Butter can be one of the most expensive staples in the refrigerator. we tend to use a lot of butter in our household, so much so that we have labeled ourselves the “Buttertons,” just as in that margarine commercial. We eat pretty healthy elsewhere and are of a good weight, so I am not yet too concerned about the extra fat and calories of butter. I am concerned, however, at the increasing cost of butter. So here are some ways I am trying to save on butter.
The first and most obvious way to save on butter is to use less of it. I seldom cook with butter, usually using olive oil instead. While olive oil isn’t exactly cheap, per use it is less expensive than using butter.
I also have made a change on how I add butter to vegetables or casseroles. Instead of carving off tablespoons to place on top of dishes, I use my cheese grater to grate the butter on top. This gives a nice even coverage on the dish, and we use so much less better this way.
Whipping the butter helps it stretch when using it to spread on bread or toast. Those great whipped butters in the store get you two ways: one because they are more expensive than regular butter and two because you are getting as much air as butter. Whip it yourself instead. Try whipping it with olive oil to stretch it even more and give it a nice spreadable consistency.
I look for sales on butter. They occur quite often, but some sales are better than others. Buy one get one free is always a good deal. The second best sale is two for $4. I have seen other sales such as 2 for $5 or 2 for $6, and I try to avoid those. When butter is cheap, I stock up and freeze it.
Another way to save on butter is by using margarine or a spread, which in general, is less expensive. My family tends to get bad reactions from margarine, so this isn’t always the best way for me to save.
Do you have any money saving ideas for butter?
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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