Margarine is a blend of around 80% vegetable oil or animal fat, and 20% water with
added salt, flavorings, color, and preservatives. In many countries these proportions are
controlled by legislation. Low fat spreads have similar ingredients, however the oil
content can be as low as 20%. Gums and thickeners such as gelatin, alginates, and most
commonly, caseinates are used to replace the viscosity and bulking effect of the fat and
to ensure that a stable water-in-oil emulsion is formed.
Blends of margarine/low fat spread and buttermilk, or other dairy ingredients e.g. milk
powder and whey powder are increasingly common. These combine the taste of butter
with low fat content and “spreadability” from the refrigerator.