Flora Buttery product test feedback thread - £200 John Lewis voucher to be won

[AngelieMumsnet]

This thread is for the 250 Mumsnetters who are taking part in the Flora Buttery challenge.

Here's what Flora have to say, "Lovingly blended for a flavoursome buttery taste, Flora Buttery has a splash of buttermilk mixed in with our natural sunflower goodness. Buttery is super easy to spread and that also means that it's magic for mixing, especially when baking with the kids - it's super for special cakes or every day cupcakes alike, and also makes a mean icing! Check out our website for some recipes that we know will soon become super-speedy family favourites.

Why not find out if you're a better baker with Flora Buttery?"


Testers were given a voucher to buy Flora Buttery.

We've got a set of questions we'd like you to answer about using Flora Buttery, but please also feel free to add any other thoughts you may have.

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
• How did you find swopping to Flora Buttery?
• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?
• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £200 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

[Catnap26]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

Clover lighter for spreading and own brand unsalted butter for baking.

• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

Easy to use and to use in spreading and baking.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Spreads easily and mixes well with flour to make crumble.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

It was nice but the flavour didn't quite meet that of real butter.i felt you could easily tell the difference but like I said it was nice and good to try something different. It also went a little watery when melted onto my crumpets instead of sinking in like butter.again it was very easy to spread though.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think I would if it was on offer and cheaper than my usual.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Yes for baking.

[Mignonette]

I will bake some scones with it tomorrow and do a comparison.

[Turnipvontrapp]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge? butter
• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery? We liked the taste on our toast.
• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery? Tastes better than olive spreads
• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc? Better taste
• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes would do as long as its not too expensive
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? Yes would recommend as we liked the taste.

[seventiesgirl]

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
Sandwiches, toast. Not had chance to do any baking

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before
Butter, either salted or unsalted. Not keen on the additives in spread.

How did you find swapping to Flora Buttery?
Easier to spread in the morning when my kitchen is cold, even when I leave butter out if the fridge....

What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
A good quality spread, buttery taste but not as tasty as butter.

How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?
See above

Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
Possibly will try it for baking mixed with butter

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?
I doubt it would come up in conversation.

[maxybrown]

I still haven't had my voucher :( I have emailed you MN but no reply

[missorinoco]

Thanks for the voucher. I used it for baking biscuits, spreading on sandwiches and toast, and as a fat for frying pancakes.

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I use spread - usually whatever is on offer for baking, oil for cooking and butter for pastry or crumbles.

• How did find swopping to Flora Buttery?

Fine. I replaced the spread. Still unconvinced anything other than butter will do for a crumble.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

It was very yellow! I liked it - spreadable straight from the fridge, as compared to some spreadable butters.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Texture comparable, taste good. Still doesn't taste like proper butter on toast though, not unreasonable given that it isn't.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, although I do bulk buy on offer. But if nothing was on offer I would happily pick up Flora Buttery as an option.

[Jinty64]

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I usually use clover to bake with and spread on toast.
How did you find swapping to Flora Buttery?
I thought the Flora Buttery tasted good.
What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
I think it looks and tastes a bit like butter.
How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?
Flora Buttery tastes quite nice but ds2 didn't like it.
Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
I probably will buy Flora Buttery especially when its on offer.
If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?
I would recommend Flora Buttery. It works as well as anything else and tastes fine.

[Wantapony]

Hi Toffee
I would have paid the difference, honestly!
Its just that I went to two different supermarkets and the first had no shelf space for Flora Buttery, didn't sell it at all and the second supermarket had shelf space and a label, but no Flora Buttery stock! I will check again this week when I do another shop!

[ToffeeOwnsTheSausage]

Wantapony - I meant more that you can, not that you wouldn't want too .

[Wantapony]

Phew and thanks!
Dreaming of yummy buttery toast now...

