Spectrum Margarine

[cruelshoes]

I am trying to figure out if the Spectrum Margarine I bought is just not my thing or if I got a bad tub. First if all, the texture is all wrong for margarine. It's kind of foamy when I drag my knife through it. The taste is really bad - kind of a cross between bitter and sour. I tried to melt it in the microwave, and all I got was a hot foamy pile that looked bad and smelled worse.

Is this stuff just not for me, or did I get a bad tub? I really like the Earth Balance margarine (gluten-free/CF), but I decided to give the Spectrum a try so we would have more options. Any other gluten-free/CF butter like substances that anyone knows of? One of the Smart Balance ones looks good.

Thanks for clearing up the mystery.

[lorka150]

I like Earth Balance, too, but sometimes buy Soy Garden (same company and usually right beside each other).

[Darn210]

My daughter is using Smart Balance with Flax Oil . . . per the recommendation of someone on this forum (sorry, can't remember who). I think that's the only one that's OK.

Wow, those (gluten-free) EM really took the years off!!

[jerseyangel]

I've never seen the Spectrum margarines. I love their shortening, though.

I use Smart Balance--I believe all of varieties of it are gluten-free. I used to use the Original, but have switched to the Whipped that has blood pressure support. It's very good, I think.

[BRUMI1968]

I used the spectrum spread years ago. Texture is most definitely weird, no doubt about that. It does not melt under any circumstances, so the microwave would not help. Can't remember the taste - thought it tasted like "fake butter" on popcorn.

My suggestion is to take coconut oil (solid at room temp) and add some salt to it to make "butter". Or you can freeze olive oil (and salt) for the same effect. Both of these would be healthier than "margarine", unless you have some issues with olive oil or coconut oil. The best coconut oil is "virgin" and tastes a bit like coconut, though there are brands/styles that are virtually taste free (these are less healthy than 'virgin', just like with olive oil). Coconut oil has some very healthful qualities, including fighting germs in the stomach and small intestine, and olive oil has lots of omega 6 and 9(?), both of which are good for you.

Take care