Butter and Ghee: What’s What?
First things first — what’s the difference?
Butter is made by churning cream. It still contains milk
solids and water, which is why it sizzles when you heat it.
Ghee is made by heating butter until all water evaporates
and milk solids are removed. What you get is pure butterfat — golden, nutty,
and shelf-stable.
You can think of it this way:
- Butter
= cream + water + milk solids + fat
- Ghee
= just the fat part of butter
Cooking with Butter vs Ghee
When you’re cooking, these two behave very differently.
Butter has a lower smoke point — which means it
starts burning at medium heat. Great for sautéing veggies or spreading on
toast, but not for deep frying.
Ghee can handle much higher temperatures without
burning. It’s the hero of Indian tadkas, fried snacks, and rich gravies.
👉 If you cook Indian food
often — ghee will make your life easier.
👉
If you bake or love European-style cooking — butter still holds its charm.
Simple rule? For high-heat cooking or Indian dishes,
reach for ghee. For baking or low-heat butter flavour, butter wins.
Taste Factor: Creamy or Nutty?
Taste is where opinions get personal.
Butter is creamy, slightly sweet — the stuff that makes
garlic bread and cookies irresistible.
Ghee has a nutty, rich aroma. If you’ve never tried hot
parathas with a spoon of ghee — trust me, you’re missing out.
Both bring flavour, but in very different ways.
Some people love adding ghee to their dal or rice for that comforting depth.
Others swear by butter for silky sauces and soft cakes.
The Benefits of Ghee
Ghee is clarified butter, obtained by heating butter until the water and milk solids boil off, and the butterfat remains. It has been made for at least the past millennium in the subcontinent of India.
Ghee has many benefits for your health, including:
1. Ghee contains plenty of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that’s been linked to gut health through its known anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
2. Ghee is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K2.
3. Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat shown to boost your metabolism and burn fat.
4. Ghee is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that is metabolised differently than other forms of saturated fat and most fats in general – they can be used for quick energy, instead of being stored in your butt.
5. It’s lactose-free and casein-free, for people with dairy sensitivity or allergy.
Health: Is Ghee Really Better?
Let’s clear the air — both butter and ghee are fats. You
don’t want to overdo either one.
But ghee does have some perks:
- It’s
lactose-free — safe for many with dairy sensitivity.
- It
contains butyrate, a fatty acid linked to gut health.
- It’s
rich in vitamins A, D, E, K — fat-soluble and easily absorbed.
Butter also offers vitamins, but it contains lactose and
casein — which some people prefer to avoid.
If you’re watching your cholesterol, consult your doctor
first. For most healthy people, using either in moderation is perfectly fine.
Storage & Shelf Life
Butter needs to live in your fridge — otherwise it goes
rancid quickly.
Ghee is happy sitting on your shelf, even in summer. It
lasts for months without refrigeration.
👉 For convenience and
longevity — ghee wins this round.
Cost & Convenience
Butter is cheaper and easily available everywhere.
Ghee costs a bit more — but you also use less, because a
little goes a long way.
If you make ghee at home (which many families do), it can be
even more economical.
Summary — Which Should You Choose?
There’s no "one is better than the other" here. It
depends on what you cook, how you like your food to taste, and whether you have
any dietary restrictions.
👉 For Indian cooking,
rich flavours, and high-heat cooking — ghee is brilliant.
👉
For baking, spreading on bread, or when you want that unmistakable buttery note
— butter is your friend.
And honestly? Many Indian kitchens use both — just for
different things.
FAQs: Butter Vs Ghee — Quick Answers You’ll Actually Use
What is the difference between butter and ghee?
Butter contains milk solids and water. Ghee is pure butterfat — the milk solids
are removed.
Is ghee healthier than butter?
Ghee is lactose-free and may support digestion. But both are fats — use them
moderately.
Can I use ghee in baking instead of butter?
You can — but it will change the texture slightly and give a nutty flavour.
Great for Indian sweets, not ideal for all Western baking.
Does ghee raise cholesterol?
Like all saturated fats, it can if overused. Moderate use is key — and check
with your doctor if you have cholesterol issues.
Why is ghee preferred in Indian cooking?
It can handle high heat and adds a deep, rich flavour that butter can’t match.
Is ghee good for the gut?
Some studies suggest the butyrate in ghee may support gut health. It’s been
used in Ayurveda for centuries for this reason.
Can lactose-intolerant people eat ghee?
Yes — since the milk solids are removed, most people with lactose intolerance
tolerate ghee well.
Should I refrigerate ghee?
No need. Ghee is shelf-stable and lasts for months at room temperature.
Is butter cheaper than ghee?
Generally, yes. But ghee is more concentrated — so a small amount goes further.
Can I use both butter and ghee in my kitchen?
Absolutely! Many home cooks use both — ghee for Indian dishes and high-heat
cooking, butter for baking and bread.
Final Thoughts — Go With What Works for You
If anyone tells you that butter or ghee is “bad” — take it
with a grain of salt. Both have been part of traditional diets for generations.
It comes down to how you cook, what flavours you enjoy, and
what feels good in your body.
For me? You’ll find both in my kitchen. A pat of butter on
my morning toast, a spoon of ghee in my tadka. Balance, as always, is the real
winner.