Here are five tips to help you choose the best product for your needs.

1) Check the Nutrition Facts label under Total Fat and then Trans Fat. Make sure it’s zero.

2) Then read the fine print. Tub margarine may be labeled trans-fat free but still contain a tiny amount of trans fat labeled as hydrogenated fat in the ingredients. Remember that zero trans fat items, by law, can contain .5 gram or less of trans fat per serving so if you consume a lot of servings, you can see how the trans fat grams would add up.

3) Look at the Saturated Fat under Total Fat. Lower is better…under two grams per tablespoon….meaning a light or low fat product for daily use is the smarter selection.

4) Look for the words ‘oil’ or ‘water’ as the first ingredient.

5) For butter spreads, see what type of oil is added and then look at the fat profile on the Nutrition Facts label. Check to see if there is more monounsaturated fat (the more healthy fat) than saturated.