Common Foods That Are Made Of Surprising Ingredients

Is Margarine Chemically Close To Plastic?

For years, margarine sparked heated debates, with claims that it was just one chemical compound away from being plastic. Another rumor suggested it was originally created as turkey feed. While the turkey feed story is false, margarine does have a fascinating—and somewhat rocky—history. It all started when French Emperor Napoleon III sought a cheaper alternative to butter and offered a prize for its invention. Around 150 years ago, a French chemist rose to the challenge and created margarine to win that prize

But let’s tackle the big question: Is margarine chemically close to plastic? Not really. While some older versions of margarine shared chemical similarities with plastic, modern formulations have evolved significantly. Today, margarine is far more similar to butter than to plastic. So, why the confusion? Early margarine production involved hydrogenation, a process that altered its chemical structure. However, advancements in food science have made it a safer, more natural option for consumers. While it’s not exactly health food, margarine remains a popular butter substitute in many North American kitchens.