The Absolute Best Butter Comes From Trader Joe’s and Is Shockingly Inexpensive

Before you read this article, you should know I care deeply about two things: bread and butter. A goof loaf of crusty bread, good butter, and salt are probably my desert island meal and a combo I could eat every day and never tire of. So naturally, I take these staples seriously, and I'm not the only one. At Allrecipes, we think a lot about butter; where it's cheapest, which kind is best for each dish, and what's new in the world of butter.

If you're also a bit butter-obsessive like us, you know that European-style butter is the crème de la crème (pun intended). Why? Because it has a higher fat content than American-style butter; European butter (also called Irish butter) is typically 82-90% compared to American butter's typical 80% butterfat content. And fat equals flavor, meaning European butter is richer, softer, and more flavorful. But, it's also typically more expensive.

While you can find more reasonably priced European-style butter at stores like Costco, these butters are solid but pale in comparison to the best butters I've tried in Europe. However, over the years I found one butter that can hold a candle to the European stuff—and I mean the good stuff—and it costs less than any comparable butter I've tried. It's so good, I eat it like cheese. And, after being discontinued, it's finally back in stores. Here's why you need to try Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter ASAP.

Cultured Salted Butter Is Back at Trader Joe's

In addition to being richer, with more butterfat, Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter is, as the name suggests, cultured. That means that live cultures are added to the cream for at least 24 hours before it's churned into butter, causing it to ferment slightly—all you need to know is that it results in creamier butter with a distinctive tangy flavor (like sour cream or crème fraîche).

The best butter I've ever tried in my life is Buerre de Baratte in France, a traditional style of churned butter that eats like cheese but tastes like butter. The Trader Joe's Cultured Salted Butter goes toe to toe with the best French butters. That's because it is French—made in Brittany, France according to its packaging.

French butter will typically run you anywhere from $8-$15 for a half-pound bar (it is imported, after all!). Trader Joe's version is just $4.69 for 8.8 ounces. For comparison, an 8-ounce bar of Kerrygold costs about $4 at TJ's. Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but worth every penny. It transforms butter-forward baked goods like shortbread, scones, and biscuits (note: this butter is salted, so adjust your recipe accordingly). It also instantly elevates a simple seared steak or pork chop, though you may have a hard time not just eating the entire block with a fresh baguette (and I wouldn't judge you if you did).

According to Trader Joe's website, the Cultured Salted Butter went on a "brief (and what some might call heartbreaking) hiatus," for about 2 to 3 years, depending on the store. It was gone without warning, and my heart was, indeed, broken. But now, it's back on shelves, seemingly for good, and I could not be more excited. If you also think bread and butter are the stuff of life, you need to try this butter. I promise, you'll thank me later.