Margarine-like spread, SMART BALANCE Regular Buttery Spread with flax oil
Whole food · Fats and Oils
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a plant-based, buttery spread designed for a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, rich flavor. It's formulated to be a heart-healthier alternative to butter, with a significant portion of its fat coming from flax oil. Nutritionally, it is almost entirely fat, with negligible protein and carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 0% carbs · 100% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its versatile, mild buttery flavor that spreads easily on warm toast and melts smoothly into recipes. It's a staple in many kitchens for achieving a classic taste and texture without using dairy butter.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a high-fat, calorie-dense spread, overconsumption can contribute to excess calorie intake. Those monitoring saturated fat should check labels, as some formulations contain it. To counteract, practice strict portion control (e.g., use a measured knife) and balance it within a meal rich in vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Key benefits
- Contains flax oil, a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA)
- Free of cholesterol and trans fats
- Provides a creamy, butter-like texture for cooking and baking
- A plant-based alternative for those avoiding dairy
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'SMART BALANCE' name refers to its original marketing as a product designed to help balance the ratio of fats in the diet.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 34.0 g |
| Energy | 583 kcal |
| Energy | 2438 kj |
| Protein | 0.14 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 64.6 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.14 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Phosphorus, P | 4.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 28.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 646 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 3819 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 19.3 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.10 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 11.9 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 1.9 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 1.5 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 2.8 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 55.5 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 16.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.29 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 13.6 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.23 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 26.2 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 25.9 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 25.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.15 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.04 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 17.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 14.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 13.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 3.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 3.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.42 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.16 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.16 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.26 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.26 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Can I use this for baking instead of butter?
Yes, it's often designed as a 1:1 substitute for butter in many baking recipes, though results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
Is this spread vegan?
Most Smart Balance products are vegan, but you should always check the specific product label for ingredients like whey or casein, which are dairy derivatives.
Why does it contain flax oil?
Flax oil is added as a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, to enhance the product's nutritional profile.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 5.83 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 23.07 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.