Changing the Sensory and Nutritional Profile of Butter With a Natural Omega-3 Feed Ingredient
Butter has been making a comeback for several years, opening the door to dairy innovations. An article in Hoard’s Dairyman from November 7th, 2025 discussed the growth of the butter segment. This growth is being driven by a reversal of medical opinion on saturated fats. It is a corresponding knock on the health of margarine and its use of cross-linked vegetable oils. For several years O&T Farms has been working with progressive dairy farms demonstrating how Omega-3 enrichment into the feed can change the nutritional profile of dairy products – especially Omega-3 butter.
As noted in the article; butter has had a challenging nutritional reputation due to its high percentage of saturated fat. A pivotal 2014 medical study, however, suggested that saturated fat did not increase heart disease risk. This caused a pivot in consumer, health, and dietician opinion. This medical study sparked a rejuvenation of dairy, with headlines declaring, “Butter is Back.”
Since then, butter demand has continually increased year over year, creating a unique opportunity to innovate and even further enhance the value of butter.
O&T Farm’s contribution to healthier dairy products
O&T Farms has foreseen both the nutritional and sensory opportunity to change the fat profile of butter making it more spreadable (or softer), as well as nutritionally better. By enriching the cows feed with Omega-3 PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), the overabundant saturated fats can be reduced. In turn the Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are increased in the cow’s milk. These Omega-3 fats are classified as essential and are derived from Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). They are classified as essential fatty acids as humans must make them part of dietary intake as the human body cannot make them. These essential Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain function, cell membranes, and reducing bad cholesterol. This novel Omega-3 feeding program developed by O&T Farms comes from a patented ingredient called linPRO-R.
linPRO-R is a rumen protected product made through an advanced patented manufacturing process, using sustainable land-based ingredients. By replacing some of the cows dietary saturated fats with much more beneficial polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, linPRO-R improves butter’s texture. It also boosts the health profile to the cow as well as to the final dairy products such as butter. This Omega-3 land-based feed ingredient from O&T Farms is made from flaxseed, field peas, and alfalfa, using an advanced patented technology that protects the weak-bonded Omega-3s. This process creates a rumen-protected feed ingredient that significantly improves cattle nutrition. This in turn enhances milk production and naturally enriches the final dairy products with valuable Omega-3s. The result is nutritionally better Omega-3 dairy products that consumers can add to their diet.
Fulfilling Consumer Demand
The demand by consumers for enriched functional foods is growing due to a revitalization of a balanced and nutritionally better diet, supporting their well-being. LinPRO-R is not just making nutritionally better butter. It’s supporting healthier cows, promoting sustainable farming, and contributing to a brighter future for the entire food system. Omega-3 Butter offers anti-inflammatory benefits, a healthier Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, and a softer, more desirable texture. O&T Farms is proud to lead the way in creating dairy products that meet the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers while advancing modern and sustainable agricultural practices
Click here to read the original article on the Hoard’s Dairyman website.
