Australian shoppers, have you noticed anything missing in the dairy aisle of your local Woolworths? For years, margarine was a staple on Aussie grocery lists, dethroning butter as the popular spread of choice. However, things have taken a turn, and now margarine is becoming a faint memory in many Woolworths Metro stores.

Let's delve into the history of margarine in Australia and what’s happening to this once-beloved grocery favourite!

Some Woolworths Metro stores do not stock margarine, as it only contributes to 20% of sales in the category, compared to butter's 80%. Photo by Anna Shvets.

Margarine was a popular choice in many Australian households from around the mid-1970s, as it was seen as a healthier alternative to butter. Vegetable oil-based margarine seemed to be the answer to increasing concerns about cholesterol and butters role in heart disease. Meadow Lea's catchy 'You ought to be congratulated' ad campaigns also did its part in promoting the spread.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and a significant change occurred after the 1993 publication of a United States study that found trans fats produced when hardening vegetable oils were a greater health risk than cholesterol.

The result? Margarine sales began to drop significantly, and by 2015, research by Roy Morgan showed butter had clawed its way back to the top, with nut-based and olive oil spreads also gaining popularity.

In recent years, margarine sales have continued to decline. Many Woolworths Metro stores, particularly those near train stations, have stopped selling margarine altogether. Instead, shelves are lined with various butter options, as well as home-brand olive oil spreads.

A Woolworths spokesperson confirms this shift away from margarine. 'We continue to stock margarine across the majority of our Metro stores,' the spokeswoman said.

'However, due to space limitations in our Central Station store, we have curated our range to focus on butter, as that tends to be a more popular choice for customers in the area.'

Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Butter vs. Margarine​

The debate about whether butter or margarine is the more healthful choice is a long-standing one, with repercussions even today.

Margarine was largely promoted as a healthier factor for dieting and containing healthy polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6. However, due to research in the early 1990s, trans fats, which are produced when vegetable oils are hardened, have become recognised as greater health risks than high cholesterol.

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report put market shares of margarine and butter in 1992 at 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, the Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter, noting that it is still a better source of polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Despite this, it reiterates that margarine is still not a healthy food and should be consumed in moderation. More recently, spreads made with nuts and olive oil have become widely used, providing consumers with another alternative in the butter versus margarine debate. Ultimately, the decision of which product to consume depends on personal preference and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Some Woolworths Metro stores have stopped stocking margarine due to the increased demand for butter.
• Woolworths could not state how many Metro outlets did not sell margarine, but it accounted for only 20% of sales in the category compared to 80% for butter.
• The Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter.
• Despite the declining demand for margarine, Statista estimates revenue in the Australian margarine market for 2023 to be about $420 million and almost $1 billion for butter.

In the meantime, make sure you're informed about the different spreads available to suit your preferences and health requirements. Stay up to date on the latest grocery trends, and remember that sometimes change can be good – even in the dairy aisle!

What are your thoughts on the decline of margarine in Woolworths Metro stores and the shift towards butter and alternative spreads? Share your insights down below!

 

[Lindy Bennetts]

Australian shoppers, have you noticed anything missing in the dairy aisle of your local Woolworths? For years, margarine was a staple on Aussie grocery lists, dethroning butter as the popular spread of choice. However, things have taken a turn, and now margarine is becoming a faint memory in many Woolworths Metro stores.

Let's delve into the history of margarine in Australia and what’s happening to this once-beloved grocery favourite!

View attachment 20903

Some Woolworths Metro stores do not stock margarine, as it only contributes to 20% of sales in the category, compared to butter's 80%. Photo by Anna Shvets.

Margarine was a popular choice in many Australian households from around the mid-1970s, as it was seen as a healthier alternative to butter. Vegetable oil-based margarine seemed to be the answer to increasing concerns about cholesterol and butters role in heart disease. Meadow Lea's catchy 'You ought to be congratulated' ad campaigns also did its part in promoting the spread.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and a significant change occurred after the 1993 publication of a United States study that found trans fats produced when hardening vegetable oils were a greater health risk than cholesterol.

The result? Margarine sales began to drop significantly, and by 2015, research by Roy Morgan showed butter had clawed its way back to the top, with nut-based and olive oil spreads also gaining popularity.

In recent years, margarine sales have continued to decline. Many Woolworths Metro stores, particularly those near train stations, have stopped selling margarine altogether. Instead, shelves are lined with various butter options, as well as home-brand olive oil spreads.

A Woolworths spokesperson confirms this shift away from margarine. 'We continue to stock margarine across the majority of our Metro stores,' the spokeswoman said.

'However, due to space limitations in our Central Station store, we have curated our range to focus on butter, as that tends to be a more popular choice for customers in the area.'

Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Butter vs. Margarine​

The debate about whether butter or margarine is the more healthful choice is a long-standing one, with repercussions even today.

Margarine was largely promoted as a healthier factor for dieting and containing healthy polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6. However, due to research in the early 1990s, trans fats, which are produced when vegetable oils are hardened, have become recognised as greater health risks than high cholesterol.

