In the mid-1960s visionary Allen Buhler learned of research at the University of Wisconsin that used enzymes to produce concentrated dairy flavors. Recognizing the commercial possibilities of this technology, Allen began a 15-year quest to perfect the concept. By the late 1970s, a rich tasting healthy butter product called Butter Buds® was born. Allen met Ben and Marvin Eisenstadt, owners of Cumberland Packing Corp., another family run company that markets the world famous Sweet‘N Low zero-calorie sweetener. Cumberland bought the rights to Butter Buds and took responsibility for retail marketing, while Allen managed Butter Buds as an ingredient and as a food service product.

Further research and experience with customers revealed a variety of benefits beyond contributing buttery flavor. Soon the range of applications grew at an astounding pace, from bakery products to prepared meats, from confectionery to beverages, and almost everything in between. Processors began using Butter Buds in reduced fat foods to achieve excellent nutritional profiles and a gratifying eating experience.

By the late 1990s, Butter Buds Food Ingredients had become the U.S. market leader in natural dairy concentrates, and was being led by Allen’s sons—-Bill, Tom, and John. It had also become a leading international supplier of these innovative ingredient concepts. To meet this growing global demand, the company built a new production facility in Racine, Wisconsin.

The concept created by Allen Buhler in the mid-60s has grown into a thriving business well positioned for the 21st century. Since the start of the new millennium, Butter Buds has diversified beyond the dairy field, introducing products such as Cocoa Butter Buds®, Dried Beer Extract, and Olive Oil Buds. And it continues to push the envelope of flavor technology to produce beneficial products and customized solutions.

We source our natural dairy ingredients from nearby Wisconsin farms, and we control the entire manufacturing process. This results in products with unvarying high quality and dependable performance. Read about our Quality Assurance.