffins.
- Use as popcorn topping: Powdered butter can make an amazing popcorn topping. Simply spread or sprinkle butter powder on the top of the popcorn.
- Cooking salty recipes: It is used in salty recipes like scrambled eggs, soups and stews, pasta sauces, and rice.
- Use in dairy-free recipes: Some powdered butters are made without dairy or its alternatives, which makes them usable for vegan and lactose-sensitive recipes.
6 Best brands of powdered butter
Legacy premium butter powder is high-quality, gluten-free, and has a long shelf life. It is made as an emergency food kit and is also used in the kitchen.
Butter is ideal for long-term preparations and for clean eaters who want better ingredients. Powdered butter is mixed with batters, pastas, and hot meals.
Features:
- Long shelf life up to 10-15 years.
- Made with high-quality, real, and clean ingredients.
- Offers a rich, salty butter flavour.
- Processed smoothly than other producers.
- Safe for vegetarians.
Price: £11.81
2. Augason Farm dehydrated butter powder
Augason Farms dehydrated butter powder is best for emergency food storage, long-term use, and bulk buyers. This powder butter is made from real sweet cream and comes in large cans, providing 204 servings per container.
The powder is ideal for baking and mixing into large batch meals. It easily blends into mashed potatoes, sauces, and baked food items. It is easy to use, just mix with warm water.
Features:
- The taste is fine and authentic.
- Best for backup food staples.
- Mostly used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
- Powder has a long shelf life of up to 10 years.
- It is budget-friendly.
Price: £66.43
3. Thrive Life butter powder
Thrive Life specialises in freeze-dried foods, offering some of the highest flavour retention. The powder is made by freeze-drying and not spray-drying or air-drying, so it has more nutrients and better texture.
It serves the authentic, smooth butter taste, which rehydrates beautifully. It is a reliable and delicious powder butter without sacrificing flavours.
Features:
- Best for health-conscious foodies.
- Made with freeze-dried methods.
- Offers superior flavours.
- Have a long shelf life.
- Made with high-quality ingredients.
Price: £28
4. Hoosier Hill Farm Butter Powder
Hoosier Hill Farm’s small batch powdered ingredients are perfect for making gourmet and home cooking. Their butter powder is packed in a resealable 1-1 jar, which makes it easy to store and use frequently.
The butter is made from real cream and non-fat milk and does not need refrigerating. It is excellent for sauces, baked foods, as well as quick flavour additions. You can also sprinkle it on popcorn and veggies.
Features:
- It has a sweet and mild salty flavour.
- It dissolves quickly into recipes.
- Best for quick flavour adding, sauces, and baked food items.
- Use as a topping on popcorn and veggies.
- Best for urban storage with limited space.
- Better taste for everyday use.
- Offers backed goods.
- Easy scoopable packaging.
Price: £27.43
5. Rainy day foods, butter powder
Rainy day foods butter powder has solid performance without a premium price. The flavour is milder than others; it’s best used in bulk cooking, instant meals, and food kits.
The price is affordable and has a shelf life of 5 to 10 years. The powder can be mixed with mashed potatoes, sauces, and added to quickly flavour your food.
Features:
- Ideal for affordable prepping of food.
- Best for pantry stockers.
- Long shelf life up to 5 to 10 years.
- Great for bulk cooking, instant meals, and food kits.
- Its flavour is milder.
Price: £75.20
6. Mother Earth Products Butter Powder
Mother Earth Products Butter Powder is made with very low processing, using only real butter and milk solids. It doesn’t contain any preservatives or additives.
The butter powder is vegetarian-friendly, and its shelf life is 1 to 2 years. It has a clean, buttery flavour, and the powder is the best option for those who are seeking natural and chemical-free pantry items.
Features:
- It has a clean and light buttery flavour and works well in dry seasoning. It goes well with baked goods and sautéed recipes.
- Made with simple and natural ingredients.
- No preservatives added.
- Sustainable packing.
- Best for day hikers and short-term campers.
Price: £22
Conclusion
Powdered butter is more than just a survival food. Its shelf life, versatility, and convenience make it a worthy item for the kitchen as well as travel.
Whether you are cooking in bulk, preparing for an unexpected meal, or planning for a trip, the powdered butter offers a versatile flavour and nutrients without needing refrigeration.
From high-end cooking to survival food items, powdered butter is the most practical and flavorful option for your kitchen or gear bag.