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
Desoto 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? ›

Ghee and butter have similar nutritional profiles, but ghee may be a better choice for those with lactose or casein sensitivities. While ghee is typically better for high temperature cooking, butter has a sweeter taste that may be more suitable for baking.

Do you use ghee the same as butter? ›

Both ghee and clarified butter are used in cooking, as opposed to spread on toast or bread. You can use it in place of butter in recipes because it has a higher smoke point than oil – it will make things crisper and you won't get those burnt black spots you get from pan frying in butter.

Can you mix ghee and butter? ›

On mixing butter with ghee

Sure, you can do that, if this is what you want. The question is, why would you? First, the fat content of a 50-50 mix would be 91%, which is a lot more than standard European butter.

How do I substitute ghee for butter? ›

After all, this is just a refined, clarified version of what you've already been using. When making the swap, use a basic 1:1 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, use 3 tablespoons of ghee instead.

What is the healthiest way to consume ghee? ›

Sadhguru also mentions that consuming ghee with carbohydrates or ghee or sugar together turns it into a fat and does not help in improving health. Thus, it is better to consume ghee with warm water or with a small amount of food on an empty stomach as iot helps in lubrication and ensures a healthy digestive system.

What comes first butter or ghee? ›

Ghee is made by heating butter to separate the liquid and milk solid portions from the fat. First, butter is boiled until its liquid evaporates and milk solids settle at the bottom of the pan and turn golden to dark brown. Next, the remaining oil (the ghee) is allowed to cool until it becomes warm.

Can I use ghee instead of butter when making cookies? ›

Yes—but expect your baked goods to be crispier. Ghee is made by using heat to remove milk solids and most of the water from butterfat. That process also removes whey and casein proteins and lactose, which encourage a soft texture.

Does ghee need to be refrigerated? ›

As the milk solids have been removed, ghee doesn't go rancid as rapidly as ordinary butter does, so refrigeration is not so essential. However, it will extend its life, so it's worth keeping opened shop-bought ghee or homemade ghee in the fridge.

Can you use ghee on toast? ›

It's like French toast and PB&J had an intensely delicious lovechild—and the ghee is what makes the magic. Beyond toast (and Indian cooking, of course), we use ghee to fry eggs to crispy perfection and soft-scramble them (ghee + eggs = perfection).

What happens if I eat 1 spoon of ghee everyday? ›

While ghee contains a high concentration of fats, it is rich in Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to promote cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that people who consumed a spoonful of ghee daily had reduced serum cholesterol levels and a lower incidence of coronary artery disease.

What happens when we eat ghee in an empty stomach in the morning? ›

It lubricates the digestive tract providing easy passage for bowel movement. It cleanses your digestive system, lubricates the intestines as well, which allows the stools to pass smoothly. Taking a spoonful of ghee in the morning can relieve constipation. It detoxifies the digestive system.

Is ghee bad for cholesterol? ›

High-fat foods are the trigger to spike cholesterol levels but ghee is often mistaken by people to be bad for health. In fact, ghee cholesterol can help you in maintaining ideal cholesterol levels when you consume it in the right quantity. Heedlessly consuming anything will harm your health. The same applies to ghee.

How much butter is equal to ghee? ›

If your butter recipe needs 2 tablespoons of butter, you can replace it with 2 tablespoons of ghee instead of butter. However, ghee is more moistening than butter, so instead of butter, it will add a more creamy texture to your cooked dish if you use ghee. In terms of replacement, the butter to ghee ratio is 1:1.

Does ghee really taste like butter? ›

How does it taste? Ghee tends to be one of those hyperbole-inducing foods, like macarons and gelato, that people describe quite dramatically as being "heavenly" or the "best thing ever." In actuality, ghee tastes like a cleaner, richer, more decadent version of butter itself – more buttery butter, if you will.

Do you refrigerate ghee? ›

As the milk solids have been removed, ghee doesn't go rancid as rapidly as ordinary butter does, so refrigeration is not so essential. However, it will extend its life, so it's worth keeping opened shop-bought ghee or homemade ghee in the fridge.

Can ghee go on toast? ›

Ghee on toast is one of the favorite toast toppings for keto dieters and some health freaks. Nothing beats slathering a dollop of rich-tasting ghee on toast, which is soft and spreadable at room temperature. Ghee is not only tasty, but it is also nutritious.

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