Not Vegan (Animal-Derived)Category: dairy, animal-byproduct, oilReviewed: Aug 24, 2026

Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter made by simmering cow or buffalo milk butter until milk solids separate. Because it is 100% dairy-derived, it is not vegan.

Vegan Status Breakdown

Ghee is clarified butter made by simmering cow or buffalo milk butter until milk solids separate. Because it is 100% dairy-derived, it is not vegan.

Biological Origin & Animal Source:

Cow or buffalo dairy milk (Bos taurus / Bubalus bubalis)

Common Synonyms, E-Numbers & Trade Names:

clarified butterdesi gheeusli gheebutterfatanhydrous milk fat

Hidden & Derivative Names to Watch Out For:

clarified butteranhydrous milk fatghee flavorbutter oil

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Common Uses & Applications

•Indian cooking and tempering (tadka / chhonk)
•Frying sweets and rotis
•Ayurvedic preparations
•Baking and high-heat sauteing

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

Standard reference data via USDA FoodData Central

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876

Calories (kcal)

0.28g

Protein

0g

Carbohydrates

99.5g

Total Fat

0.9g

Dietary Fiber

Plant-Based Substitutes

Culinary swaps with exact ratios and chef instructions

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Refined Coconut Oil

fat, moisture
Ratio: 1 cup refined coconut oil (solid or melted) per 1 cup dairy butter (Add a pinch of salt if replacing salted butter)

Keep solid in the fridge before cutting into flour for pie crusts.

Full Swap Guide →🍳 Cook Recipe

Virgin Coconut Oil & Vegan Butter

fat, flavour
Ratio: 1 tbsp refined coconut oil or vegan block butter per 1 tbsp dairy ghee (1:1 volume swap for tadka, frying, or baking)

For classic North Indian gravies and dal tadka, heat refined coconut oil or cold-pressed mustard oil until shimmering before blooming your cumin, hing (asafoetida), and whole red chilies.

Full Swap Guide →🍳 Cook Recipe

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Scientific & Regulatory Authority Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ghee vegan?
No. Ghee is clarified dairy butter derived from cow or buffalo milk and is not vegan.
What is the best vegan substitute for ghee in Indian cooking?
Virgin coconut oil, cold-pressed mustard oil, or culinary vegan butter provide the rich fat mouthfeel and high smoke point needed for Indian tadkas.