# Smart Balance Low Sodium Lightly Salted Spread > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Smart Balance - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Dairy - **Size:** 13 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smart-balance-low-sodium-lightly-salted-spread-13-oz - **Slug:** `smart-balance-low-sodium-lightly-salted-spread-13-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is an ultra-processed product: a multi-ingredient industrial formulation of refined vegetable oils with emulsifiers, preservatives, added vitamins, colors and natural/ artificial flavors, rather than minimally processed food. ## Review Smart Balance Low Sodium Lightly Salted Spread is a whipped, non-dairy buttery alternative sold in a 13-ounce refrigerated tub you’d find in the dairy or refrigerated spreads aisle alongside margarines, plant-based spreads, and light butter alternatives. It’s positioned for everyday use — toast at breakfast, slathering on muffins, finishing steamed vegetables, or light baking — making it a staple for shoppers looking for a lower-sodium, spreadable option. The Smart Balance brand leans into heart-health and family-friendly messaging, targeting mainstream adults who want the sensory pleasures of butter while minimizing saturated fat and sodium; marketing emphasizes cholesterol support and plant oils rather than gourmet or organic cues. On the label you’ll notice health-halo claims like “low sodium,” “non-dairy,” “gluten free,” and added omega-3 ALA content, plus a callout about supporting healthy cholesterol; there is no organic certification, and the ingredients list includes both “natural and artificial flavors.” In plain terms, this product is a highly processed, industrially formulated spread made from blended vegetable oils with emulsifiers, preservatives, added vitamins, color, and flavorings. Sensory-wise it’s light and airy from whipping, spreadable straight from the fridge, with a mild buttery aroma, soft mouthfeel, and a faint salty finish; the tub format suits the ritual of communal breakfasts and family kitchens. Because it’s formulated for convenience and consistent texture, shoppers reach for it when they want an easy, low-sodium butter substitute without handling a stick of butter or worrying about melting. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 33 - **Calories:** 60 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 2g (10% DV) - **Sodium:** 30mg (1% DV) - **Total carbs:** 0g (0% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients VEGETABLE OIL BLEND (CANOLA, PALM, AND OLIVE OILS), WATER, LESS THAN 2 PERCENT OF: SALT, PEA PROTEIN, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, BETA-CAROTENE (COLOR), VITAMIN D, MONOGLYCERIDES OF VEGETABLE FATTY ACIDS (EMULSIFIER); AND LACTIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FRESHNESS). ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sunflower Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Monoglycerides of Vegetable Fatty Acids** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Potassium Sorbate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Beta-Carotene** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, holiday-baking, meal-prep-sunday - **Vibes:** convenient, practical, comforting, wholesome ## FAQ ### Is the Smart Balance spread healthy? The Smart Balance spread can be considered a healthier alternative to traditional butters and spreads, especially if you're looking to reduce saturated fat and sodium intake. With only 30mg of sodium per tablespoon, it’s a good option for those monitoring their salt consumption. However, 'healthy' can be subjective — it really depends on your dietary needs and what you're comparing it to! ### Is Smart Balance spread vegan? Nope, this spread isn’t vegan. It contains lactic acid, which is derived from dairy. If you're looking for a plant-based spread, you might want to check out options that are explicitly labeled as vegan! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! The Smart Balance spread is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. So, feel free to slather it on your gluten-free toast without a worry! ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils, specifically canola and palm oils. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to concerns about processing and omega ratios, they can be a source of unsaturated fats, which are generally considered heart-healthy when consumed in moderation. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, this spread doesn’t have any artificial sweeteners. So you can enjoy it without worrying about those sneaky sugar substitutes. Just keep in mind that it does have some artificial flavors and colors, which some people prefer to avoid. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! The Smart Balance spread is low in sugar, with no added sugars listed in the ingredients. If you’re looking to keep your sugar intake in check, this spread fits the bill quite nicely. ### What are healthier alternatives to this spread? If you’re seeking alternatives, you might consider avocado or nut butters for a more nutrient-dense option. There are also other plant-based spreads that are specifically labeled as vegan and organic, providing a different flavor profile and ingredient list. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for! ### Can kids eat Smart Balance spread? Absolutely! The Smart Balance spread is safe for kids, making it a great option for spreading on their favorite bread or crackers. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, as with any spread, to ensure they’re not overdoing it! ### Is it good for weight loss? The Smart Balance spread can fit into a weight loss plan, especially since it’s lower in calories than butter. However, like any fat, it’s important to use it in moderation. It’s all about balance — if you enjoy it as part of a varied diet, it can definitely be included! ### Is Smart Balance spread ultra-processed? Yes, this spread would fall into the ultra-processed category due to its combination of vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and preservatives. 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