Choosing a jar of ghee can feel easy until you start reading the label. 'Pure', 'bilona', 'A2', 'desi cow', 'traditional'... every pack seems to have something different to say. But which details really matter?

You do not need to spend ten minutes comparing every jar. Just turn the pack around and check a few important things before you buy.

Start With the Product Name

First, look at the product name and ingredients. This tells you what the product is and what has been used to make it.

You may see terms like 'bilona', 'traditional' or 'desi cow'. These can tell you about the way the ghee is made or the source of the milk, but the words themselves do not tell you everything about its quality.

You may also come across 'A2 ghee'. A2 refers to a type of beta-casein protein found in milk. FSSAI has stated that A1/A2 claims on milk-fat products such as ghee are misleading.

Read more: Desi Cow Ghee And The A2 Claim Debate

 

Check the FSSAI Licence Number

Look for the FSSAI logo and licence number on the pack. It tells you which food business is responsible for the product.

Just remember, an FSSAI licence is not the same as a purity certificate for every jar.

See Who Makes Your Ghee

Take a look at the manufacturer's, packer's or brand owner's name and address.

It is useful to know who is behind the product you are buying, especially when ghee is something you use regularly at home.

Do Not Skip the Batch and Date

Before buying, check the batch or lot number, date marking, expiry or use-by date and storage instructions. These small details can tell you when the ghee was made or packed, how long it is recommended for use and how you should store it once you take it home.

Look Past the Big Words

Words such as 'pure', 'natural' and 'traditional' can catch your attention, but one claim should not be the reason you choose a jar.

Read the complete label. Check the ingredients, manufacturer details and other information given on the pack. That gives you a clearer idea of what you are actually buying.

Can You Tell If Ghee Is Pure From the Label?

A label can tell you a lot about a product, but it cannot confirm purity by itself.

FSSAI uses different quality parameters for ghee. One of them is β-sitosterol, which can help detect the addition of vegetable oils.

So next time you are choosing ghee, do not stop at the front of the jar. Check the ingredients, FSSAI details, manufacturer, batch number, date and storage instructions too.

It takes only a minute, but it can make choosing your ghee a lot easier.

Our Promise Of Purity: What’s in Madhuramrat Ghee? We Asked a Lab

 

FAQs

What should I check when buying ghee?
Check the product name, ingredients, FSSAI licence number, manufacturer details, batch number, date and storage instructions.

Does an FSSAI licence prove that ghee is pure?
No. It identifies the licensed food business but does not mean every jar has been individually tested for purity.

What does A2 mean on a ghee label?
A2 refers to a type of beta-casein protein found in milk. FSSAI has stated that A1/A2 claims on milk-fat products such as ghee are misleading.

Can I know if ghee is pure just by reading the label?
Not completely. The label gives useful information, while laboratory testing is needed to confirm specific purity or adulteration.