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

265 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 05/12/2013 13:08

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
OP posts:
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kazzzyh · 07/12/2013 14:24

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I usually use butter to bake with and Stork Margarine to spread things.
How did you find swapping to Flora Buttery?
I thought using the Flora Buttery made beating the fats and sugar together much easier.
What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
I think it looks and smells a bit like both butter and margarine.
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, it does have a faint margarine taste when baking cakes but all my baking came out just as well as usual.
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 in the future especially when its on offer in my local supermarket.
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 it is a really good alternative to butter.

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Wantapony · 07/12/2013 19:20

I received a voucher to buy some Flora Buttery and test it (thank you, I love this kind of challenge!) However, I went to a supermarket and it wasn't stocked there. Went to another, different brand one when doing a top-up food shop and they did sell it, as in there was shelf space and a label for it, but it was either out of stock or not in yet. Interestingly, the label price was 18p more than the voucher value! I'm not being skinflinty ,mentioning that I hope, I was just a bit surprised! :-0
So, I gave up in the end as it was just too much hassle and fuel expense trying to hunt down this mythical Flora Buttery stuff for a £1.70 voucher.
I can therefore answer the first question, but not any others...I use Clover as our family butter for baking and for toast etc. Sometimes Clover Lighter when I'm trying to cut calories, but it doesn't beat the taste of the 'proper' Clover!
Happy to tell you the supermarkets I tried if you wish to know, but wasn't sure if I could/should name them publicly.

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EverythingIsTinselyBaubleyBoo · 09/12/2013 14:03

Marking place ready to feed back later (when dc's are in bed)

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stimlin · 09/12/2013 14:11

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

  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

Easy!

  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Lovely! Great on crumpets

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

Delicious, easy to spread

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

If it was on special offer

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

Yes, great taste
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lilyloo · 09/12/2013 14:12

Still waiting for my voucher :)

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Macdog · 09/12/2013 14:12

Marking place

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ToffeeOwnsTheSausage · 09/12/2013 17:42
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?


I use Lurpak for sandwiches and on toast, the children and DH usually have one of the Flora tubs. I bake with block butter, usually Waitrose unsalted dairy butter.

  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?


Nothing of note tbh, a spread is a spread.


  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?


DH said it was very buttery. DS1 likes the way it melts on his toast and he prefers it to Lurpak spreadable as he says that is quite hard.

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


Looked more yellow which makes me wonder what is in it to make that colour tbh.

  • 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 it as I have bought it before and I think I would find it a losing battle to get everyone on to proper butter full time.

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


I don't tend to talk about spread!.

One separate point - the voucher is only valid for a certain amount so if the shop charges more you have to pay the difference.

Thank you for the chance to try it!
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StandUnderMyUmbrella · 09/12/2013 17:43
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?


To be honest, im quite a spread tart and generally use whats on offer at the time. Whilst receiving this product, i currently have Utterly Butterly in my fridge!

  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?


Not a problem at all, i like the Flora brand, so am happy to use.

  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?


I thought the packaging was premium, the spread was super soft and so easy to spread on bread etc. Loved that it melted in to everything so easily.

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


I find my normal spread are normally hard-ish and not always easy to spread but this just glided on sandwiches etc. The taste was excellent, not too buttery and overpowering, just right.

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


I would definitely use again as i always see the 'buttery' label and think its gonna be too buttery for my liking but this proved it wasn't at all.

  • 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 it to friends and family if they mentioned how difficult their spread was to spread! I would tell them how soft and luxurious it is!
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ToffeeOwnsTheSausage · 09/12/2013 17:43

Wantapony - get it and just pay the difference! That is what I did.

