Badder vs Budder vs Batter: What’s The Difference Between These Concentrates?

Reading the words badder, budder, and batter, you may think you’d stumbled upon a pastry cookbook in dire need of spellcheck. But these words have little to do with baked goods; they’re the names of different types of cannabis concentrates, each revered for their ease of use, potency, and robust terpene profile. But what sets badder, budder, and batter apart from each other?

In this guide, we’ll go over:

• What is Badder or Batter?
• What is Budder?
• Key Differences and Similarities Between Badder, Budder, and Batter
• How Do You Smoke Budder, Badder, or Batter?
• FAQs About Badder and Budder
   

A cannabis concentrate is a potent substance extracted from the resinous trichomes of the marijuana plant. Most types of cannabis concentrates are named for their unique physical traits, like shatter, crumble, or wax. The same goes for badder and budder; they’re named for their soft, malleable quality, which is also what differentiates them from other concentrates. 

Badder and budder are both made through a solvent-based extraction process, starting with trim, cured bud, or flash-frozen marijuana flower (in which case the end result is called “live” badder or budder).¹ It’s after extraction that the process starts to branch off. The distinct textures and consistencies between badder and budder are achieved by stirring up the extracts at different intensities and time spans before purification.²

Many consider badder and budder to be close relatives, even siblings, in the larger family of concentrates—but they’re not twins. They differ in consistency, texture, and appearance.

Here’s what makes badder and budder nearly identical:

• Potency: Badder and budder both have extremely high THC levels—as high as 80- 90%—making them a popular choice among experienced cannabis enthusiasts.²
• Flavor & Aroma: Depending on the quality of the marijuana used to make budder and badder, both concentrates boast high levels of terpenes. And these terpenes provide powerful flavors and aromas, making badder and budder both a feast for the senses.²
• Solvent-Based Extraction: These concentrates are made through a solvent-based extraction process involving butane or CO2.²
  
  

Here’s where badder and budder differ:

• Consistency: Both budder and badder tend to be thick, but badder is a little chunkier and some batches can come out a little wetter and less firm.
• Texture: Budder is smooth and uniform, like whipped butter, whereas badder can be a little lumpier or grainy, similar to cake batter.
• Appearance: These concentrates can range in color from earthy green to rich gold to stark blonde depending on the quality of the flower used to make them.¹
• Handling: Badder tends to be stickier than budder, which can make it more difficult to handle when dabbing or infusing.
• Agitation During Production: Both concentrates are stirred aggressively after extraction and before being placed in the vacuum oven, but budder is stirred less, which creates a firmer final product.²
  
  

Still have questions? Here’s a few more answers!

How do you smoke badder without a dab rig? 
You can add badder to your joint or blunt the next time you roll up, or vaporize it using a dab pen.

Is badder used for dabs?
Yes, badder is a popular choice among concentrate enthusiasts to use in dabs.

Which is more potent: badder or budder?
Badder and budder are similar in potency; it’s their textures that makes them different.

Can you make badder into budder?
No, you can’t make badder into budder because their different consistencies are set during the production process. It’s not possible to change them afterwards.

Which is better for dabbing?
Either one is a great choice for dabbing or infusing, but you may find budder a little easier to work with if you’re newer to concentrates.

How should I store badder vs budder?
You’ll want to store your badder and budder concentrates the same way: away from air, heat, moisture, and light. Putting them in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark will help maintain their freshness, potency, and consistency. If you don’t take proper storage measures, your badder and budder can start to grow dark and harden.¹

Badder and budder can be excellent choices for your next smoke session, and they can offer a smooth introduction to the world of concentrates for any canna-newbies out there. Just remember to start low and go slow, as their THC levels can be quite potent. Stop into one of our dispensaries for help selecting the perfect concentrate for your needs.
 

Sources:

1. “Badder, Batter, Budder,” Weedmaps, June 9, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/badder-budder-batter 

2. “Concentrates 101: A Guide to Terms, Usage, Potency, and Testing,” ACS Laboratory, January 13, 2023, https://www.acslab.com/retail/cannabis-concentrates-guide

3. “Badder/Batter,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/badder-batter

4. “Want the most from your cannabis terpenes? Temperature matters,” Leafly, July 28, 2020, https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/target-terpenes-temperature-matters

5. “What is twaxing?” CannaConnection, August 13, 2020, https://www.cannaconnection.com/blog/18515-what-is-twaxing