Calories in Ghee: How Many Calories Are in 1 Teaspoon, Tablespoon & 100g? (2026)

Last Updated: February 2026

If you are tracking calories for weight loss, managing cholesterol, or simply trying to eat healthier, understanding the exact calories in ghee per teaspoon, tablespoon, and 100g is important.

Ghee is a staple in Indian households and increasingly popular in keto and low-carb diets worldwide. While it offers nutritional benefits, it is also highly calorie-dense. Even small amounts can significantly impact your daily calorie intake.

If you’re also choosing between different types, read our detailed guide on the health and nutritional A2 ghee benefits.

This complete guide explains:

• Calories in different serving sizes
• Full nutrition facts
• Ghee vs butter vs other oils
• Calories in Indian meals with ghee
• Whether ghee is good for weight loss
• Safe daily consumption

Below, you’ll find exact calorie values, portion comparisons, and practical guidance to help you manage ghee intake effectively.

Quick Answer: Calories in Ghee – Exact Values

• 1 teaspoon (5g) of ghee = 45 calories
• 1 tablespoon (15g) of ghee = 130 calories
• 10g of ghee = 82 calories
• 50g of ghee = 433 calories
• 100g of ghee = 900 calories

These values are based on standard nutritional data from the USDA Food Data Central database.

The high calories in ghee come from its nearly 100% fat composition. Since fat provides 9 calories per gram, even a small quantity adds up quickly.

Calories in Ghee vs Butter (Quick Comparison)

• 1 teaspoon ghee = 45 calories
• 1 teaspoon butter = 34 calories
• 100g ghee = 900 calories
• 100g butter = 717 calories

Ghee contains more calories because water and milk solids are removed, making it almost pure fat.

Calories in Ghee vs Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon ghee = 130 calories
• 1 tablespoon olive oil = 119 calories

Calorie differences between cooking fats are small. The major difference lies in fat composition, not total calories.

How Many Calories Are in 1 Gram of Ghee?

Many people track food using digital kitchen scales. If you measure in grams instead of teaspoons, here’s a precise breakdown:

• 1 gram of ghee = 9 calories
• 5 grams (1 teaspoon) = 45 calories
• 15 grams (1 tablespoon) = 130 calories
• 100 grams = 900 calories

Because ghee is almost pure fat, every gram contributes roughly 9 calories. This section helps people who are counting macros or following calorie-controlled meal plans.

Calories in Ghee by Serving Size

Understanding portion sizes is essential when tracking calories in ghee daily because most people underestimate how much ghee they use.

Calories in 1 Teaspoon of Ghee

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) = 45 calories

This is the most common household serving size added to dal, rice, or roti.

Calories in 1 Tablespoon of Ghee

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) = 130 calories

One tablespoon provides approximately 6–7% of a 2,000-calorie diet.

Calories in 1 Cup of Ghee

• 1 cup (approx. 220g) = ~1,980 calories

This shows how concentrated ghee is. Even moderate cooking quantities can increase total calorie intake significantly.

Calories in 10g, 20g, and 30g of Ghee

Quantity	Calories
10g	82 kcal
20g	164 kcal
30g	246 kcal

If you use a kitchen scale, this measurement method helps maintain better calorie control.

Ghee Nutrition Facts (Per 100g & Per Tablespoon)

Below is the detailed nutritional breakdown.

Per 1 Tablespoon (15g)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	130 kcal
Total Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Monounsaturated Fat	4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.5 g
Carbohydrates	0 g
Protein	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Vitamin A	13% DV
Vitamin E	3% DV

Per 100g of Ghee

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	900 kcal
Total Fat	100 g
Saturated Fat	60–65 g
Monounsaturated Fat	25–30 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3–5 g
Protein	0 g
Carbohydrates	0 g

Ghee contains small amounts of:

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
• Butyric acid
• Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

Because milk solids are removed, ghee contains negligible lactose.

Why Is Ghee So High in Calories?

Ghee is made by heating butter to remove:

• Water
• Milk solids
• Impurities

What remains is pure fat.

Butter contains about 15–20% water. Ghee contains virtually none. This concentration increases calorie density.

Since 1 gram of fat = 9 calories, and ghee is nearly 100% fat, it reaches approximately 900 calories per 100g.

Ghee vs Other Fats – Calorie Comparison

Comparing ghee with other cooking fats helps put its calorie density into perspective.

Per 100g	Ghee	Butter	Olive Oil	Coconut Oil	Mustard Oil
Calories	900 kcal	717 kcal	884 kcal	862 kcal	884 kcal
Total Fat	100g	81g	100g	100g	100g

Butter data sourced from USDA: https://www.usda.gov/

Calories in A2 Ghee vs Regular Ghee

A2 ghee is made from milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein, typically sourced from indigenous cow breeds.

In terms of calories:

• A2 ghee (per 100g) = ~890–900 calories
• Regular cow ghee (per 100g) = ~890–900 calories

Calorie content remains nearly identical because both are clarified butterfat. The main difference lies in milk protein structure before clarification — not calorie density.

Ghee vs Butter

If you’re comparing both in detail, see our complete ghee vs butter comparison guide.

