No Margarine in Wisconsin: The Dairy State’s War on Butter Substitutes
When you think of Wisconsin, you probably think of cheese, dairy farms, and the famous Green Bay Packers. But did you know that for decades, Wisconsin had a bizarre law that made serving margarine illegal in public places? That’s right—under state law, restaurants, schools, and even hospitals were prohibited from serving margarine unless a customer specifically requested it.
The Origins of the Margarine Ban
The roots of this law go back to the late 19th century when margarine was first introduced as a cheaper alternative to butter. At the time, Wisconsin was (and still is) America’s dairy capital, producing vast amounts of butter. But as margarine gained popularity, the state’s powerful dairy lobby fought back, arguing that the spread threatened Wisconsin’s economy and butter industry. In 1895, Wisconsin passed a law outright banning margarine that was colored yellow to resemble butter.
The 1967 Compromise
For much of the 20th century, Wisconsin doubled down on its margarine restrictions, making it the only state in the U.S. where selling or serving margarine in public institutions was outright illegal. The law even included fines—anyone caught selling margarine as a butter substitute without disclosure faced a fine of up to $500 or a jail sentence.
The law became the subject of national ridicule, and many Wisconsinites would cross state lines just to buy margarine in Illinois or Minnesota. Finally, in 1967, after much debate, Wisconsin eased some of its restrictions. While margarine became legal to sell, it still remained heavily regulated. Schools and prisons, for instance, were still required to serve butter unless margarine was requested.
Is the Law Still in Effect Today?
While the strictest parts of the margarine ban were repealed, some remnants of the law still exist. For example, certain rules still require restaurants to disclose if they are using margarine instead of butter.
Despite the repeal, Wisconsin remains fiercely loyal to dairy products. Even today, it is often difficult to find margarine in many traditional Wisconsin restaurants. The state’s cultural love for butter is so strong that margarine still carries a slight stigma in some areas.
The Legacy of Wisconsin’s Margarine Law
Although it might seem silly today, the margarine ban is a perfect example of how economic and political interests can shape food laws. Wisconsin’s dairy industry remains a major force in state politics, and while margarine is no longer illegal, butter still reigns supreme in the Badger State.
So, the next time you visit Wisconsin, don’t be surprised if your toast comes with a generous helping of real butter instead of margarine—it’s just part of the state’s rich dairy history!
