5 Foods with More Saturated Fat Than a Pat of Butter

5 Foods with More Saturated Fat Than a Pat of Butter

Don't let butter's bad reputation distract you from these other fatty foods.

Butter is perhaps the most vilified of condiments: With 2.6 grams of saturated fat per one-inch square—that's almost 25 calories just from the bad-for-you fat—butter isn't exactly the most calorie-conservative way to top your toast. But for all the criticism the creamy spread receives, there are other foods with even more saturated fat per serving. And the heart-clogging fat isn't necessarily hiding where you'd expect it: 

Coconut Oil
Yes, the word "oil" is a dead giveaway that this stuff is full of fat—but the amount of the bad kind may shock you: Just a tablespoon of coconut oil contains 11.8 grams of saturated fat. Despite all the purported health benefits of coconut oil, you're better off sticking with canola or olive oil, both of which are rich in good-for-you fats.

MORE: Size Matters: How Much Fat is Healthy?
 

Goat Cheese
This tangy cheese is soft and spreadable as butter—and it's even fattier: A one-ounce serving of goat cheese houses nearly six grams of saturated fat.

 

Reduced-Fat Milk
No one would doubt that whole milk is loaded with bad fats. But two percent milk? Surprisingly, a cup of low-fat moo juice contains three grams of saturated fat. Of course, when you compare a full cup to a little pat of butter, that's not terrible—but the fact is, you still need to factor reduced-fat dairy into your daily saturated-fat allowance.

MORE: 6 Ways to Get More Calcium That Don’t Involve Eating Dairy 

Peanut Butter
There's no sandwich spread quite as nostalgic as peanut butter. Just don't let those blissful childhood memories tempt you into eating it by the spoonful: A two-tablespoon serving contains 3.4 grams of saturated fat! And let's be honest: Who really eats just two tablespoons?

Dark Chocolate
Yes, the dark variety of this sweet treat has some healthful qualities. But even if you just limit yourself to an ounce, you'll still take in a little higher than six grams of saturated fat—more than double the amount in the butter.

MORE: 5 Healthy Foods That Have More Fat Than a Doughnut 

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