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report put market shares of margarine and butter in 1992 at 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, the Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter, noting that it is still a better source of polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Despite this, it reiterates that margarine is still not a healthy food and should be consumed in moderation. More recently, spreads made with nuts and olive oil have become widely used, providing consumers with another alternative in the butter versus margarine debate. Ultimately, the decision of which product to consume depends on personal preference and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Some Woolworths Metro stores have stopped stocking margarine due to the increased demand for butter.
• Woolworths could not state how many Metro outlets did not sell margarine, but it accounted for only 20% of sales in the category compared to 80% for butter.
• The Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter.
• Despite the declining demand for margarine, Statista estimates revenue in the Australian margarine market for 2023 to be about $420 million and almost $1 billion for butter.

In the meantime, make sure you're informed about the different spreads available to suit your preferences and health requirements. Stay up to date on the latest grocery trends, and remember that sometimes change can be good – even in the dairy aisle!

What are your thoughts on the decline of margarine in Woolworths Metro stores and the shift towards butter and alternative spreads? Share your insights down below!

While the change from margarine was due to the updated health research it should be note that in years gone by - margarine was used because it was a more affordable option for families. Both for normal consumption & in baking.

 

[AlanQ]

Australian shoppers, have you noticed anything missing in the dairy aisle of your local Woolworths? For years, margarine was a staple on Aussie grocery lists, dethroning butter as the popular spread of choice. However, things have taken a turn, and now margarine is becoming a faint memory in many Woolworths Metro stores.

Let's delve into the history of margarine in Australia and what’s happening to this once-beloved grocery favourite!

View attachment 20903

Some Woolworths Metro stores do not stock margarine, as it only contributes to 20% of sales in the category, compared to butter's 80%. Photo by Anna Shvets.

Margarine was a popular choice in many Australian households from around the mid-1970s, as it was seen as a healthier alternative to butter. Vegetable oil-based margarine seemed to be the answer to increasing concerns about cholesterol and butters role in heart disease. Meadow Lea's catchy 'You ought to be congratulated' ad campaigns also did its part in promoting the spread.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and a significant change occurred after the 1993 publication of a United States study that found trans fats produced when hardening vegetable oils were a greater health risk than cholesterol.

The result? Margarine sales began to drop significantly, and by 2015, research by Roy Morgan showed butter had clawed its way back to the top, with nut-based and olive oil spreads also gaining popularity.

In recent years, margarine sales have continued to decline. Many Woolworths Metro stores, particularly those near train stations, have stopped selling margarine altogether. Instead, shelves are lined with various butter options, as well as home-brand olive oil spreads.

A Woolworths spokesperson confirms this shift away from margarine. 'We continue to stock margarine across the majority of our Metro stores,' the spokeswoman said.

'However, due to space limitations in our Central Station store, we have curated our range to focus on butter, as that tends to be a more popular choice for customers in the area.'

Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Butter vs. Margarine​

The debate about whether butter or margarine is the more healthful choice is a long-standing one, with repercussions even today.

Margarine was largely promoted as a healthier factor for dieting and containing healthy polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6. However, due to research in the early 1990s, trans fats, which are produced when vegetable oils are hardened, have become recognised as greater health risks than high cholesterol.

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report put market shares of margarine and butter in 1992 at 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, the Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter, noting that it is still a better source of polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Despite this, it reiterates that margarine is still not a healthy food and should be consumed in moderation. More recently, spreads made with nuts and olive oil have become widely used, providing consumers with another alternative in the butter versus margarine debate. Ultimately, the decision of which product to consume depends on personal preference and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Some Woolworths Metro stores have stopped stocking margarine due to the increased demand for butter.
• Woolworths could not state how many Metro outlets did not sell margarine, but it accounted for only 20% of sales in the category compared to 80% for butter.
• The Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter.
• Despite the declining demand for margarine, Statista estimates revenue in the Australian margarine market for 2023 to be about $420 million and almost $1 billion for butter.

In the meantime, make sure you're informed about the different spreads available to suit your preferences and health requirements. Stay up to date on the latest grocery trends, and remember that sometimes change can be good – even in the dairy aisle!

What are your thoughts on the decline of margarine in Woolworths Metro stores and the shift towards butter and alternative spreads? Share your insights down below!

curated?

 

[Thecheesequeen]

curated - “selected, organised and presented”

 

[Donna L]

Great news, I stopped spreading carcinogens on my bread over 40yrs ago.

 

[Macarj]

While the change from margarine was due to the updated health research it should be note that in years gone by - margarine was used because it was a more affordable option for families. Both for normal consumption & in baking.

