I will never use a substitute for butter. Margarine is one molecule away from eating plastic. If I'm going to eat that type of food, it's going to be the real deal.

The quote "I will never use a substitute for butter. Margarine is one molecule away from eating plastic. If I'm going to eat that type of food, it's going to be the real deal." by Paula Deen reflects her strong culinary philosophy grounded in traditional Southern cooking and her preference for authentic ingredients. Known for her indulgent, butter-rich recipes, Deen uses this statement to express her rejection of artificial substitutes, particularly margarine, in favor of using real butter, which she believes provides both better flavor and a more honest approach to cooking.

Her comparison of margarine to plastic is a dramatic, albeit scientifically debated, way to illustrate her distrust of processed foods. The phrase "one molecule away" is a rhetorical device rather than a precise chemical critique, intended to evoke concern over how far margarine is removed from natural food sources. It reinforces Deen’s culinary values that favor natural fats and traditional ingredients, even if they are high in calories or fat.

By declaring that she’ll always choose “the real deal”, Deen positions herself against modern dietary trends that emphasize low-fat or processed alternatives. Her quote underscores the idea that if one is going to indulge in rich, comforting food, it should be done with genuine ingredients that honor the heritage and taste of classic cooking. This aligns with her Southern roots, where butter is often considered essential to flavor and authenticity.

Ultimately, the quote is both a personal stance and a reflection of a broader culinary philosophy: that flavor, honesty, and tradition matter more than convenience or modern health trends. For Paula Deen, cooking is about celebration and satisfaction, and using real butter symbolizes a commitment to those values without compromise.