Either way, though, you can’t just buy any butter. You need the best salted butter and the best unsalted butter. And, while ...

Based on a blind taste test of 32 butters—and additionally incorporating them into shortbread, pasta and pan sauces—here are the six best butters for a variety of uses.

I tried butter alternatives from Country Crock, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Earth Balance, and Smart Balance to see which spread is best.

88 Acres Sunflower Seed Butter: With a grey color and a somewhat sludgy texture, 88 Acres was outshone in our taste test. Once Again Creamy Sunflower Seed Butter: A reliable brand for peanut butter.