“A Total Oxymoron": Dairy groups take aim at ‘dairy-free butter’

One of the nation’s largest dairy groups is calling foul over a product claiming to be “dairy-free butter.”

The National Milk Producers Federation says the product by Country Crock should be illegal, and they are calling on the FDA to take action.

“Butter has rebounded, and things like margarines and plant spreads, plant-based spreads, are in decline. So, if you’re a manufacturer of those imitation butters, fake butters, what do you do? You decide to label yourself as something called dairy-free butter, which is a total oxymoron, because you can’t have butter unless it comes from a dairy ingredient, like cream. But this is a concern because we see these products in the marketplace,” said Chris Galen, Executive Director of the American Butter Institute and a Senior Vice President for the National Milk Producers Federation.

Galen says moves like that should be considered illegal. The American Butter Institute has asked USDA to step in, saying it violates federal standards.

Related Stories
“Cow goggles” are helping farmers experience cattle vision in real time, offering new tools to reduce stress, improve movement, and enhance livestock management.
Improving dairy prices could support stronger milk checks later this year.
Technology returns depend on management, not just adoption.
Strong feedlot demand keeps beef-on-dairy calf premiums elevated.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Elevates “Plant Not Plastic” Initiative and Supports Buying American Cotton Act
North Dakota State University’s Dr. Shawn Arita joins us to break down new research on U.S. ag export losses tied to retaliatory tariffs and what they signal for trade moving forward.
Soybean oil is already feeling the pressure.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to break down “just in time” fertilizer applications, a growing trend in modern nutrient management as input costs continue to pressure farmers.