Butter vs Margarine: Calories & Nutrition Compared

Side by side per 100 g

Equal weights, so the columns compare the foods themselves. The last column shows which food has more, and stays at "About the same" when the gap is too small to matter.

Per portion

One USDA household portion of each food. The portions weigh different amounts, so this is the comparison for what ends up on the plate.

The difference, worked out

• Butter and Margarine have about the same calories per 100 g: 717 vs 713 kcal.
• Butter and Margarine are both low in protein per 100 g: 0.9 vs 0.2 g.
• Butter and Margarine are both low in carbs per 100 g: 0.1 vs 0.8 g.
• Butter and Margarine have about the same fat per 100 g: 81.1 vs 80.2 g.
• Butter and Margarine have about the same fiber per 100 g: 0 vs 0 g.
• Butter and Margarine give about the same protein for the same calories: 0.1 vs 0 g per 100 kcal.
• Butter and Margarine have about the same calories per portion: 102 vs 100 kcal (the two portions weigh different amounts).
• Butter and Margarine are both low in protein per portion: 0.1 vs 0 g (the two portions weigh different amounts).

Every figure is computed from the two foods' USDA values, rounded as printed above. A difference is stated only when it is at least 10% of the larger value and clears a small minimum for the nutrient, so tiny gaps are not dressed up as findings.

Our take

On these USDA entries butter and margarine are nearly identical in calories and fat per 100 g, so the choice will not move your totals. Margarine formulas vary by brand, so check the label of the one you use.

The per-100 g table compares equal weights. The per-portion table compares the amounts people usually count as one serving, which differ in weight, so each answers a different question.

Full amount tables, portions and every nutrient: see Butter and Margarine.