Soy-free Earth Balance Has Arrived!

You may not even have known it was coming. I didn't! But it's here now in its full glory. Before I tried it, I was told by a reliable source that it was "better" than the original Earth Balance, but I remained skeptical - until I tried it. Don't ask me how, but it's true. It's better. Trust me.

For those of us who know the deliciousness that is Earth Balance, a fantastic dairy-free, GMO-free, trans-fat-free, lactose-free (of course) cholesterol-free (of course it is, it's plant-based) butter, I'm so thrilled that I can recommend the soy-free version to recommend to folks with soy allergies. The results of the creamy, salty butter comes from a natural blend of palm fruit, safflower, canola, and olive oils. Butter is fat and salt, after all, so for those times you want to roast veggies or caramelize onions or bake (from the Joy of Vegan Baking!), Earth Balance delivers.

In addition to the new Soy-Free Earth Balance, there is also “the Original Buttery Spread,” and the “Organic Whipped Buttery Spread.” (The Organic Whipped can often be used in baking as you would use the original, but because it’s whipped, just know it’s lighter and has more air, so that might affect the measurements.)

(They've pulled their dairy-based cream cheese - though it may still be in some stores - so it's safe to say that the entire Earth Balance line is vegan.)

I can’t speak more highly about Earth Balance; they don’t only make delicious spreads – but they’re genuinely concerned about the source of their ingredients. For instance, they get their Palm Oil, one of the oils in their blend, from Peninsular Malaysia for their original spread), and from a Brazilian company for the Organic Whipped – a company that Earth Balance considers to be "the most responsible, sustainable and ethical producer of palm oil on the planet." I really appreciate their commitment to ethical practices, and I really appreciate their commitment to making delicious non-dairy butter!

Earth Balance is available in lots of natural foods stores, so ask your local store to carry it if they don’t already. Nationally, it’s available at Whole Foods for sure (which is where you'll find the soy-free version; after June 2009, it will be in other natural markets as well), and it’s also available regionally at Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Publix, Wegman’s, and other natural and specialty stores across the U.S. and Canada.

As a bonus, Compassionate Cooks Members are eligible to receive a Earth Balance gift pack, which includes coupons for FREE Earth Balance, so become a member today. Or just visit www.earthbalance.net, and start spreading the love. The Earth Balance love. :)