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07/15/2003 Archived Entry: "Butter Grading"

I’ve mentioned the different qualities of each grade of butter on the air before but here is the official word from the USDA.

The number, grade or “score” printed on a package of butter relates it’s aroma, flavor, and texture, not it’s fat content, as I apparently once said on Food Talk. The “score” is based on a scale of from 90 to 100.

The letter “grade” on a package of butter refers to its score. So, in a away, “grade” and “score” are redundant. Read the following definitions, directly from the USDA website, for a better understanding.

• U.S. Grade AA Butter (must achieve a score of at least 93 out of 100)
  Delicate, sweet flavor, with a fine, highly pleasing aroma
  Made from high-quality fresh, sweet cream
  Smooth, creamy texture with good "spreadability"
  
  
• U.S. Grade A Butter (must achieve a score of 92 out of 100)
  Pleasing flavor
  Made from fresh cream
  Fairly smooth texture
  Rates close to top grade
  
  
• U.S. Grade B Butter (is based on a score of 90 points, and it usually is used only for Cooking or manufacturing.)
  May have slightly acid flavor
  Readily acceptable to many consumers
  

For more detailed information check out the USDA's guide to buying butter.