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Butter Nutrition Facts: Is Butter Good for You?
Unsalted butter is a high-calorie food, providing 717 calories per 100 grams, almost entirely from fat. It is very high in saturated fat, with that same portion containing 252% of the Daily Value. On the other hand, butter is high in vitamin A. Whether it fits into a healthy diet depends on the portion size and the context of your overall eating pattern, as its nutritional profile is concentrated in a few areas.
Per 100 g · Butter, without salt
What stands out in butter
- High in fat. Butter is about 81% fat by weight. A 100-gram serving contains 81.1 grams of total fat, which is 104% of the Daily Value (DV).
- Very high saturated fat. The majority of the fat in butter is saturated. A 100-gram portion provides 50.5 grams of saturated fat, or 252% of the DV.
- High in vitamin A. This data shows unsalted butter is high in vitamin A, supplying 684 mcg per 100 grams. This amount provides 76% of the Daily Value for this nutrient.
- Good source of vitamin E. Butter is a good source of vitamin E. A 100-gram serving contains 2.3 mg, which is 15% of the Daily Value.
What to keep in mind
- Be mindful of portion sizes due to the high calorie and saturated fat content. A 100-gram serving contains 717 calories and 252% of the daily value for saturated fat. It also provides 215 mg of cholesterol.
Butter nutrition facts per 100 g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 717 kcal | – |
| Protein | 0.85 g | 2% |
| Total fat | 81.1 g | 104% |
| Saturated fat | 50.5 g | 252% |
| Monounsaturated fat | 23.4 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 3 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 215 mg | 72% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Total sugars | 0.06 g | – |
| Water | 16.2 g | – |
| Sodium | 11 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium | 24 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.02 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg | 2% |
| Zinc | 0.09 mg | 1% |
| Copper | 0.02 mg | 2% |
| Manganese | 0 mg | 0% |
| Selenium | 1 mcg | 2% |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 684 mcg | 76% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 2.3 mg | 15% |
| Vitamin K | 7 mcg | 6% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.03 mg | 3% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.04 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg | 0% |
| Folate (DFE) | 3 mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.17 mcg | 7% |
| Choline | 18.8 mg | 3% |
% Daily Value uses the FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older. Highlighted rows are 20% DV or more per 100 g. A dash means no Daily Value is set.
Butter by portion
The nutrition information changes significantly with portion size. A single pat of butter (5 grams) contains about 36 calories and 4.1 grams of fat. A tablespoon (14 grams) provides 102 calories and 11.5 grams of fat. A full stick of unsalted butter, which is 113 grams, contains 810 calories and about 92 grams of fat. Protein and carbohydrates are negligible in these common serving sizes.
| USDA portion | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pat (1″ sq, 1/3″ high) | 5 g | 36 | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g | 4.1 g |
| 1 tbsp | 14 g | 102 | 0.1 g | 0 g | 0 g | 11.5 g |
| 1 cup | 227 g | 1628 | 1.9 g | 0.1 g | 0 g | 184.1 g |
| 1 stick | 113 g | 810 | 1 g | 0.1 g | 0 g | 91.6 g |
How butter compares with other dairy, egg and plant-milk foods
Among 15 other dairy, egg, and plant-milk foods, this unsalted butter ranks highest for calories, total fat, and vitamin A. It ranks near the bottom for protein, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Compared to other dairy fats, butter is higher in calories and total fat per 100 grams than cheddar cheese (403 kcal, 33.3 g fat), parmesan (392 kcal, 25 g fat), and cream cheese (350 kcal, 34.4 g fat). Unlike these cheeses, butter contains very little protein (0.85 g) or carbohydrates (0.06 g).
| Per 100 g | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butter | 717 | 0.85 g | 0.06 g | 0 g | 81.1 g |
| Cheddar Cheese | 403 | 22.9 g | 3.4 g | 0 g | 33.3 g |
| Parmesan | 392 | 35.8 g | 3.2 g | 0 g | 25 g |
| Cream Cheese | 350 | 6.2 g | 5.5 g | 0 g | 34.4 g |
| Feta Cheese | 265 | 14.2 g | 3.9 g | 0 g | 21.5 g |
Quick answers
How many calories are in a tablespoon of butter?
One tablespoon of unsalted butter (14 grams) contains 102 calories, almost all of which come from its 11.5 grams of fat.
Does butter have carbs or sugar?
Butter contains almost no carbohydrates or sugar. A 100-gram serving has only 0.06 grams of each, and common portions like a pat or tablespoon have effectively zero.
Is butter a source of protein?
No, butter is not a significant source of protein. A 100-gram portion contains less than 1 gram of protein, and a tablespoon provides just 0.1 grams.
When to talk to a doctor or dietitian
- Butter contains milk, one of the major food allergens in the US. If you have a known or suspected milk allergy, follow the plan your allergist gave you, and get urgent help for signs of a severe reaction such as throat tightness or trouble breathing.
- This page describes nutrient content, not medical advice. If a health condition, medicine or pregnancy affects what you eat, a doctor or registered dietitian can tell you how butter fits your situation.
Last updated October 21, 2026