Friends, family: We’ve gathered you here today to share potentially life-changing news: Duck fat is now officially cheaper in South Africa than butter. In fact, butter is now up to R39 more expensive per kilogram.

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What brought the change in the fats status quo? According to Business Insider, the banting craze has led to a rise in the use and demand for butter, causing the price to rise along with it. Meanwhile the production of duck fat has increased without a rise in demand, making it cheaper.

Duck Fat Carmel Donuts! Yes, you actually dip these powdered beauties into a carmal duck fat sauce! And yes, your life will never be the same again! From @henleynashville You can always see more on Instagram Stories @jeremyjacobowitz and TheBrunchBoys.com #Brunchboys

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In the past, duck fat has even received high praised for being ‘healthier’ than butter, though some dieticians believe that the effects were overstated (TL;DR: it’s not as good as olive oil, but dieticians still reckon it’s better than butter). It also has a high smoke point – which means you won’t get a burnt flavour even at high heat.

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If we’re honest, though, the real benefit for us has always been for our taste buds. Duck fat perfectly crisps while lightly flavouring foods like chicken skin and potatoes. But surely duck fat can’t do everything butter can? Turns out, it can!

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According to the internet, you can also use duck fat to make the following:

Count us in for duck fat popcorn. Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash.

Duck fat popcorn

While butter’s smoke point is too low for popcorn, Bon Appetit reckons duck fat is the answer. Try it with a little paprika.

Duck fat pecan pie

Yes, really. This Sweet Paul recipe sounds like the business! (Though it does also use some butter.)

Duck fat scones 

The good people of America call these ‘biscuits’ and serve them with breakfast. Imagine duck fat scones with your next bacon-and-egg fry up!

Duck fat pastries

We’re thinking that quiche and duck fat pastry would be grand. And possibly any dessert with salted caramel or salted chocolate.

Crusts made with duck fat can only be good. Photo by Timothy Muza on Unsplash.

Duck fat pancakes

Yes, you read that right. Serve with lashings of maple syrup.

Duck fat cookies

These Southern American biscuits are flavoured with anise and orange zest – and you can make ‘em with duck fat.

The possibilities are endless. Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash.

Egg toastie pan-fried in duck fat

This honestly shouldn’t even need the excuse of cheaper duck fat.

Duck fat shortbread

Let’s just say we’re open to trying it.

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See, there are really no wrong choices here.