Calories in Ghee: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Ghee is clarified butter with its water and milk solids removed, leaving behind pure butterfat with a rich, nutty flavor. A single tablespoon contains about 112 calories, making it slightly more calorie-dense than regular butter due to its higher fat concentration. Here is a complete breakdown of ghee nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Ghee contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2 in small amounts. Because the milk solids have been removed, ghee is virtually free of lactose and casein, making it a potential option for those with dairy sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a tablespoon of ghee?

One tablespoon of ghee (about 14 grams) contains approximately 112 calories. It provides 12.7 grams of total fat, of which 7.9 grams are saturated fat, along with 36 milligrams of cholesterol and trace amounts of fat-soluble vitamins.

Is ghee safe for people with lactose intolerance?

Ghee is generally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance because the clarification process removes nearly all lactose and casein (milk protein). The amount of residual lactose in properly made ghee is negligible, typically less than 0.1%, making it a suitable butter alternative for most lactose-sensitive individuals.

How does ghee compare to regular butter?

Ghee has about 112 calories per tablespoon compared to butter's 102 calories, because ghee is nearly 100% fat while butter contains about 80% fat along with water and milk solids. Ghee has a higher smoke point (approximately 485 degrees Fahrenheit or 252 degrees Celsius versus 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius for butter), a longer shelf life, and a richer, nuttier flavor.

What role does ghee play in Ayurvedic tradition?

Ghee has been a central element of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, where it is considered a healing food believed to support digestion, nourish tissues, and carry the medicinal properties of herbs. In Ayurveda, ghee is used both as a cooking fat and as a vehicle (anupana) for delivering herbal remedies, and it is valued for its perceived ability to balance all three doshas.

Is ghee healthier than butter?

Ghee and butter have similar nutritional profiles, with ghee being slightly more concentrated in fat and calories. The practical advantages of ghee include its higher smoke point (making it safer for high-heat cooking), its suitability for those avoiding lactose and casein, and its longer shelf stability — but from a macronutrient perspective, neither is significantly healthier than the other.