Soy free Earth Balance, and additional EB info!
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau wrote the following note on fb, and I wanted to copy it over here because I know we've had some Earth Balance discussions in the past. The emphasis is mine!
"You may not even have known it was coming. I didn't! But it's here now in its full glory. Before I tried it, I was told by a reliable source that it was "better" than the original Earth Balance, but I remained skeptical - until I tried it. Don't ask me how, but it's true. It's better. Trust me.
For those of us who know the deliciousness that is Earth Balance, a fantastic dairy-free, GMO-free, trans-fat-free, lactose-free (of course) cholesterol-free (of course it is, it's plant-based) butter, I'm so thrilled that I can recommend the soy-free version to recommend to folks with soy allergies. The results of the creamy, salty butter comes from a natural blend of palm fruit, safflower, canola, and olive oils. Butter is fat and salt, after all, so for those times you want to roast veggies or caramelize onions or bake (from the Joy of Vegan Baking!), Earth Balance delivers.
In addition to the new Soy-Free Earth Balance, there is also “the Original Buttery Spread,” and the “Organic Whipped Buttery Spread.” (The Organic Whipped can often be used in baking as you would use the original, but because it’s whipped, just know it’s lighter and has more air, so that might affect the measurements.)
(They've pulled their dairy-based cream cheese - though it may still be in some stores - so it's safe to say that the entire Earth Balance line is vegan.)
I can’t speak more highly about Earth Balance; they don’t only make delicious spreads – but they’re genuinely concerned about the source of their ingredients. For instance, they get their Palm Oil, one of the oils in their blend, from Peninsular Malaysia for their original spread), and from a Brazilian company for the Organic Whipped – a company that Earth Balance considers to be "the most responsible, sustainable and ethical producer of palm oil on the planet." I really appreciate their commitment to ethical practices, and I really appreciate their commitment to making delicious non-dairy butter!
Earth Balance is available in lots of natural foods stores, so ask your local store to carry it if they don’t already. Nationally, it’s available at Whole Foods for sure (which is where you'll find the soy-free version; after June 2009, it will be in other natural markets as well), and it’s also available regionally at Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Publix, Wegman’s, and other natural and specialty stores across the U.S. and Canada.
As a bonus, Compassionate Cooks Members are eligible to receive a Earth Balance gift pack, which includes coupons for FREE Earth Balance, so become a member today. Or just visit www.earthbalance.net, and start spreading the love. The Earth Balance love. :) "
awesome! good to know- thanks for posting ac!
I just wish they would come up with something that doesn't have corn in it. My hubby's corn allergy means the only vegan 'butter' we can use is Smart Balance Light. It's okay, but you can't really bake/cook with it. For baking I have to use Spectrum shortening (and sometimes a bit of artificial butter flavor). I somehow doubt a corn-free version of EB or Soygarden is in the works. Too bad.
I just wish they would come up with something that doesn't have corn in it. My hubby's corn allergy means the only vegan 'butter' we can use is Smart Balance Light. It's okay, but you can't really bake/cook with it. For baking I have to use Spectrum shortening (and sometimes a bit of artificial butter flavor). I somehow doubt a corn-free version of EB or Soygarden is in the works. Too bad.
Have you tried to contact them at all? You know, to let them know about the demand, and to ask if they've thought about it? Doesn't hurt to try?
I just wish they would come up with something that doesn't have corn in it. My hubby's corn allergy means the only vegan 'butter' we can use is Smart Balance Light. It's okay, but you can't really bake/cook with it. For baking I have to use Spectrum shortening (and sometimes a bit of artificial butter flavor). I somehow doubt a corn-free version of EB or Soygarden is in the works. Too bad.
I bake with Smart Balance Light all of the time and it works just fine....I know it says you're not supposed to on the tub, but I never follow directions....
I just wish they would come up with something that doesn't have corn in it. My hubby's corn allergy means the only vegan 'butter' we can use is Smart Balance Light. It's okay, but you can't really bake/cook with it. For baking I have to use Spectrum shortening (and sometimes a bit of artificial butter flavor). I somehow doubt a corn-free version of EB or Soygarden is in the works. Too bad.
I bake with Smart Balance Light all of the time and it works just fine....I know it says you're not supposed to on the tub, but I never follow directions....
me too, it's the only kind i bake with.
probably not the best for frostings cus it melts faster since theres more water in it but i've always had great results baking with it.
I just wish they would come up with something that doesn't have corn in it. My hubby's corn allergy means the only vegan 'butter' we can use is Smart Balance Light. It's okay, but you can't really bake/cook with it. For baking I have to use Spectrum shortening (and sometimes a bit of artificial butter flavor). I somehow doubt a corn-free version of EB or Soygarden is in the works. Too bad.
I bake with Smart Balance Light all of the time and it works just fine....I know it says you're not supposed to on the tub, but I never follow directions....
me too, it's the only kind i bake with.
probably not the best for frostings cus it melts faster since theres more water in it but i've always had great results baking with it.
I've baked with it too when my store was out of eb...no problems at all.
I haven't contacted them about a corn-free version, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to inquire as to whether something was in the works.
I tried baking with it a few times and it just didn't seem to work well. I stopped after that. If everyone else has no problems, though, perhaps it was the recipe I was using. I don't really remember now all the things I used it in, but I vaguely recall a fruit crisp where the topping never set. Maybe I should try it again.
Thanks for the feedback.
I like Earth Balance.
Knew about the Organic products
did not know about the soy free.
This is helpful allot of folks I am helping out do not like soy or have allergies.
Now when they get rid of the corn oil I will be truly happy.
Have allergic reactions to corn also.