It's not like you sit there eating a bowl of margerine a bit spread on toast is not goning to kill you, if you have issues with your body of course you wouldn't be eating it

 

[Joseph Gallina]

Boy there is so much misinformation out there. There are so many so-called reviews that have so many conflicts of interest associated with them. Unfortunately, the 1970's told us that fats were bad, carbs were an essential nutrient, and a healthy alternative was vegetable oil. There was never any mention about sugar and processed foods. Everyone needs to undertake a wide variety of research before they blindly study or listen to recommendations. Remember to always be wary of any information that is not from a reliable source or may be closely associated with the food industry in terms of conflict. If you undertake you research not only for your own health but perhaps your loved ones as well, there is a set of lowest common denominators amongst many of the food related credible medical experts. They are:

Eliminate Sugar
Reduce Carbs substantially.
Eat a moderate amount of proteins.
Eat a wide variety of cruciferous vegetables, salads and leafy greens.
Eat plenty of good fats.
Eliminate vegetable oils, trans fats and most processed foods.
Reduce the frequency of eating each day, but when you do, eat well.
If looking for a healthy alternative in spreads etc, ignore the butter blends they almost always contain vegetable oils and additives. Pure grass-fed butter is best.

Without discussing the aspects of also including an active lifestyle in however you can due to your age or physical capability, the above is a simple approach to eating. The issue with cholesterol related issues, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and many other metabolic diseases in the main is a product of sugar, carbs, processed foods and the frequency that we eat each day. Remember 'good food is medicine, bad food needs medicine'.

Hope this adds a bit of balance.

 

[prendyc]

Australian shoppers, have you noticed anything missing in the dairy aisle of your local Woolworths? For years, margarine was a staple on Aussie grocery lists, dethroning butter as the popular spread of choice. However, things have taken a turn, and now margarine is becoming a faint memory in many Woolworths Metro stores.

Let's delve into the history of margarine in Australia and what’s happening to this once-beloved grocery favourite!

View attachment 20903

Some Woolworths Metro stores do not stock margarine, as it only contributes to 20% of sales in the category, compared to butter's 80%. Photo by Anna Shvets.

Margarine was a popular choice in many Australian households from around the mid-1970s, as it was seen as a healthier alternative to butter. Vegetable oil-based margarine seemed to be the answer to increasing concerns about cholesterol and butters role in heart disease. Meadow Lea's catchy 'You ought to be congratulated' ad campaigns also did its part in promoting the spread.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and a significant change occurred after the 1993 publication of a United States study that found trans fats produced when hardening vegetable oils were a greater health risk than cholesterol.

The result? Margarine sales began to drop significantly, and by 2015, research by Roy Morgan showed butter had clawed its way back to the top, with nut-based and olive oil spreads also gaining popularity.

In recent years, margarine sales have continued to decline. Many Woolworths Metro stores, particularly those near train stations, have stopped selling margarine altogether. Instead, shelves are lined with various butter options, as well as home-brand olive oil spreads.

A Woolworths spokesperson confirms this shift away from margarine. 'We continue to stock margarine across the majority of our Metro stores,' the spokeswoman said.

'However, due to space limitations in our Central Station store, we have curated our range to focus on butter, as that tends to be a more popular choice for customers in the area.'

Health Benefits and Drawbacks of Butter vs. Margarine​

The debate about whether butter or margarine is the more healthful choice is a long-standing one, with repercussions even today.

Margarine was largely promoted as a healthier factor for dieting and containing healthy polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6. However, due to research in the early 1990s, trans fats, which are produced when vegetable oils are hardened, have become recognised as greater health risks than high cholesterol.

An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report put market shares of margarine and butter in 1992 at 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, the Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter, noting that it is still a better source of polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Despite this, it reiterates that margarine is still not a healthy food and should be consumed in moderation. More recently, spreads made with nuts and olive oil have become widely used, providing consumers with another alternative in the butter versus margarine debate. Ultimately, the decision of which product to consume depends on personal preference and dietary needs.

Key Takeaways

• Some Woolworths Metro stores have stopped stocking margarine due to the increased demand for butter.
• Woolworths could not state how many Metro outlets did not sell margarine, but it accounted for only 20% of sales in the category compared to 80% for butter.
• The Heart Foundation still recommends margarine over butter.
• Despite the declining demand for margarine, Statista estimates revenue in the Australian margarine market for 2023 to be about $420 million and almost $1 billion for butter.

In the meantime, make sure you're informed about the different spreads available to suit your preferences and health requirements. Stay up to date on the latest grocery trends, and remember that sometimes change can be good – even in the dairy aisle!

What are your thoughts on the decline of margarine in Woolworths Metro stores and the shift towards butter and alternative spreads? Share your insights down below!

Margarine !!!! Absolute poison, eat butter at least it's real, not highly processed & coloured artery blocking gunk, good riddance, good move Woolies

 

[Catherines]

In my opinion, the research from one month to the next always seems to overrule what the previous research found. Guess it now looks like it depends on who is paying for the research!!!!

 

[Maggles55]

Coming from a farming family, I stopped using margarine years ago and it tasted terrible. Yes it was cheaper than butter, but I would rather have the real McCoy in my system rather than chemicals.

 

[SandyM]

In my opinion, the research from one month to the next always seems to overrule what the previous research found. Guess it now looks like it depends on who is paying for the research!!!!

Yes, I remember in the early 1980's, there was a warning that tomatoes caused cancer! And don't forget that we were told not to eat very many eggs, as they caused bad cholesterol levels - this has since been disproved.