[Bubbles85]

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I used Anchor butter for baking and Flora Original for spreading and generally Olive Oil for cooking.
How did you find swapping to Flora Buttery?
I found it was an easy swap, although I still think would only use a soft butter for spreading on sandwiches and toast etc. as I am so used to a oil for cooking and butter for baking.
What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
I really liked it and found it to taste really nice.
How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?
The taste was far more buttery (as the name suggests!) than my usual spread and I did think it was easier to use for baking as it was already soft.
Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
I would buy it of it was the same price or cheaper than my usual spread. However, I wouldn't buy it if it was more expensive.
If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?
I would recommend Flora Buttery to friends and relatives as a spread that tastes nicer than a normal spread.

[ShatnersBassoon]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

Rapeseed oil for cooking, butter for spreading and baking, marge for baking sponge.

• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

No difference from any other marge for baking, easy to beat with sugar. It was quite unpleasant as a spread though, greasy texture and tasted quite artificial, like butter flavoured rather than actually being buttery.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

OK. No better than Stork for baking, but no worse. I wouldn't want to eat it as a spread again.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Not good, I like butter and this wasn't like butter in taste or texture.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

No. It's good for baking, but no better than cheaper marge, so I'll stick to Stork.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

No, it didn't impress me. It isn't like butter.

[mindingalongtime]

I haven't found any yet, shelf space but no stock, and not stocked in the other.

[Tidypidy]

I haven't had a voucher yet. Feel left out!

[CheeryCherry]

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I vary what I use, from Flora original, Stork and Lurpack.

• How did find swapping to Flora Buttery?

It was fine, not too dissimilar.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Good texture, and it held its firmness when creamed and blended. Not too yellow, no measurable smell. Tasted fine on toast.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

I used to use Flora original until the recipe changed and it became too runny to bake with. I then used Stork which is good for baking but not for spreading on bread/toast. I like the buttery as it is firm and smooth, easily spread, and maintains its texture when baking with it. ie butter cream.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I think I will, especially when it is on offer. Will probably alternate with Stork. I like the taste, it made good butter cream, and I made light, fluffy, tasty buns with it. They rose nicely and were not too greasy.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Yes i would, and I already have recommended my mum tries it as she bakes a lot and is a die hard Stork user!

Thank you for letting me try this trial!

[sharond101]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge? I used a Lurpak store copy before to spread and a block butter to bake with.
• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery? I wasn't concerned, my HUsband was worried as he is stuck on the variety we already use.
• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery? I liked it to bake with and was fine for me and DS to spread. DH not convinced he likes it for spreading as prefers taste of the lurpak type spread.
• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc? Was looser to mix when baking, softer to spread so less damage to sandwiches.
• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? I would in baking but not for spreading due to DH dislike.
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? yes, I found it made perfect scones.

[glastohead]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

Butter for cooking and baking - whatever is on offer for spread

• How did find swopping to Flora Buttery?

Great - nice to find compromise between butter and healthier alternative for day-to-day use

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Tasty, versatile

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Favourably - would definitely use it again.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, most likely, as better flavour than other spreads without the guilt of butter.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Yes, because of its taste and versatility.

[cherriemayhem]

1. What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

I used to cook with olive oil, bake with margarine and spread with a combination of butter or olive spread.

1. How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

Swapping to Flora Buttery was easy because it is available in most supermarkets and is competitively priced. I am used to using spreads like this, so the type of packaging is one that I like and I also like spreads that are soft enough when you first take them out of the fridge.

1. What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

It's a tasty buttery spread, easy to use, and can be used in lots of different ways.

1. How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Flora Buttery is more buttery than the olive spread and olive oil that I use.

1. Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would happily use Flora Buttery in the future, although I think I will stick to Olive Oil for most of my cooking. I like Flora Buttery as a spread.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Yes I would highly recommend it as a spread. It is perfect for people who like butter and want to be able to spread straight from the fridge.

[Teladi]

Marking my place, looking forward to getting my voucher!

