Are you unknowingly using the wrong ghee for your body type or lifestyle?
One may help you digest better and improve focus. The other may fuel your workouts and build stronger bones. Yet most people pick ghee based on colour or price.
This article cuts through the confusion and gives you a clear answer!
Quick Answer: What’s the difference between buffalo ghee and cow ghee?
Buffalo ghee is richer, creamier, and white. It’s high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A, making it ideal for active individuals.
Cow ghee, golden in colour with a slightly sweet aroma, is rich in beta-carotene and vitamins D, E, and K. It’s easier to digest and is commonly used in Ayurveda.
Still unsure which ghee is better suited to your lifestyle? Let’s explore the comparison in depth.
Physical and Taste Differences
|
Feature |
Cow Ghee |
Buffalo Ghee |
|
Colour |
Golden-yellow |
White or off-white |
|
Taste |
Mild, slightly sweet |
Creamy, rich, cheese-like |
|
Aroma |
Caramel, nutty |
Heavier, nostalgic (North) |
|
Texture |
Light and grainy |
Thick and smooth |
Nutrition Showdown: Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee
Both ghees are highly nutritious, but differ in micronutrient content and how your body absorbs them.
Cow Ghee:
· High in beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A)
· Rich in vitamins D, E, and K
· Contains butyric acid – supports digestion
· Known for its lighter fat profile and faster absorption
Buffalo Ghee:
· Higher in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
· Slightly higher in fat but provides longer-lasting energy
· Excellent for bone health, stamina, and muscle recovery
Ayurveda's Take on the Ghee Debate
In Ayurveda, cow ghee is a sacred satvic food. It:
-
Balances vata and pitta doshas
-
Enhances ojas (vital life energy)
-
Improves memory and clarity
It’s also used in therapies such as:
Nasya – nasal drops for sinus and cognitive support
Netra Tarpan – eye treatment
Basti – herbal enema for colon cleansing
Buffalo ghee, while not classically mentioned, is valued in some practices for building dhatus (tissues) and supporting stamina.
Who Should Use What?
| Person Type | Best Ghee Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Babies & Elderly | Cow Ghee | Easy to digest, gentle on the stomach |
| Athletes & Young Adults | Buffalo Ghee | Great for energy and muscle recovery |
| Ayurveda Followers | Cow Ghee | Integral to Ayurvedic practices and rituals |
| Budget-Conscious | Buffalo Ghee | Higher yield per litre of milk |
| Urban Professionals | Cow Ghee | Lighter for digestion, boosts brain function |
| Rural Households | Buffalo Ghee | Affordable, traditional, long-lasting |
Traditional Method of Preparation: Why It Matters
At Sattvic, both buffalo and cow ghee are made using the bilona method, a time-honoured approach:
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Boil and cool fresh milk
-
Culture for 7 days using natural starters
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Churn into makkhan (butter) using a wooden bilona
-
Slow cook the butter in an iron kadhai
-
Filter and bottle after reaching the perfect aroma
This process preserves gut-friendly compounds, reduces lactose, and enhances mineral content.
Unlike industrial clarified butter, this ghee is rich in texture, nutrition, and tradition.
Hear directly from our farmers!
Taste and Cooking Suitability
Cow ghee suits recipes like khichdi, pongal, light stir-fries, tempering, Ayurvedic cooking, and daily use for kids and seniors.
Buffalo ghee is ideal for gravies, dal makhani, parathas, baking as a butter substitute, high-heat frying and roasting, and diets requiring extra calories.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
“Is buffalo ghee bad for health?”
No. It’s nutrient-dense and excellent for those with higher energy needs.
“Is cow ghee always better?”
Depends on your health goals. Both have distinct advantages.
“Does buffalo ghee have more fat?”
Only slightly. The difference is minimal and doesn’t impact benefits when consumed appropriately.
“Why is cow ghee expensive?”
Cow milk yields less ghee. A2 variants use rare breeds, increasing cost due to scarcity and artisanal processes.
How to Choose Based on Your Needs
| Your Priority | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Easy digestion | Cow Ghee |
| Bone & muscle support | Buffalo Ghee |
| Spiritual/Ayurvedic use | Cow Ghee |
| Cost-effectiveness | Buffalo Ghee |
| Mild taste | Cow Ghee |
| High stamina requirements | Buffalo Ghee |
| Rich traditional recipes | Buffalo Ghee |
FAQs
Is Buffalo Ghee A2?
Yes, if it comes from A2-type buffalo breeds. Samkhya’s buffalo ghee is A2.
Is Buffalo Ghee sattvic?
Traditionally, only cow ghee is. But buffalo ghee can still support vitality when consumed mindfully.
How to identify Buffalo Ghee?
White, creamy, thick, with a deep aroma. Always check for bilona method on the label.
Why is A2 cow ghee expensive?
Limited milk yield and artisanal methods drive the cost.
Which ghee is better for kids?
Cow ghee, for its digestibility and lighter profile.
Taste difference?
Buffalo ghee: rich, buttery. Cow ghee: nutty, mild.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose cow ghee if you want easier digestion, Ayurvedic benefits, and a gentle taste.
Go for buffalo ghee if you seek more energy, richer texture, and value for money.
Or keep both at home — use one for everyday cooking and the other for occasions or specific needs.
Try it Yourself
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