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supermariossister · 09/12/2013 17:45
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

it was used first for hot chicken buns, has been used to make the childrens sandwiches and to grease the tins for mince pies.
  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

it was easy to swap as im not a set brand person i tend to go with whatever is on offer or is the best deal so that was simple
  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

it tastes nice especialyl melted i thought. it melts really easily, it doesnt taste quite like real butter but is definatley a nicer flavour than the supermarket own spread is. It didnt last as long as my usual spread but maybe thats because i was keen to keep trying it in different things. i would use again to grease mince pie tins as they came out so easily compared to doing it with stork which is what i used previously to do that.
  • How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

it was a richer flavour that i enjoyed but the children didnt seem to like much and complained that it didnt taste the same as " the normal one we have" which is ironic since i never buy the same one so i wonder how truthful that statement was!
  • Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

i would if i were baking as i think it would be alot easier to use for example if i needed to melt it and use in a recipe the flavour would be better and for greasing it was better. i dont think i would buy it for everyday spread as the kids didnt like the taste much
  • 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 if they were looking for a richer flavour than supermarket spread
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BlondieTinsellyMinx · 09/12/2013 17:49

Placemarking for later; need to go and actually use my voucher!

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lancasterkaren · 09/12/2013 17:52
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge? To bake cakes, sandwiches, cooking
  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery? I normally use use unsalted butter. I found it just as easy use.
  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery? It is easy to use and mixes well. Only issue is saltiness
  • How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc? Texture is light and creamy
  • Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? No I won't use but hubby likes. I find it very salty. They need a unsalted version!
  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? It's good on sandwiches but not for cakes as I need non salted. So not sure
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seventiesgirl · 09/12/2013 18:52

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.

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teenagetantrums · 09/12/2013 18:54

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

When I can afford it butter, when not whatever spread is on special offer except utterly butterly which the teenagers wont touch

  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?


Fine, the teenagers ate it on toast and in packed lunch with no complaints, i used it to to cook banana bread and flapjacks and both came out fine.

  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

I liked it on toast and i don't normally like anything except butter on toast.

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


I would prefer real butter but this comes a close second.

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


Depending on price it is nearly £2.00 in my supermarket but i noticed it was half price this week so did get another one. If it was cheaper ii might buy it all the time, but will probaley stick to butter of what is 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 cant imagine anyone asking me for recommendation on spreads, but if they did i would recommend it as one of the nicest 'fake' butter spreads.
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mk39 · 09/12/2013 19:03

Mon 09-Dec-13 18:52:56

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
Sandwiches, toast, baking, frying

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before?
Butter or flora spray

How did you find swapping to Flora Buttery?
Easy

What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
A good quality spread, more buttery taste than normal flora 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?Texture fine but taste no where near same as butter

Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
No, prefer butter

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

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poppy1973 · 09/12/2013 19:43
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?


Generally I use stork for baking and supermarket branded butter for eating. When on offer I purchase the Flora original brand

  • How did find swaping to Flora Buttery?

Easy - I tend to swap brands when on offer.

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


It seemed more yellowy and was very easy to spread. Very fluffy when mixing as we made a nice shortbread biscuit using the flora buttery. It was a nice taste, it melted nicely on toast and crumpets and the children didn't really recognise any difference.

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


I might use again, especially if the item was 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?


Yes
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Mignonette · 09/12/2013 19:48

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge
I always use butter to bake and cook with- usually Waitrose own brand salted/unsalted and for a treat, Breton butter w/ salt crystals in. However on my toast and sandwiches I use low fat spread. Whatever is on offer as I have no brand loyalty.


  • How did find swapping to Flora Buttery

It made no discernible difference because I don't notice the flavour od the product as I only use it under jam.

What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery
I can't say I noticed anything different about it, wouldn't replace butter with it and would only buy it if it was on offer that week.

How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc
I noticed no difference.

Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not
If it is on offer when I shop I will buy it. But I would not seek it out.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not
I wouldn't think to recommend any spread product. I only use it for limited meals and would never cook with it.
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Bert2e · 09/12/2013 20:09

What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?
I spread butter on bread, bake with butter sometimes and Sainsbury's baking soft spread the rest of the time

How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?
Fine

What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?
It's fine for everyday baking

How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?
It tasted just like marg - not at all buttery. I wouldn't use it in sandwiches or posh baking but it was fine in everyday cakes where I would normally use marg

Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?
Only if it was cheaper than my normal spread

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not?
I'd say it was fine but that the buttery name was a bit of an imagination stretch

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LegoCaltrops · 09/12/2013 20:20
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge? - I use butter for spreading, DH uses Clover, we stock up when it's on offer. Bake/cook with butter or oil. Sometimes use a cheap own brand margarine for sponge cake etc.