[DifferentNow]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

I use Stork for baking, unsalted butter (usually Asda brand) for cooking and sunflower spread (usually normal Flora).

• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

I'm not really loyal to a particular brand for spread (although the normal Flora is probably my favourite) so I am used to swapping between brands and the variations in taste.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

It tastes a bit like spread and a bit like butter, to be honest I don't think I like that. I'd rather it be one or the other.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

I often use the normal Flora which is probably my favourite spread. I prefer my normal spread to Flora Buttery. Saying that, I have used this type of spread/butter product before and of the others I've tried, Flora Buttery would probably be my favourite.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

I may if it was on offer and the normal Flora wasn't.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

I can't ever imagine having a conversation with a friend or relative about butter!

[beeelaine]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

we normally use Clover for spreading on toast/sandwiches etc and Stork or Butter for baking/cookies depending what it is etc.

• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

I found it lasted longer than the Clover - but this might be due to our son who plasters the Clover on things like Crumpets lol - to be honest he wasnt as keen on Flora as he is on Clover (he is 12), but the man didnt notice the difference and to be honest if I didnt think about it I probably wouldnt notice either.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

I just thought of it as another margarine, it looks like the others and tastes the same, it does the job.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

I would say I was happy it seemed to go further when spreading so you dont use as much (which is good for the hips) and as I have said its only our son who has said its different than the usual (but that might be a tastebud development thing?) he didnt know which margarine went in the mashed potato!!!!

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I dont see why not, I like to take advantage of offers in the supermarket being a frugal shopper!
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? I would say its good for lasting longer as it spreads a lot easier so yes.

[NicNak71]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

I use Stork for baking and Dromona butter for spreading.

• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

It was reasonably easy to swap for me, I did notice a slight taste difference from the real butter, but not unpleasant.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

I think Flora Buttery would definitely be one of the better choices for a spread, it looks very similar to my normal butter in the tub. I do like the fact that there is less saturated fat.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

The colour and texture are very good and in terms of overall taste, I definitely think that Flora Buttery is at the top end of the alternative spreads. I have tasted a few and most of them taste very fake and manufactured, Flora Buttery tasted much more "real" I think it would take a little getting used to, but once it became my regular choice, then I doubt that I'd notice a difference any more.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

If it were on offer then I would definitely buy it. As someone who comes from a family with hereditary High Cholesterol, then I know that I should be more careful with what I eat than I currently am. As yet I haven't been inflicted with high cholesterol, but I guess "prevention is better than cure" so perhaps I should make the move now and ditch my real butter.

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Actually, yes I would. I have tried a few of these spreads in the past and was never that impressed. The Flora Buttery was definitely in my opinion much nicer and much closer to the butter taste.

[trikken]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge? I usually alternate between stork and unsalted butter, I like to use stork but forget to buy it.
• How did find swoping to Flora Buttery? I found it fine for sandwiches and baking. Was a bit worried it wouldnt work well for a sponge cake but seemed to work well.
• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery? I really liked it and will be buying it again.
• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc? I thought it tasted really nice,no strange after taste and no weird flavour like a lot of margerines do. (Im usually quite fussy about this) Wasnt too salty and yes buttery flavour to it.
• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes I like the flavour and was easy to spread from the fridge, doesn't cost too much either so reasonably priced,
• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not why not?

yes definitely. I think its a good product.

[MakeTeaNotWar]

• What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

For spreads, whatever is on offer - Lurpak, supermarket own brand, Yeo Valley organic if I'm feeling flush / virtuous. Baking - I used unsalted block butter again either what's on offer or supermarket own brand.

• How did find swopping to Flora Buttery?

No problem, nice to try something new.

• What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Liked the packaging, looks premium. Spreads well, not too oily.

• How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Very nice - kids liked it on toast. I used it in mash potatoes but would prefer real butter. As a spread it tasted nice, better than some of the olive oil based spreads that we've tried.

• Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes if it was on offer but not at full price

• If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?

Yes I would as it is a nice tasting product