Smart Balance ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Smart Balance

Smart Balance is a plant-based butter spread brand owned by Conagra Brands, marketed as a heart-healthy alternative to butter due to its omega fatty acid blend and commitment to non-hydrogenated oils. It is sold at grocery chains and mass retailers across the US and is positioned for health-conscious consumers concerned about trans fats.

Common concerns with Smart Balance products

Smart Balance Original contains a blend of palm fruit oil, canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil concentrate for omega-3s, along with natural flavor, beta-carotene (for color), vitamin A palmitate, and vitamin D3. Concerns are relatively minor: palm oil sourcing (deforestation) and natural flavor ambiguity are the main flags. Smart Balance avoids artificial dyes, trans fats, and hydrogenated oils — a genuine improvement over conventional margarine.