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Pale golden-yellow cow’s ghee sits in a small smooth mound, with a glossy surface and a soft, slightly grainy texture.
●Low GI

Ghee (Cow) Calories

Clarified butter, lactose and casein free, high smoke point, rich in saturated fats

CALORIES · 100 G

900kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

15mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

1 tablespoon (medium) of Ghee (Cow) (13 g) has 117 calories. That works out to 900 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 13 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 397.8 µg of Vitamin A covers 44% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Ghee (Cow) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 13 g

117

KCAL / 13G

Carbs

0g

· 0% DV

Protein

0g

· 0% DV

Fat

13g

· 17% DV

Fiber

0g

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 0% · Fat 100%

Ghee (Cow) nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (medium) (13 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories117 kcal
Total fat13 g17%
Saturated fat8.06 g40%
Trans fat0.52 g
Sodium0.26 mg0%
Total carbohydrate0 g0%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein0 g0%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Ghee (Cow)?

ServingAmountCalories
1 tablespoon (medium)13 g117 kcal
1 teaspoon (small)4 g36 kcal
1 serving (small)10 g90 kcal
1 serving (large)20 g180 kcal
2 tablespoon (large)26 g234 kcal
1 ounce (medium)28 g252 kcal
100 g100 g900 kcal
1 cup (large)210 g1890 kcal

Calculated from 900 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghee (Cow)

What is the difference between ghee and clarified butter?

Ghee is a type of clarified butter, but it is usually heated longer so the milk solids brown before being strained. This gives ghee a deeper, nutty flavor; clarified butter is typically removed from the heat earlier.

Is ghee healthier than butter?

Ghee is not automatically healthier than butter. It has a different flavor and handles higher cooking temperatures, but both are concentrated dairy fats; ghee is also rich in saturated fat, so it is best used in moderation.

Can you cook with ghee over high heat?

Yes, ghee works well for high-heat cooking because its milk solids and water have been removed. It can still smoke or burn if overheated, so lower the heat if it starts smoking.

Does ghee need to be refrigerated?

No, ghee generally does not need refrigeration. Keep it tightly covered in a clean, dry jar in a cool, dark place, and always use a dry utensil to avoid introducing moisture.

How do you make ghee at home?

To make ghee, melt butter over low heat and let it simmer until the water evaporates and the milk solids turn golden brown. Strain the clear fat into a clean, dry jar, leaving the solids behind.

Can you substitute ghee for butter in baking?

Yes, ghee can replace butter in many baked goods, but it contains no water, unlike butter. That can change a recipe’s texture, so recipes that rely on butter’s water content may need adjustment.

What does ghee taste like?

Ghee tastes rich, buttery, and slightly nutty, with a toasted aroma from the browned milk solids. The flavor is usually more concentrated than butter, so it can stand out in simple dishes like rice or vegetables.

Can you put ghee in coffee?

Yes, you can stir ghee into coffee for a richer, creamier drink. It will not dissolve like milk, so blending helps create a smoother texture; adding it also makes the coffee more energy-dense.

Does ghee cause weight gain?

Ghee can contribute to weight gain when it regularly adds more energy to your diet than you use. It is easy to add generously to drinks and meals, so measuring a small amount can help keep portions in check.

Does ghee raise cholesterol?

Yes, the saturated fat in ghee can raise LDL cholesterol. If you are managing high cholesterol, use it sparingly and choose unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, more often.

Ghee (Cow) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin A

397.8µg · 44% DV

Vitamin E

0.36mg · 2% DV

B12

0.05µg · 2% DV

Vitamin D

0.34µg · 2% DV

Minerals

Potassium ⭐

1.95mg · 0% DV

Phosphorus

0.39mg · 0% DV

Calcium

0.52mg · 0% DV

Iron

0mg · 0% DV

Sodium

0.26mg · 0% DV

Ghee (Cow) Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Ghee (Cow)

To burn the 117 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (13 g):

🚶

29min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

12min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

16min

Cycling

🏊

14min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Ghee (Cow)?

Ghee is butter that has been gently heated so its water and milk solids separate, leaving a clear cooking fat. Made from cow’s milk, it is used across South Asian cuisines and has also become familiar in kitchens worldwide. Its flavour is rich and buttery, with a toasted, nutty edge, and it holds up well to high-heat cooking.

Use it to fry eggs or vegetables, sauté spices, or add a spoonful to rice and lentils. It is almost entirely fat—100 g per 100 g—so a little goes a long way. For a lighter meal, measure the amount rather than pouring it freely; its savoury depth pairs especially well with grains, pulses and warming spices.

How Nutritious Is Ghee (Cow)?

Nutrient density

Low

15/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

0/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Ghee (Cow) Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Ghee (Cow) Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Ghee (Cow) Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Ghee (Cow) Fat Profile

SATURATED

8.06g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.64g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.52g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 7.2:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (7.2:1).

Compare Ghee (Cow)

🧈vs🧈
Ghee (Cow) vs Butter183 kcal more per 100 g
→
🧈vs🫒
Ghee (Cow) vs Olive oil16 kcal more per 100 g
→
🧈vs💊
Ghee (Cow) vs Fish Oil CapsuleSame calories per 100 g
→
🧈vs🥥
Ghee (Cow) vs Coconut oil38 kcal more per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to Ghee (Cow)

🧈

Butter

717 kcal

🫒

Olive oil

884 kcal

💊

Fish Oil Capsule

900 kcal

🥥

Coconut oil

862 kcal

🥥

Coconut milk

230 kcal

🌻🛢️

Sunflower Oil

884 kcal

🛢️

Oil

884 kcal

🛢️

MCT Oil

860 kcal

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.