The Best Vegan Butter You Can Buy

For over a century, Lurpak® has been the gold standard in the dairy aisle, synonymous with premium quality and that iconic silver-and-blue foil. However, in late 2024, the Danish brand made its most significant move since 1901: entering the vegan market with Lurpak® Plant Based.

The launch marks a significant shift for Arla Foods (the farmer-owned cooperative behind the brand), acknowledging that even the most loyal butter lovers are increasingly reaching for plant-based alternatives.

What Exactly Is It?

Lurpak® Plant Based is a vegan-certified alternative to their famous spreadable butter. Unlike many plant-based spreads that rely on complex chemicals or palm oil, Lurpak® has kept the ingredient list remarkably short and clean. Lurpak® Plant Based is made from natural ingredients and is free from palm oil, preservatives, colourings, and other additives. Lurpak® Plant Based is a plant-based alternative to spreadable or butter, suitable for cooking, baking, and spreading.

Lurpak® Plant Based butter. Image source: Lurpak® — Lurpak® Plant Based butter Image source Lurpak®

How Does It Compare to the Original?

For Lurpak® purists, the big question is always the taste. While dairy butter is challenging to replicate perfectly, initial reviews suggest that Lurpak® has come closer than many competitors.

Why the Change?

The decision wasn’t without controversy. Some dairy farmers within the Arla cooperative expressed concern that using the “Lurpak” name for a non-dairy product might dilute the brand’s heritage. However, Arla’s leadership argued that the move was essential for growth. With more consumers identifying as “flexitarians,” the brand wanted to ensure that when a shopper looks for a premium spread, whether they want dairy or not, they still reach for the silver tub.

The Verdict

Lurpak® Plant Based stands as the ultimate choice for plant-based alternatives because it refuses to compromise on the premium experience that has defined the brand for over a century. Unlike many competitors that rely on long lists of additives, Lurpak® utilises a clean-label approach with recognisable ingredients, eliminating palm oil, preservatives, and artificial colours. By leveraging their deep expertise in dairy fermentation and culture, they have successfully replicated the signature salty, delicate tang and “mousse-like” spreadability of their original dairy version. Whether you are sautéing, baking a batch of biscuits, or simply spreading it over warm toast, it delivers a premium, chef-quality result that bridges the gap between vegan ethics and gourmet flavour.