Ghee vs. Butter: Should You Use One or the Other? (2024)

Diet and Nutrition

Some people cite health as a reason to use ghee instead of butter

ByLindsey DeSoto, RD, LD

Published on January 31, 2023

Medically reviewed byAllison Herries, RDN

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

  • Ghee vs. Butter: Uses

  • Nutrition Profiles

  • Taste

  • Cooking Tips

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Butter is made by churning cream until fat separates from the liquid and forms a semisolid substance. Ghee is made by heating butter until the water evaporates, leaving behind milk solids. The milk solids are filtered out, leaving a clarified liquid fat known as ghee.

Although they share similar nutritional benefits, ghee may be a better alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. People enjoy cooking with ghee because it does not burn as quickly as butter.

This article discusses the similarities and differences between ghee and butter.

Ghee vs. Butter: Should You Use One or the Other? (1)

Ghee vs. Butter: Uses

Ghee and butter have similar benefits and unique uses. Knowing these can help you decide which one to use when cooking.

Baking

Butter has a natural smoke point of around 350 degrees F, making it a good option for cooking and baking up to this temperature. Because of its sweet, creamy taste, butter is generally preferred over ghee in recipes with mild flavors.

Ghee Instead of Butter

Ghee is versatile and can replace butter at a 1-to-1 ratio when cooking and baking. If a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, use 2 tablespoons of ghee instead. You can also use ghee in place of butter on steamed vegetables or as a spread on toast.

Ghee doesn't feels creamy in the mouth like butter. It has a strong, slightly nutty taste, which may alter the flavor of your meal. It provides more moisture than butter, so you may need to adjust your recipes' flour and liquid proportions when substituting ghee for butter in a recipe.

Ghee and Lactose Intolerance

Ghee has less lactose than butter because its milk solids are removed. This may make it a better option for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Smoke Point

Ghee has a smoke point of around 482 degrees F, much higher than butter's smoke point of 350 degrees F. It can be used for high-heat cooking, such as deep frying, grilling, roasting, and sautéeing.

There is evidence that ghee produces less acrylamide (a toxic compound that can form in foods during high-heat cooking) than vegetable oils when heated. While additional research is needed, animal studies suggest that high doses of acrylamide may increase the risk of cancer.

Ghee vs. Butter: Nutrition Profile

Ghee and butter have similar nutrient compositions, but the two have some differences.

Nutrient Profiles of Ghee vs. Butter
GheeButter
Calories123102
Fat14 grams11.5 grams
Saturated fat8.7 grams7.2 grams
Monounsaturated fat4 grams3.3 grams
Polyunsaturated fat0.5 grams0.5 grams
Cholesterol35.8 milligrams30.5 milligrams
Protein0.4 grams0.1 grams
Carbohydrates0 grams0 grams
Vitamin A118 micrograms, 13 % of the Daily Value (DV)97 micrograms, 11% of the DV

Per tablespoon, ghee is higher in calories and fat than butter. It is also slightly higher in vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for vision, immunity, growth, development, and reproduction.

Both ghee and butter contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyrate. CLA is a polyunsaturated fat that may help protect against heart disease and certain types of cancer, and support weight loss.

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by bacteria in the gut when they break down fiber. Some clinical evidence suggests that butyrate may support gut health and reduce inflammation.

Is Ghee Healthier Than Butter?

Although ghee is somewhat higher in fat than butter, their nutrient profiles are very similar. There is no evidence that one is better than the other. Both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

However, ghee and butter are high in saturated fat. Adults should limit their saturated fat intake to less than 10% of their daily calories.

Daily Butter/Ghee Allowance

If you eat 2,000 calories daily, you should consume less than 22 grams of saturated fat—or about 3 tablespoons of butter or ghee daily. A balanced approach would be to consume 1 to 2 tablespoons each day, in addition to other sources of healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.

