Many people ask what banaspati ghee is and how it differs from desi ghee. They look similar in a pack, but they are made from different things. This guide explains the difference so you can read a label and choose with confidence.
Written by the Sanabil Organics team. Last updated: September 2026.
What Is Banaspati Ghee?
Banaspati ghee, also called vegetable ghee, is a solid cooking fat made from vegetable oil. The oil is processed (hydrogenated) so that it becomes solid at room temperature and looks a little like ghee. It contains no milk fat.
What Is Desi Ghee?
Desi ghee (دیسی گھی) is clarified butter made from milk fat. Cow ghee comes from cow’s milk and buffalo ghee from buffalo milk. The milk fat is separated from the water and milk solids, which leaves a rich cooking fat.
Desi Ghee vs Banaspati at a Glance
| Desi ghee | Banaspati ghee | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Milk fat (cow or buffalo) | Vegetable oil |
| Also called | Clarified butter | Vegetable ghee |
| Contains milk fat | Yes | No |
| Typical label | “Desi ghee”, cow or buffalo | “Banaspati” or “vegetable ghee” |
How to Tell Which One You Are Buying
- Read the label. Desi ghee is made from milk. Banaspati is described as vegetable ghee or vegetable oil.
- Check the milk source. A desi ghee label should say cow or buffalo.
- Compare the price per kilogram. Desi ghee generally costs more than vegetable ghee, so a much lower price for a pack called ghee deserves a question.
- Ask the seller. A good seller can tell you what is inside the pack.
For more checks, read our guide on how to identify pure desi ghee.
Health: What to Keep in Mind
Both are fats, and both are calorie dense. Desi ghee is high in saturated fat. Banaspati can contain trans fat depending on how it is made, and health organisations advise limiting both trans fat and saturated fat. Whichever you use, use it in moderation and check the label. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor. See our guide on whether desi ghee is good for health.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose by what you want. If you want a traditional milk-fat ghee, look for desi ghee and read the label carefully. If a recipe or budget calls for a vegetable fat, banaspati is a different product for a different purpose. Just be sure the pack tells you what it is.
Our Desi Ghee
Sanabil Organics sells desi ghee in a 1kg pack for PKR 3,000, with free delivery on orders of 1kg or more and cash on delivery. See the desi ghee price in Pakistan page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is banaspati ghee?
It is a solid cooking fat made from vegetable oil, also called vegetable ghee. It contains no milk fat.
Is banaspati the same as desi ghee?
No. Desi ghee is made from milk fat, while banaspati is made from vegetable oil.
Which is healthier, desi ghee or banaspati?
Both are calorie-dense fats. Desi ghee is high in saturated fat, and banaspati can contain trans fat depending on how it is made. Use either in moderation, and ask your doctor if you have a condition.
How can I tell if ghee is mixed with banaspati?
No home test is definitive. Buy from a seller who states what the ghee is made from, and read the label.
Shop Desi Ghee
Shop desi ghee with free delivery on orders of 1kg or more and cash on delivery.
Banaspati ghee: key takeaways
The main point about banaspati ghee is simple: buy from a seller you trust, read the label and ask questions. Whenever you read about banaspati ghee, remember that no single claim or home test is the full story.
You can also browse our honey and desi ghee ranges, which follow the same clear approach.