  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?- no problem.


  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?When used as a spread, not very buttery TBH, & quite greasy feel compared to butter & Clover.


  • How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?- It spreads straight from the fridge, much easier than Clover/butter. Not very buttery - we used it in Sandwiches, on toast, in mashed potato. Comparable to most vegetable margarines.


Having said that, I did some research excuses, excuses I made 3 small batches of fairy cakes: 1 with butter, 1 with my regular (cheap) soft baking margarine, & 1 batch made with the Flora. I tried them out on DH without telling him which was which, both of us preferred the cake made with Flora, then the butter. The cheap margarine was last. I wouldn't have thought it would make such a difference TBH but the Flora buns were by far the best for texture & flavour.

  • Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?- Perhaps if it was on offer & I knew I was going to be baking some sponge cake or similar.


  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? - I don't really talk about spread. It's ok but it was just margarine.
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parques · 09/12/2013 20:28

Used to use 'diet' spreads - a convert now! Have even bought a second tub! Great taste, easy to spread! Not a big baker, but might attempt some fairy cakes! Even my mum liked it & she's usually a margarine hater!!!!!

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heyday · 09/12/2013 21:10

I usually either use butter or a dairy free version of margarine.
I thought colour and text were nice. It tastes ok but nowhere near as nice as butter. The only real advantage of using this over butter is that it has a lot less saturated fat.
I will try and bake with it soon. Not sure i would buy it again as I would probably just use ordinary Flora or revert back to normal butter.
Not sure i would recommend it but neither would I put people off of using it.
I think I will make a more honest opinion once I have done some baking with it.

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janeyh31 · 09/12/2013 21:13

Thank you for choosing us to be part of this trial.

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

I tend.to use clover as a spread and stork to bake with

  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

We enjoyed switching to flora buttery. It had a lovely buttery flavour but it's great knowing it was healthier. My husband is really fussy about butter and will only really eat clover but he.really enjoyed this

  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Really enjoyed flora buttery especially on toast & trumpets and my daughters have really enjoyed this to. I have notice they have started asking for toast & butter more since we switched

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

Love the overall taste. Had a lovely buttery taste but didn't seem heavy or oily a my usual butter

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

Yes definitely love the taste and the fact it's better for my family

  • 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

We have enjoyed trialling out flora buttery and would definitely keeping.using in the future :0)
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mawbroon · 09/12/2013 21:16
  • butter
  • ok for baking, not so nice for spreading. Saying that, I would not like to bake something with a high butter content using Flora buttery eg shortbread or boterkoek

-overall impression is that it is like margarine
-not a patch on real butter
-no, much prefer real butter, it hasn't been processed and at least I understand what I am eating when I eat butter
-no, unless they were asking me to recommend a poor substitute for butter
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Siri1 · 09/12/2013 21:16

What did I use before: tried all sorts from lurpak butter to supermarket own brand marg.
swapping: not all supermarkets had it on shelf although there was a space

Overall impression: pretty good, not too oily

overall taste: was good, especially on comparison to other spreads, often have benecol, much tastier than that bit not butter.

Used it to bake some favourite cakes, they came out well with the lighter texture of marg cakes (cpared to butter) but were less marg tasting so very pleased with that

I would use it in the future but prob only if competitively priced, def would if on offer. I'd also recommend it to friends & id let them know if I saw it on promotion.

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k8thegr8 · 09/12/2013 21:20
  • What did you use to cook/spread/bake with before this challenge?

What ever butter is on offer.
  • How did find swoping to Flora Buttery?

Easy.
  • What was your overall impression of Flora Buttery?

Lovely buttery texture, easy to spread and great for baking.
  • How did the overall taste and texture of Flora Buttery compare to that of your usual butter/margarine/oil etc?

Lovely on toast. Not as good in sandwich. Fantastic to bake with.
  • Do you think you'll be likely to continue using Flora Buttery in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yep. The above.
  • If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Flora Buttery to a friend or relative? If so why? If not, why not? Probably if it came up in conversation, but would t go out my way.
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