Ghee vs. Butter: Taste

Ghee has a buttery taste with a distinct roasted, nutty flavor. Butter has a soft, creamy, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Does Ghee Taste Like Butter?

Although it has similar properties to butter, ghee has a richer, nuttier taste and is often considered a more flavorful version of butter. Use it to add a unique flavor to everything from savory dishes and casseroles to mashed potatoes and pasta.

Cooking Tips

Ghee has been used for thousands of years in Indian cooking, religious rituals, and Ayurvedic medicine. Follow these simple steps to make ghee:

  • Start by slicing 1 pound of unsalted butter into cubes and placing them into a small pot on low heat.
  • Next, melt the butter and bring it to a simmer.
  • After several minutes, a foamy white layer will begin to form. Use a spoon to skim off the foam.
  • Continue cooking on low for about 20 to 25 minutes or until you see the milk solids at the bottom of the pot.
  • When the ghee is done, remove it from the heat source and let it cool for five minutes.
  • Strain the ghee through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into an airtight glass container.

Summary

Ghee and butter have similar nutritional profiles and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet. When it comes to cooking at high heat, ghee has an advantage over butter because it has a higher smoke point. Ghee may be more suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance because it contains less lactose than butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the side effects of ghee?

    Ghee is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much-saturated fat can increase LDL (considered "bad") cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. During high heat production, the cholesterol in ghee may become oxidized. Cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) have been linked to several age-related diseases.

  • Who should not eat ghee?

    Individuals who have a milk allergy should avoid ghee. People with high cholesterol may also benefit from limiting their ghee consumption to no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

  • Does ghee burn fat?

    There is no solid evidence to suggest that ghee burns fat. However, it does contain CLA, which one study found may support weight and fat loss in humans.

11 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Portnoi PA, MacDonald A. The lactose and galactose content of milk fats and suitability for galactosaemia.Mol Genet Metab Rep. 2015;5:42-43. doi:10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.10.001

  2. Science Direct. Ghee.

  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acrylamide.

  4. Daniali G, Jinap S, Hajeb P, Sanny M, Tan CP. Acrylamide formation in vegetable oils and animal fats during heat treatment.Food Chemistry. 2016;212:244-249. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.05.174

  5. USDA Food Data Central. Ghee, clarified butter.

  6. USDA Food Data Central. Butter, without salt.

  7. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin A and carotenoids.

  8. den Hartigh LJ. Conjugated linoleic acid effects on cancer, obesity, and atherosclerosis: a review of pre-clinical and human trials with current perspectives.Nutrients. 2019;11(2):370. doi:10.3390/nu11020370

  9. Gonçalves P, Araújo JR, Di Santo JP.A cross-talk between microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids and the host mucosal immune system regulates intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory bowel disease.Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018;24(3):558-572. doi:10.1093/ibd/izx029

  10. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

  11. Poli G, Leoni V, Biasi F, Canzoneri F, Risso D, Menta R. Oxysterols: From redox bench to industry.Redox Biol. 2021;49:102220. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2021.102220

Ghee vs. Butter: Should You Use One or the Other? (2)

By Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD
Lindsey DeSoto, RD, is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health and wellness content.

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Ghee vs. Butter: Should You Use One or the Other? (2024)

FAQs

Ghee vs. Butter: Should You Use One or the Other? ›

Although ghee is somewhat higher in fat than butter, their nutrient profiles are very similar. There is no evidence that one is better than the other. Both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Do you use the same amount of ghee as butter? ›

Ghee is pure fat whereas butter is 80-85% fat and 20-15 % water.So to substitute butter with ghee, we use 20% less ghee than butter. If recipe measures in cups : You are using a cup to measure, measure 80% of the quantity of butter.

Is ghee actually healthier than butter? ›

Both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. However, no evidence suggests that it's healthier than butter overall. In fact, ghee's perceived “health benefits” are greatly exaggerated. The compounds in ghee that have the potential to improve health are too insignificant to make a difference.

