Epic source
Energy
880 kcal · 44% DV target
A golden, translucent fat produced by removing milk solids and water from butter, clarified butter offers a high smoke point and a rich, nutty profile that serves as a stable foundation for high-heat cooking and traditional confectionery.
Clarified butter has a neutral association with long-term health outcomes, as systematic reviews indicate it is not significantly linked to increased risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, or type 2 diabetes .13
Replacing clarified butter with oils high in unsaturated fats, such as canola oil, consistently improves lipid profiles by lowering total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein, often called "bad" cholesterol) .26
Because it is composed almost entirely of milk fat, clarified butter is a concentrated source of saturated fatty acids and dietary cholesterol, which can influence biomarkers of cardiovascular health depending on the overall dietary pattern .89
Early research in specific populations suggests that high intake of clarified butter may be associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, though these findings are often linked to broader regional dietary habits .8
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
880 kcal · 44% DV target
98.5 g · 126% DV target
59.7 g · 299% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
2.10 g · 210% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
0.04 g · 17% DV target
894 μg · 99% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Stays shelf-stable due to the removal of water and milk solids.
Extends freshness and prevents oxidation.
As a concentrated dairy product, it shares the high greenhouse gas footprint associated with cattle methane emissions and land use.
In ancient Ayurvedic medicine, clarified butter—known as ghee when simmered longer—was considered a 'medhya' food believed to enhance memory and cognitive function.