Ghee vs Olive Oil

Olive oil contains slightly fewer calories but has more monounsaturated fat.

Ghee vs Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is also calorie-dense but contains a higher proportion of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Calorie-wise, most cooking fats are similar. The difference lies more in fat composition than total calories.

Calories in Common Indian Foods with Ghee

Ghee is often added without measuring. Here’s how it affects popular meals.

Roti with Ghee

• Plain roti (40g) = 120 calories
• 1 teaspoon ghee = 45 calories

Total = 165 calories per roti

Two teaspoons increase it to 210 calories.

Dal with Ghee Tadka

• 1 bowl dal = 180 calories
• 1 tablespoon ghee for tempering = 130 calories

Total = 310 calories

Ghee Rice

• 1 cup cooked rice = 200 calories
• 1 tablespoon ghee = 130 calories

Total = 330 calories

Paratha Cooked in Ghee

Depending on size and quantity, one paratha cooked with ghee can range from 250–350 calories.

Understanding these additions helps control total daily calorie intake.

Can You Eat Ghee During Weight Loss?

Yes, but moderation is critical.

Ghee may support weight management because:

• It increases satiety
• Contains CLA
• Fits into keto and low-carb diets

However, weight loss depends on calorie balance. Since 1 tablespoon contains 130 calories, overuse can create a calorie surplus.

For weight loss:

• Limit to 1–2 teaspoons daily
• Track total fat intake
• Avoid adding ghee to every meal

Used wisely, ghee can fit into a structured diet.

Choosing high-quality sources also matters — here’s our list of the best ghee in India based on purity and sourcing.

Does Ghee Increase Belly Fat?

Ghee itself does not directly cause belly fat.

Weight gain occurs when total daily calorie intake exceeds calorie expenditure. Because ghee is calorie-dense, consuming large amounts without adjusting other foods may contribute to fat storage.

If you are trying to reduce belly fat:

• Limit ghee to 1–2 teaspoons daily
• Track total calorie intake
• Combine with strength training and cardio
• Avoid pairing ghee with refined carbohydrates frequently

Moderation and overall calorie balance matter more than eliminating ghee entirely.

Does Ghee Increase Cholesterol?

Ghee contains saturated fat, which may raise LDL cholesterol if consumed excessively.

However:

• Moderate intake may not significantly affect healthy individuals
• Overall diet quality matters
• Physical activity plays a role

Dietary guidelines from the USDA recommend limiting saturated fat intake to under 10% of total daily calories.

If you have heart conditions, consult a healthcare professional.

What Do Nutrition Guidelines Say About Saturated Fat?

Ghee contains saturated fat, which has been widely studied in nutrition science.

According to dietary guidelines from the USDA and other public health organizations, saturated fat intake should generally be limited to less than 10% of total daily calories.

This does not mean ghee must be eliminated, but portion control is important, especially for individuals with heart disease risk factors.

A balanced diet, physical activity, and overall lifestyle patterns play a much larger role than a single ingredient.

Calories in Cow Ghee vs Buffalo Ghee

Both types are similar in calorie content, but slight differences exist.

Type	Calories (Per 100g)	Fat %
Cow Ghee	890–900 kcal	~100%
Buffalo Ghee	850–880 kcal	Slightly lower

Buffalo ghee is thicker and may contain marginally fewer calories. The difference is minimal and unlikely to significantly impact daily intake.

How Much Ghee Should You Eat Per Day?

General recommendations:

• Sedentary adults: 1–2 teaspoons
• Active individuals: up to 3 teaspoons
• Children: small controlled portions

Excessive intake can increase saturated fat consumption. Balance is key.

How Ghee Is Made

Traditional preparation involves:

1. Boiling milk
2. Converting it into curd
3. Churning curd into butter
4. Heating butter to remove water
5. Straining milk solids

The final product is pure clarified butter known as ghee. Because lactose and casein are removed, many lactose-intolerant individuals tolerate ghee better than butter.

Is Ghee Keto Friendly?

Yes. Ghee contains:

• 0 carbohydrates
• 0 sugar
• 0 fiber

This makes it ideal for ketogenic and low-carb diets. Its high smoke point also makes it suitable for sautéing and frying without breaking down easily.

Calories in Ghee – Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Tips to Control Calories While Using Ghee

If you enjoy ghee but want to manage calories:

• Measure instead of pouring directly
• Use a teaspoon rather than tablespoon
• Avoid double-fat combinations (e.g., ghee + butter)
• Balance with fiber-rich vegetables
• Track total daily fat intake

Small adjustments can prevent unintentional calorie excess.

Final Conclusion

Understanding the exact calories in ghee per teaspoon, tablespoon, and 100g helps you make informed dietary choices. Ghee contains:

• 45 calories per teaspoon
• 130 calories per tablespoon
• 900 calories per 100g

It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and beneficial fatty acids but remains highly calorie-dense. When consumed in moderation and balanced within your total calorie needs, ghee can be part of a healthy diet.

The key is portion control, accurate measurement, and balancing total daily calories — not eliminating ghee entirely.