Last updated on October 26, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Wisconsin law prohibits serving colored margarine as a substitute for butter in public eating places unless the customer specifically orders it.
The Curious Case of Margarine in America’s Dairyland
In the land of cheese curds and butter sculptures, Wisconsin’s devotion to dairy runs deep. But nestled among the state’s food laws is a quirky regulation that has puzzled tourists and locals alike: the margarine rule. Yes, in Wisconsin, you can’t just swap out butter for margarine in a restaurant without asking first. It’s not just etiquette—it’s the law.
This regulation isn’t a relic of some bygone dairy feud. It’s a living statute, part of Wisconsin’s Chapter 97 on food safety and regulation. Specifically, Section 97.18 outlines the rules governing the sale and service of oleomargarine, the formal name for margarine. And it’s surprisingly specific.
Butter vs. Margarine: A Legal Distinction
According to state law, restaurants may not serve colored margarine as a substitute for table butter unless the customer orders it. The law defines “colored margarine” as any margarine with more than 1.6 degrees of yellow tint, measured by the Lovibond tintometer scale. That’s right—Wisconsin doesn’t just regulate what’s served, it regulates how yellow it is.
The regulation was originally enacted to protect Wisconsin’s dairy industry, which has long been a cornerstone of the state’s economy. By requiring restaurants to disclose when margarine is being served instead of butter, the law ensures transparency and supports local dairy producers.
What This Means for Restaurants
If you’re running a restaurant in Wisconsin, you can’t simply plop a pat of margarine on a customer’s plate and call it a day. You must either serve butter or explicitly offer margarine as an alternative. Violating this rule can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 for a first offense, and up to $1,000 or jail time for repeat violations.
The law also applies to institutions like schools and hospitals. Margarine may only be served to students, patients, or inmates if a physician deems it medically necessary. Otherwise, butter remains the default.
Advice for Tourists Dining in Wisconsin
If you’re visiting Wisconsin and dining out, don’t be surprised if your server asks whether you’d prefer margarine or butter. It’s not a quirky customer service gesture—it’s compliance with state law. And if you’re a fan of margarine, you’ll need to request it specifically.
That said, most restaurants in Wisconsin proudly serve real butter, often sourced from local dairies. It’s part of the state’s culinary identity, and many chefs consider it essential to authentic Wisconsin flavor. So unless you have dietary restrictions, you might want to embrace the butter culture while you’re here.
A Law That Still Sticks
While some may view the margarine law as outdated, it remains in force and continues to reflect Wisconsin’s commitment to its dairy heritage. It’s a reminder that food laws aren’t just about safety—they’re also about culture, economy, and tradition.
So next time you sit down at a Wisconsin diner and reach for the bread basket, remember: if it’s margarine you want, you’ll have to ask.
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Sources
DATCP Home Food Safety Laws & Regulations
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/FSLaws.aspx
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