Criminal
The Demon Spread
Jun 21, 2024
Explore the controversial history of margarine production in the United States, including the influence of the dairy lobby. Learn about the battle to legalize colored margarine in Wisconsin and the current debate over labeling plant-based milks. Discover the innovative French chemist who introduced oleomargarine as a butter substitute.
28:25
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Quick takeaways
- The creation of margarine by a chemist for Napoleon III's contest led to a bread-efficient butter substitute.
- Dairy lobby opposition to margarine resulted in strict laws, including bans on colored margarine in Wisconsin.
Deep dives
Creation of Margarine as a Butter Substitute
A 49-year-old French chemist, prior winner of a drug prize, created margarine to win Napoleon III's contest aiming to find a butter substitute. His technique efficiently produced more bread. Margarine's components included water and beef fat, named oleomargarine, providing an affordable and non-refrigeration-needed alternative to butter.
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