There are countless options available when it comes to oils and fats. Two popular choices are grapeseed oil and butter. Grapeseed oil, extracted from the seeds of grapes, is a relatively new addition to the cooking world, while butter, made from milk or cream, has been a staple for centuries.
So, which is the better choice? In this article, we’ll explore the differences between grapeseed oil and butter and weigh the pros and cons of each, ultimately arriving at the ultimate verdict on which one is superior!
Comparing grapeseed oil vs butter
| Grapeseed oil | Butter | |
| Solid or Liquid? | Liquid | Solid |
| Smoke Point (Fahrenheit) | 420 degrees | 300-350 degrees |
| Primary Fat | Polyunsaturated | Saturated |
| Taste | Neutral | Buttery |
| Good for Cooking… | Raw, low, moderate, and high heat | Raw, low heat |
| Allergens | Grapes, grapeseeds | Lactose, casein |
| Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | No |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
Differences between grapeseed oil and butter
Butter is made from milk or cream, typically from cows, while grapeseed oil is a byproduct of winemaking and is derived from the seeds of grapes. This means that butter is an animal-based product, while grapeseed oil is plant-based.
Butter is typically made by churning cream until it forms solid fat, while grapeseed oil is highly refined and extracted using a mechanical or chemical process. Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is best because it hasn’t been processed with chemicals.
Butter is solid at room temperature, which means it can be spread on bread or used in recipes that require a solid fat. Grapeseed oil, on the other hand, is liquid at room temperature, which makes it perfect for salad dressings or marinades (instead of the classic extra virgin olive oil).
Baking and cooking with grapeseed oil vs butter
Grapeseed oil has a higher smoke point than butter, which means it can handle higher temperatures without burning. This makes it a great choice for high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying or deep-frying. Butter, on the other hand, has a lower smoke point, which means it’s better for low to medium heat cooking techniques like sautéing or baking.
Butter is known for its rich, creamy flavor, while grapeseed oil has a more neutral taste. This means that butter is perfect for recipes where you want that buttery taste to shine through, like in baked goods or sautéed vegetables. Grapeseed oil, on the other hand, is great for recipes where you don’t want the flavor of the fat to overpower the other ingredients, like in stir-fries or salad dressings.
Can grapeseed oil and butter be substituted for each other?
Grapeseed oil and butter are not always interchangeable in recipes. Grapeseed oil is a liquid oil, while butter is a solid fat, which means they have different melting points and can behave differently in recipes.
Additionally, butter has a distinctive rich flavor that grapeseed oil does not have.
In some cases, you may be able to substitute grapeseed oil for butter in a recipe, such as in a stir-fry or salad dressing, but for baked goods or recipes where the buttery flavor is essential, it’s best to stick with butter.
Nutrition: Grapeseed oil vs butter
Both grapeseed oil and butter are high in fat, but grapeseed oil has a higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fats. However, grapeseed oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation in large amounts. Butter, on the other hand, is higher in saturated fat, which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Grapeseed oil also contains vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. Butter is a good source of vitamin A and vitamin K, but it is also high in cholesterol.
So which is healthier – grapeseed oil or butter? Technically, grapeseed oil is the better choice due to its higher content of healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants. However, it’s important to keep in mind that both ingredients should be used in moderation, as they are both high in calories and fat.
| Per tablespoon (15mL) | Grapeseed oil | Butter |
| Calories | 120 | 102 |
| Polyunsaturated | 9.5 g | 0.4 |
| Monounsaturated | 2.2 g | 3.0 g |
| Saturated | 1.3 g | 7.3 g |
| Trans | 0 g | 0.5 g |
| Total Fat | 13.6 g | 14.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 | 30.5 mg |
The primary fat source is bolded.
How to store grapeseed oil and butter
Grapeseed oil is best keep in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. You want to avoid exposing it to light and heat, as this can cause the oil to go rancid. Once opened, grapeseed oil should be used within six months for optimal freshness.
As for butter, it’s best to keep it in the fridge to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. If you don’t plan on using it within 2-3 weeks, you can even freeze it for up to 6 months.
Grapeseed oil vs butter: The ultimate verdict
If you’re looking for a neutral-tasting plant-based oil that can handle high heat, grapeseed oil is your best bet. I prefer grapeseed oil when it comes to deep-frying and stir-frying, due to its high smoke point, but for baking a cake or making a batch of cookies? Definitely butter.
When it comes to cooking, avocado oil and olive oil are much healthier options.
FAQs
Butter and grapeseed oil have different properties, such as melting points and smoke points, so they may not always be interchangeable. It’s best to consider the specific recipe and cooking method to determine if butter can be used instead of grapeseed oil.
Chefs often use grapeseed oil because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a versatile oil for various cooking techniques, including sautéing, frying, and baking.
There isn’t necessarily an oil that is universally better than butter, as it depends on the specific recipe and cooking method. However, some oils, such as olive oil and grapeseed oil, are healthier options due to their higher proportion of healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Coconut, olive, and avocado oil, are some of the healthiest options due to their high proportion of healthy unsaturated fats and beneficial nutrients.
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