Trader Joe's sells several butters, but the New Zealand Salted Butter has quietly become one of the most loved options in the dairy case. It is grass fed, imported, and noticeably richer than standard American sticks. If you have ever tried Kerrygold and wondered whether Trader Joe's version measures up, this butter sits firmly in that same category of creamy, golden goodness.
For anyone who bakes, cooks, or just wants something better to spread on warm bread, this is one of the standout staples worth knowing about.
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Review
Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter comes in an eight ounce block, which is smaller than the stores French Cultured Butter at eight point eight ounces. The shape makes it look even smaller, but the difference is minimal. It is simply pressed into a compact block instead of long sticks.
The color tells you everything. It has that deep yellow tone that grass fed butter is famous for, a color that comes naturally from cows grazing on grass rather than eating feed. The flavor follows suit. It is rich, clean, savory, and has a fullness that standard American butters simply do not deliver.
If you are used to national brands, this will feel like a major upgrade. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, and it melts beautifully whether you spread it on a slice of warm baguette or drop it into a skillet. For baking, the fat content and flavor give you better browning and a richer taste. For everyday eating, it turns something as simple as bread into a treat.
Compared to Kerrygold, Trader Joe's version is remarkably close. Both have that signature grass fed flavor and golden color. The Trader Joe's butter is slightly firmer when cold, but once it softens it spreads just as nicely.
Compared to the French Cultured Butter from Trader Joe's, the difference is in the flavor profile. The cultured butter has tang, almost like crème fraîche, while the New Zealand Salted Butter is cleaner and more straightforward. If you want bright, tangy richness, choose the cultured. If you want pure, creamy butter flavor without the tang, this is the winner.
The only downside is the packaging. There are no tablespoon markings, which is frustrating for bakers who are used to American stick butter. Unless you weigh your ingredients, you may need to eyeball it. But taste wise, this butter earns its spot at the top of the Trader Joe's butter lineup.
How to Use It
- Whip with honey or salt for a simple compound butter
- Spread on warm baguettes, ficelles, or croissants
- Stir into mashed potatoes or rice for extra richness
- Use in baking for cookies, scones, and pastries
- Melt over vegetables, seafood, or steak
FAQs about Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Yes. The deeper yellow color and richer flavor come from grass-fed dairy.
Very. The flavor, texture, and richness are comparable.
No. It is not a cultured butter. For a tangier flavor, choose the Trader Joe's French Cultured Butter.
Yes. It works beautifully in baked goods and adds noticeable richness.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter is one of the best value grass fed butters on the market. It tastes luxurious without the premium price you would normally expect and works equally well spread on bread or used in baking. If you want a deeply flavorful, golden, creamy butter that rivals Kerrygold, this is a regular purchase worth keeping in your fridge.
I reach for this often and would absolutely buy it again. However, since the original publication of this review, this item has been off of shelves for some time. I hope one day to see it return, even if it is at a higher price.
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Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter
Product Name: Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter
Product Description: Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter is new and comes from overseas to bring you rich buttery deliciousness.
Price: $3.29
Currency: USD
Availability: Discontinued
Summary
Trader Joe's New Zealand Salted Butter is new and is a solid choice if you need butter
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Rich flavor classic grass fed butter taste
- Golden color natural and appealing
- Creamy texture melts beautifully
- Rival to name brands very close to Kerrygold
- Great for baking adds depth and richness
Cons
- No tablespoon markings harder for bakers to measure
- Slightly smaller block than the cultured butter
- Premium price more expensive than standard butter
Alek says
I had it with the frozen baguettes. OMG! So freaking good. Worth the splurge. I loved the taste of it.
Jackie says
How does this compare to Kerrygold? That's the BEST!!! Also, butter on the finish-at-home breads right out of the oven is HEAVEN.
becomebetty says
Kerrygold I think has the edge, but depending on where you shop this is pretty comparable.