Everything Everywhere Daily Margarine
Oct 17, 2025
Discover the quirky origins of margarine, created at Napoleon III's request for a cheap butter substitute. Dive into its strange substances, from beef tallow to hydrogenated oils, and the social impact of wartime shortages that popularized it. Learn about the colorful history of legal battles and bans, especially in places like Wisconsin. Explore how margarine's reputation transformed, its marketing surge in the '70s, and the ongoing battle against harmful trans fats. A fascinating tale of an everyday staple!
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Margarine's Unexpected Origins
- Margarine was invented in 1869 as a cheap butter substitute made from beef tallow emulsified with skimmed milk.
- The original product aimed to feed the poor and supply the navy, not to be a plant-based alternative.
Hydrogenation Changed Margarine
- The 1902 hydrogenation process converted liquid vegetable oils into solid fats and transformed margarine production.
- Hydrogenation made margarine cheaper, more shelf-stable, and more butter-like in texture.
War Normalized Margarine
- World War I shortages normalized margarine as governments encouraged its use to conserve butter for soldiers.
- Millions who never used margarine adopted it, reducing stigma and creating lasting habits.