Margarine was originally developed and marketed as a butter substitute, but today it is considered a food in its own right. A scarcity of animal fat (a principal ingredient of butter) in France in the late 1860s prompted the government of Napoleon III...

Margarine (pronounced /ˈmɑrdʒərɪn/ or /ˈmɑrgəriːn/), as a generic term, can indicate any of a wide range of butter substitutes. In many parts of the world, margarine has become the best-selling table spread, although butter and olive oil also...

This year marks the 116th anniversary of the Federal Margarine Act of 1886, part of an 80-year war on butter's toughest competitor. The Act was the capstone of a movement to prevent consumers from enjoying the cheaper spread, which was introduced in 1874....

At about the time most of this country was in the "pick a winner" election frame of mind, I received a newsletter from the National Association of Margarine Manufacturers, entitled "Margarine Matters." The lead story's subtitle read, "When it comes to the margarine...

Two years ago Denmark declared war on killer fat, making it illegal for any food to have more than 2 percent transfats. Offenders now face hefty fines _ or even prison terms. The result? Today hardly anyone notices the difference....

Two years ago, Denmark declared war on artery-clogging oils, making it illegal for any food to have more than 2 percent trans fats. Offenders now face hefty fines _ or even prison terms. The result? Today, hardly anyone notices the...