Aldi spreadable butter Nordpak is best alterative to Lurpak (2024)

The cost of living crisis has seen all of our bills rising, not least the cost of our food shopping. Many of us have had to cut back on luxuries so we can continue to afford staple items.

One of the products that has seen the most noticeable price increase is butter – and we simply have to have a dollop of butter on a jacket potato, or have it slathered on our toast. Danish butter brand Lurpak made headlines after the cost of a 750g tub rocketed to £7.25 in some supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s.

The spreadable mix of butter and rapeseed oil has risen in price due to the increased feed, fertiliser and fuel costs faced by dairy farmers, and also the war in Ukraine. Experts say food prices haven’t yet reached their peak.

Lurpak is arguably the top butter brand, as evidenced by the fact that its silver and blue packaging, and even part of its name, have been copied by its cheaper imitators. Aldi’s spreadable butter is called Nordpak, while Lidl’s is Danpak. The spreadable butters from Asda and Sainsbury’s have different names but very similarly coloured packaging.

We conducted a taste test to see how these four spreadable butters compared to Lurpak and whether it was worth making the switch to a different brand. The small print showed that the difference in healthiness between the brands in terms of energy, fat, saturates and salt was negligible, so this was not taken into further consideration.

1. Lurpak

£5.00 for 500g

This light, spreadable butter has a creamy texture which makes it glide smoothly across your bread or crackers, and it melts in the mouth. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular, but it’s actually quite subtle compared to the butter I’m used to eating (Flora Buttery, in case you’re wondering.)

4/5

2. Nordpak, Aldi

£2.15 for 500g

This one tastes similar to Lurpak but is thicker, and it’s much more yellow in colour than all the others. This one had the strongest flavour, tasting more like the butter I'm familiar with – and what’s the point in adding butter if you’re not going to taste it and enjoy it?

3. Danpak, Lidl

£2.15 for 500g

This spread is very similar to Lurpak in terms of taste but seems a bit more watery, a bit greasier. Considering it’s the same price as the Aldi alternative, I’d definitely choose the Aldi version over the Lidl version.

3/5

Aldi spreadable butter Nordpak is best alterative to Lurpak (1)

4. Spreadable, Asda

£2.50 for 500g

This one is probably the closest in taste to Lurpak but is slightly thicker and more yellow, and it doesn't spread with the same magical ease. At half the price, I’d swap Lurpak for this one in a heartbeat. But it’s slightly more expensive than the Aldi and Lidl alternatives.

4/5

5. Buttersoft, Sainsbury’s

£2.30 for 500g

Easily the most distinctive of the five in terms of taste, this one tastes more like margarine than butter. It would be okay for cooking, but I wouldn’t want it on my toast. It’s the only one of the five I wouldn’t buy again.

Verdict

Four of the five spreadable butters tasted so similar, anyone who is more concerned about saving money than flashing a brand name around would be wise to switch Lurpak for one of the significantly cheaper options from Aldi, Lidl or Asda. With Aldi coming top for both price and taste, it’s the clear winner. Asda gets the runner-up spot for being so similar to Lurpak but at half the cost.

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As a seasoned food industry expert and enthusiast, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to provide insightful analysis and informed opinions on various aspects of the culinary world. Having worked closely with food producers, conducted taste tests, and kept a pulse on market trends, I am well-versed in the intricacies of food products, including butter.

The article discusses the rising cost of living, particularly the increasing prices of food items, with a spotlight on butter. It highlights Lurpak, a Danish butter brand, which experienced a significant price hike attributed to factors such as elevated feed, fertiliser, and fuel costs faced by dairy farmers, as well as the impact of the war in Ukraine.

The piece delves into the imitation of Lurpak's branding and packaging by cheaper alternatives, such as Aldi's Nordpak and Lidl's Danpak. Additionally, it explores similar products from Asda and Sainsbury's, drawing attention to the subtle differences in packaging and taste.

The author conducted a taste test, comparing Lurpak to the aforementioned alternatives, evaluating factors such as texture, flavor, and overall appeal. The article concludes with a verdict, suggesting that consumers who prioritize cost savings over brand loyalty may find value in switching to more affordable options, with Aldi's Nordpak identified as the top choice for both price and taste.

Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the article:

Cost of Living Crisis: Refers to the economic situation where the overall cost of basic necessities, including food, housing, and healthcare, rises significantly, affecting the standard of living for individuals.
Butter Price Increase: Discusses the specific surge in the cost of butter, particularly focusing on Lurpak, and attributes it to factors like increased feed, fertiliser, and fuel costs for dairy farmers, along with geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine.
Brand Imitation: Highlights the practice of cheaper alternatives imitating the branding and packaging of a premium or popular brand, as seen with Aldi's Nordpak and Lidl's Danpak imitating Lurpak.
Taste Test: Describes a comparison of different spreadable butters, including Lurpak, Aldi's Nordpak, Lidl's Danpak, Asda's spreadable butter, and Sainsbury's Buttersoft, evaluating taste, texture, and overall experience.
Verdict: Concludes the article with a recommendation for cost-conscious consumers to consider switching to more affordable butter options, with Aldi's Nordpak identified as the top choice based on both price and taste.

By providing a comprehensive overview of these concepts, the article aims to guide consumers in making informed decisions amid the ongoing challenges of the cost of living crisis.