Prep’s butter alternatives offer cost-effective stability

Why Prep’s butter alternatives offer cost-effective stability for caterers

Butter prices in Germany and across Europe have been subject to significant volatility, posing challenges for businesses in the hospitality and catering sectors.

In January 2025, the consumer price index for butter stood at 165.7 points, reflecting a 65.7% increase since 2020. Compared to the same month in the previous year, butter prices surged by 32.56%, highlighting the ongoing upward trend*.

But what causes butter price instability? These fluctuations are driven by multiple factors:

Declining milk fat content

To meet consumer demand for lower-fat dairy products, producers have adjusted dairy cow diets, reducing overall milk fat content. Since butter production requires a high fat concentration, lower milk fat means more milk is needed to produce the same amount of butter, driving up costs.

Fewer dairy cows

Compliance with stricter animal welfare regulations and rising operational costs have led to a decline in dairy farming, contributing to a global milk shortage and reduced butter production.

Rising production costs

Butter production is energy-intensive, with natural gas playing a crucial role in pasteurization. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly increased energy, gas, and feed costs, further straining dairy farmers. In fact, producing just 250g of butter requires approximately 5l of milk, making it highly susceptible to rising input costs*.

Despite these challenges, butter ranks as the second most popular cooking fat in Germany – with butter consumption reaching approximately 5.56kg per capita in 2023*.

Given the ongoing price increases and supply chain disruptions, businesses in the catering and hospitality sectors must consider more cost-effective alternatives.

Why smart kitchens are turning to affordable butter alternatives

For commercial kitchens, fluctuating butter prices make it challenging to maintain consistent ingredient costs. To counteract this instability, many in the industry are turning to butter alternatives. These substitutes not only offer price stability but also align with evolving consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable options.

Multi-functional and versatile, Prep butter alternatives can be used across your entire menu, from savory to sweet dishes, delivering the same high quality and rich flavor as solid butter.

Unlike traditional butter, Prep butter alternatives are liquid, eliminating the need for melting. Simply pour them into a pan to sauté meat, fish, or vegetables, brush them onto ingredients before grilling, or measure them easily for baking – ensuring convenience in every application.

Beyond cost savings, Prep butter alternatives have a longer shelf life – lasting 12 months at ambient temperature with no refrigeration required. This not only reduces waste but also helps cut energy costs in professional kitchens.

From a nutritional standpoint, Prep butter alternatives contain 82% less saturated fat than butter, along with 2.5 times more monounsaturated fat and 10 times more polyunsaturated fat. Being plant-based and dairy-free, they cater to a wide range of dietary requirements, making them a versatile choice across your menu.

With economic pressures on the foodservice industry showing no signs of easing, Prep butter alternatives offer a practical, cost-effective solution, helping businesses manage ingredient costs and improve operational efficiency without compromising on flavor.

*Source: Statista.