Frequently Asked Questions about butter, trans fat, eating healthy
No Trans Fat, No Cholesterol

Select an appropriate category at right to find answers to common questions about Country Crock® Side Dish products and programs.

SHOPPING / IN-STORE

Where is the best place to buy Country Crock® products?

Country Crock® products are available nationally to any store wishing to carry them. Although we would like each of our products to be available in all stores, shelf space and consumer demand sometimes limit the number of items a retailer is willing to carry. If you are having trouble finding your favorite Country Crock® product, please try our item locator which can help you locate a nearby store. Just click here.

If you are still unable to locate your product, please call our Consumer Services toll free number Monday-Friday 8:30AM - 6:00PM Eastern Time where we can further assist you at 1-800-579-3663.

HEALTH / NUTRITION

What is trans fat?

Trans fats are formed when a liquid oil is made more solid through a process called partial hydrogenation. Trans fat is naturally found in animal fat. Overall the typical diet contains only a small amount of trans fat.

How much trans fat is consumed in the diet?

Trans fat is a minor component of the total fat in the average American diet providing only 2.6% of total calories. Another cholesterol raising fat is saturated fat, which provides about 11% of total calories.

Why is trans fat in spreads?

Trans fats provide structure and texture to spreads while minimizing the required level of saturated fat. This provides a spreadable texture.

Are trans fats unsafe?

There is no evidence that products containing small amounts of trans fat are harmful to health when they are used sensibly within a balanced and varied diet. Elevated cholesterol levels are a known risk factor for heart disease. Both trans fats and saturated fats are considered cholesterol raising and should not be consumed in large quantities. Health professionals and FDA recommend minimizing the amount of trans fats in the diet while maintaining a nutritionally sensible diet.

Does Shedd's Spread Country Crock® contain trans fats?

Over the last several years, Unilever Bestfoods NA, the manufacturer of Shedd's Spread Country Crock® has introduced several products which contain 0g trans fat per serving including Yogurt, Calcium, and Light.

Will you be labeling trans fats?

We are beginning to phase in new labels which declare the level of trans fats in the Nutrition Facts. We will be in full compliance for labeling prior to the FDA mandated implementation date of 2006.

Are there options to using partially hydrogenated vegetable oil?

We look at a variety of options, but in all cases, utilize the solution that does not change the quality we currently provide to the consumer, especially for spreading and baking applications. In evaluating these options, functionality, technology, availability and costs are considered. We also do not consider solutions which significantly increase the saturated fat content in the product.

Can stick products be made with no trans fat?

Only a stick spread with a high level of oil and hardness provides the optimal functionality for baking and cooking. This is accomplished by having both higher oil content and either saturated fat or trans fats in the oil component. Although the options available today will either increase the level of saturated fat or compromise the functionality, we continue to assess options.

How can a product contain no trans fat and still have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in the ingredients?

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil describes a broad range of oils with varying degrees of hydrogenation or hardening. The trans fat levels in these oils vary from very little to higher amounts. As a result, some products qualify, according to FDA guidelines, for 0g trans fat per serving although they have as one of their components partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Trans fat levels used for labeling are based on the total product composition, not only the fat portion.

Are your products gluten free?

Country Crock® Side Dishes do contain gluten. However, none of the Country Crock® spread or Spreadable Butter products contain gluten.

Are your products dairy free?

Our Willow Run Spread contains no lactose or dairy ingredients and does not come in contact with such ingredients.

Are your products Kosher?

All Country Crock® products are Kosher.
STORAGE / CONTAINER

Can you explain the date on your packaging?

All of our products say on the side of the packaging see lid for "best when used by" date. The date reads: Month, Day, Year. Products should be used by the date on the package.

Should I refrigerate the product?

All of our products should be refrigerated. Doing so will help to ensure the best possible taste. Products should be kept at 40-45 degrees F.

Can Country Crock® be frozen?

Products may be frozen. However, freezing won't further extend its shelf life and is not recommended for our products.

Items that cannot be frozen are Country Crock® Light, Plus Calcium and Vitamins, and Whipped Easy Squeeze.

Are your product containers recyclable?

Materials for our packaging are selected to provide maximum protection for the product as well as convenience for our consumer. Wherever possible, we try to minimize impact on the environment by using materials that are either recycled or recyclable.

RECYCLABILITY OF PACKAGING

Bottles (Squeeze):

  • Bottles: "2" (HDPE)
  • Caps: "5" (polypropylene; recyclable in some communities)
Packing Cases:
  • Made from recyclable paperboard
Quarters:
  • Foil Wrap: Material designed to maintain freshness and color of product, and is recyclable (in some communities)
  • Carton: Made from recyclable paperboard; also, do not use any inks or pigments containing heavy metals, minimizing impact on environment.
Tubs / Lids:
  • Tubs: "5" (HDPE)
  • Lids: "4" (LDPE)
  • Sleeves: Made from recyclable paperboard; also, do not use any inks or pigments containing heavy metals, minimizing impact on environment.
PRODUCT USAGE

How can I use Country Crock®?

Country Crock® products are great for spreading and topping. While our products can be used for cooking and baking we recommend the use of either Country Crock® Spreadable sticks or Churnstyle Sticks whenever possible for your cooking and baking needs.
OTHER

Do you have coupons for your products?

At this time, we are not distributing any coupons for our products via the site. However, our brand team is very active in promoting our products. We suggest checking home, cooking, and general interest magazines, or your newspaper circulars for cents-off coupons.

Is it safe to reheat leftovers in takeout containers or reused containers, such as empty butter tubs or dessert topping containers?

It is not likely that microwaving with these containers presents any health risk, but if used inappropriately, accidental burns could occur. So, unless a container is marked that it is suitable for microwave use, there may be a risk that it will melt or deform if exposed to high heat. If your container isn't marked for microwave use, it's best to choose one that is.
If you are still unable to locate an answer to your question, please call our Consumer Services toll free number at 1-800-579-3663, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM ET so we can further assist you.