Buffalo ghee is white, thick and rich. Cow ghee is golden, lighter and more aromatic. Both are pure ghee, and neither is "better" for everyone. The right choice depends on what you cook and what you want from it.
This guide explains the real differences, the benefits of buffalo ghee, which ghee suits weight gain, and how to tell if your ghee is pure.
What does "A2 bilona ghee" mean?
Two words on a ghee jar tell you how it was made.
- A2 refers to the type of beta-casein protein in the milk the ghee comes from. Milk from Indian desi cow breeds is generally A2 type, and buffalo milk is naturally A2 type too. Ghee is almost pure fat, so it holds only traces of milk protein. The A2 label tells you about the milk source.
- Bilona is the traditional method. Milk is set into curd, the curd is churned to get butter, and the butter is slowly heated into ghee. FarmDidi's A2 Cow Ghee and A2 Buffalo Ghee are both made from cultured curd this way.
Most factory ghee skips the curd step and heats cream or butter directly. The bilona method takes longer and needs more milk, but it gives ghee its grainy texture and deep aroma.
Buffalo ghee vs cow ghee: the differences at a glance
A2 Buffalo Ghee
|
A2 Cow Ghee
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Colour | White to off-white | Golden yellow |
| Why the colour | Buffalo milk has very little beta-carotene (the natural pigment) | Cow milk carries beta-carotene, which gives the yellow tint |
| Texture | Thicker, denser, grainy | Lighter, softer grains |
| Milk it comes from | Richer milk, about 6–8% fat | Lighter milk, about 3–5% fat |
| Taste and aroma | Mild, creamy, rich | Strong, nutty aroma |
| Best for | Sweets, ladoos, halwa, deep frying, weight gain diets | Daily cooking, dal tadka, rotis, khichdi |
| Shop | Buffalo Ghee 250ml · 500ml | Cow Ghee 250ml |
The fat percentages are typical ranges for each milk, not lab results for our jars.
Benefits of buffalo ghee
Buffalo ghee has been the ghee of choice in many Indian sweet shops and rural homes for generations. Here is why people choose it.
- Rich, creamy taste. Its mild flavour lets the other ingredients in sweets shine. That's why halwais love it for ladoos, barfi and halwa.
- Dense energy. Like all ghee, it is almost pure fat, so a small amount adds a lot of energy. That makes it useful for growing children, very active people and anyone trying to gain weight.
- Stable for high-heat cooking. Ghee has a high smoke point, so it holds up well for frying puris, pakoras and tadkas.
- Thick, grainy texture. Buffalo ghee sets firm and grainy. Many families see that as a sign of good-quality ghee.
- Good value. Buffalo milk is richer, so the same amount of milk gives more ghee.
Which ghee is best for weight gain?
Both ghees have almost the same calories, about 110–120 kcal per tablespoon. What helps weight gain is adding the extra energy consistently, not the type of ghee.
Many families still choose buffalo ghee for weight gain because its richer taste makes it easy to add to sweets and milk. Choose whichever one you'll actually use every day.
How to take ghee for weight gain:
- Spread 1 teaspoon on each roti or paratha.
- Add 1 teaspoon to hot dal or khichdi.
- Mix 1 teaspoon into a glass of warm milk at night.
- Make dry-fruit ladoos with ghee and jaggery for a snack.
Pair the ghee with protein (dal, paneer, curd, milk) so you build strength, not just weight. If you're trying to gain weight because of an illness or after one, talk to a doctor or dietitian first.
How much ghee should you eat in a day?
For most healthy adults, a teaspoon or two with meals is plenty. Ghee is a saturated fat, so people with high cholesterol or heart conditions should ask their doctor how much is right for them. Our blog Is achar good for cholesterol? covers healthier everyday swaps.
How to tell if your ghee is pure
Home tests found online, like the "melt it in your palm" test, are not reliable. These checks are more useful:
- Read the label. Look for an FSSAI licence number, the milk source, and the method (bilona or not).
- Check the smell. Pure ghee has a clean, nutty or creamy aroma, never a sour or stale smell.
- Look at the texture. Good ghee sets grainy at room temperature in cool weather.
- Buy from a traceable source. Know who made it and how.
Frequently asked questions
Is buffalo ghee good for health?
Answer: Yes, in moderation. It is a traditional cooking fat and a source of energy. Like all ghee, it is high in saturated fat, so keep portions small.
Why is buffalo ghee white?
Answer: Buffalo milk contains very little beta-carotene, the pigment that makes cow ghee yellow. The white colour is natural and doesn't mean the ghee is adulterated.
Which is better for babies and children, cow or buffalo ghee?
Answer: Cow ghee is traditionally preferred for babies because it is lighter. Ask your paediatrician before adding ghee to an infant's diet.
Is buffalo ghee good in winter?
Answer: Yes. Winter food across India uses ghee generously in ladoos, halwa and rotis. See our list of 15 traditional winter foods.
Can I use buffalo ghee for daily cooking?
Answer: Yes. Some families prefer cow ghee for daily dal and rotis because of its aroma, and keep buffalo ghee for sweets and frying.
Shop FarmDidi A2 Ghee: A2 Buffalo Ghee 250ml · A2 Buffalo Ghee 500ml · A2 Cow Ghee 250ml · All A2 Ghee



