NEW YORK CITY—Butter reigns as the top choice in the fats and oils category of consumer spending, outpacing margarine and olive oil as consumers seek out pure, simple, flavor-rich ingredients, according to a recent article by Advertising Age.

Market research firm Euromonitor International is forecasting a 5 percent drop in U.S. retail sales of oils and fats between 2011 and 2016, mainly because consumers are dining out more and frequently choose oil-free options when cooking at home. But consumers who prefer some oil in what they eat are more likely to want butter.

Butter sales at grocery stores increased by more than 2 percent in the year ending May 13, while margarine sales decreased more than 6 percent and olive oil sales increased by .21 percent. Overall, butter led with $1.5 billion in sales during the period, followed by $1.4 billion for margarine and spreads, and $706 million for olive oil.

Food writer Kendra Bailey Morris, who appears each month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program, uses real butter in her recipes.

“There's nothing like real butter dripping off of an ear of locally grown corn to get your summer in full swing,” Morris said. “In the kitchen, I cook with butter exclusively, and there's nothing better when it comes to baking. Margarine might be less expensive, but in my book, everything really is better with butter."

Contact Sara Owens, VFBF communications, at 804-290-1133.