Why can I eat ghee but not butter? ›

Ghee may be an excellent substitute for butter for people with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities. Since the milk solids are removed during the clarification process, ghee is virtually lactose-free and low in casein.

What comes first butter or ghee? ›

A traditional Indian staple, ghee is made by boiling butter over low heat until the milk particles fall to the bottom and the butter's water content evaporates. After that, the butter is filtered to remove any remaining pure golden ghee.

Does ghee need to be refrigerated? ›

Ghee can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for one year. However, if you live in a hot climate or wish to extend its shelf life, ghee can also be refrigerated. When stored in the fridge, ghee will solidify and should be brought to room temperature before use.

Why cook with ghee instead of butter? ›

Butter vs. Ghee. Ghee is stronger in color and flavor than regular clarified butter, and it also has a longer shelf life (it can last up to six months in the fridge or a year in the freezer) and a higher smoke point (nearly 375 degrees F), which makes it especially useful for sauteing and frying foods.

What are the disadvantages of ghee butter? ›

Potential Risks of Ghee

Though the CLA in ghee has been shown to reduce weight gain in some people, ghee is also a calorie-dense and fat-rich food. Despite its health benefits, eating too much of it can lead to weight gain and a higher chance of obesity.

Is ghee inflammatory? ›

Cow ghee possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for treating skin-associated problems.

Should I put ghee in my coffee? ›

But adding ghee to the coffee was the ultimate solution. There are several health benefits of having Ghee coffee: - It helps boost the body's metabolism, which helps in weight loss. - It can help in reducing swelling, it also strengthens the intestinal lining.

Why is ghee banned in the US? ›

Did you know that ghee, one of the healthiest forms of fat in India, has been banned for use by the Food and Drug Administration of the US? As per reports, US FDA has banned it citing health risks like obesity, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.

Is ghee healthier than olive oil? ›

Healthfulness. When wondering about ghee vs olive oil, we're going to guess that you're mostly concerned with the nutrient profile of each. And this is where we tell you, neither is better or worse for you! They're just different and both are great additions to a healthy diet.

What is the shelf life of ghee? ›

Use an opened jar of ghee, whether from the pantry or the refrigerator, within six months for the best quality. Store homemade ghee made from your favorite ghee recipe in the pantry for three months or in the refrigerator for up to a year.

How much ghee per day is healthy? ›

Ghee, which is rich in several vitamins that are essential for the immune system, should be included in at least one of your meals each day. “Ensure that you are getting around 3-6 tsp of ghee per day/per person.

What is the healthiest butter you can buy? ›

Grass-fed butter

This type of butter comes from cows that graze on grass, leading to higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), according to research. This fat profile is healthier for your heart than traditional butter, so I'd consider it the healthiest butter.

What is the ratio of ghee to butter? ›

Unsalted milk butter quality matters a lot. But usually, 1pound of butter amounts to 2 cups of butter, producing around 1.5 cups (same size) of ghee clarified butter. Here butter to ghee ratio stands as 4:3.

How do you substitute ghee for butter? ›

You can use ghee instead of regular butter or cooking oil in almost any recipe, apart from baking. It often appears: As a cooking fat for vegetables and meats at higher temperatures. As a butter substitute for people who are lactose intolerant or where you want a nuttier flavor.

What is the conversion of ghee to butter? ›

To make this butter, take a large bowl and pour 2-3 cups of hot water into it. Take 1 cup of ghee in a bowl and put this bowl in the centre of this hot water. The ghee needs to be in liquid form and make sure that you do not put it over the gas. It takes 2-3 minutes to completely melt the ghee.

How much ghee do you use? ›

“Ensure that you are getting around 3-6 tsp of ghee per day/per person. The key is that ghee should enhance the flavour of food and not mask it,” she mentioned while stating that a teaspoon of ghee for breakfast, lunch and dinner is good.

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