Ghee and butter are both commonly consumed on the ketogenic diet, but what exactly is the difference?
Butter is a dairy product made from milk or cream. Butter is a semi-solid emulsion that contains both fat and protein. 1 tbsp of butter contains approximately 100 calories, 12g of fat (7g of which are from saturated fat, 3g from monounsaturated fat), 0g of carbohydrates, and 0.1g of protein. Butter also contains a small amount of vitamin A.
Ghee is clarified butter, meaning it is a byproduct of regular butter with the milk solids and casein removed. This makes ghee a better option for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have any kind of casein sensitivities or allergies.
If you have ever tried to heat butter at too high a temperature, you know that it will turn brown and start to smoke. Ghee has a much higher smoke point than butter, making it a better option for cooking at higher temperatures.
The smoke point of butter is around 350°F. The smoke point of ghee is around 485°F. When cooking at temperatures 350°F or higher, opt for ghee. If you do not have lactose sensitivities, choose butter when cooking at temperatures 350°F or below.
Here are some delicious keto recipes to try making at home. You can swap between ghee or butter as you choose, just remember that ghee has a higher smoke point and butter will burn quicker.