GST on Ghee:

The Indian government has recently slashed the GST rate on ghee to 5%, making this traditional superfood even more accessible to families across the country. This change comes as a boon amid rising awareness about healthy eating habits. In South India, where ghee is integral to dishes like Pongal and temple offerings, this reduction encourages more households to embrace natural alternatives over processed options.

But why stop at just affordability? This blog explores how switching from refined oils to ghee or cold pressed oils can enhance your well-being. From Ayurveda enthusiasts to everyday cooks, this shift aligns with age-old wisdom and modern science.

Whether you’re preparing idlis for breakfast or performing a homam during festivals, incorporating these pure fats can elevate your lifestyle. Let’s dive into the details.

What is GST on Ghee? Overview of the Reduction

GST, or Goods and Services Tax, is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India. For ghee, a staple in Indian kitchens, the rate was previously set at 12% for most packaged varieties. This made it slightly pricier compared to essential items.

In a significant move in 2025, the GST Council reduced the rate to 5% for essential food items like ghee, aiming to promote healthier dairy products. This cut directly impacts prices, with brands like Amul lowering ghee costs by up to Rs 40 per unit.

The reduction is part of a broader GST 2.0 reform, simplifying slabs to 5% for essentials and 18% for others. For South Indian families, this means more savings on ghee used in daily cooking and rituals, fostering a return to traditional, unprocessed fats.

Benefits of Ghee and Cold Pressed Oils

Replacing refined oils with ghee or cold pressed oils offers multifaceted advantages. These natural options retain essential nutrients lost in refining processes. They support holistic health in line with Ayurvedic principles.

Health Benefits

Ghee is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, which boost immunity and skin health. Unlike refined oils, which often contain trans fats from high-heat processing, ghee aids digestion and reduces inflammation. In Ayurveda, it’s considered a rasayana for longevity.

Cold pressed oils, extracted without chemicals, preserve antioxidants and phenolics that combat oxidative stress. They help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support heart health, making them ideal for Indian households prone to lifestyle diseases.

For families in Tamil Nadu or Kerala, using these in daily meals can prevent common ailments like joint pain, drawing from regional traditions.

Cooking Benefits

Ghee has a high smoke point, preventing the formation of harmful compounds during frying – a common issue with refined oils. This makes it perfect for South Indian staples like dosa or sambar tempering.

Cold pressed oils add authentic flavors without additives, enhancing dishes like Pongal. They don’t turn rancid quickly, ensuring longer shelf life in humid climates.

Ritual and Beauty Benefits

In South Indian culture, ghee is essential for homams and Deepavali lamps, symbolizing purity. Topically, it moisturizes skin better than refined oil-based creams.

Cold pressed coconut oil, a favorite in Kerala, nourishes hair and skin naturally, aligning with Ayurvedic beauty routines.

How Ghee and Cold Pressed Oils are Made

Traditional ghee is prepared using the bilona method, where curd from desi cow milk is churned bidirectionally to separate butter, then clarified over low heat. This preserves bioactive compounds unlike industrial processes.

Cold pressed oils are extracted by mechanical pressing at low temperatures, avoiding solvents used in refining. For instance, groundnut oil is pressed from peanuts, retaining natural antioxidants.

These methods ensure purity, making them superior to refined oils that undergo bleaching and deodorizing, stripping away nutrients.

How to Use Ghee and Cold Pressed Oils

Incorporate ghee into your diet by adding a teaspoon to rice or using it for tadka in dals. For Ayurveda enthusiasts, consume it with warm milk for better sleep. Store in airtight containers away from light.

Use cold pressed sesame oil for stir-fries or massages. Recipes like South Indian avial benefit from coconut oil’s flavor. Start with small doses if new to these, and consult a physician for medical concerns.

For storage, keep them in cool, dark places to maintain freshness. In humid South India, refrigeration helps during monsoons.

Scientific Evidence and Research

Studies show ghee can lower serum cholesterol by 10-25% in animal models, supporting its role in heart health. However, moderation is key, as some research indicates it may raise certain lipids compared to olive oil.

Cold pressed oils have higher antioxidant activity, contributing to oxidative stability and health benefits over refined counterparts. A review highlights their retention of bioactive compounds like carotenoids.

These findings from reputable sources like NCBI underscore the shift from refined oils. (Source: NCBI on Ghee Benefits)

Why Choose GheeStore for Your Ghee and Cold Pressed Oils

At GheeStore.in, owned by MicroBasket Private Limited, we offer premium, authentic products sourced ethically. Our desi cow ghee is made using the traditional bilona method, ensuring purity.

Explore our range of cold pressed oils, like groundnut oil, perfect for everyday cooking. We ship across India, bringing South Indian traditions to your doorstep.

With the GST reduction, our prices are even more competitive. Choose us for quality that transforms your health routine.

FAQs

What is the new GST rate on ghee?

The GST on ghee has been reduced to 5% from the previous 12%, making it cheaper for consumers.

Why replace refined oils with ghee?

Ghee offers natural nutrients and a higher smoke point, reducing health risks associated with refined oils’ processing.

Are cold pressed oils better than refined ones?

Yes, they retain more antioxidants and avoid chemical solvents, promoting better overall health.

How does the GST cut affect prices?

It lowers the cost by passing on tax savings, as seen with brands reducing ghee prices by Rs 40 per kg.

Where can I buy authentic ghee?

Visit GheeStore.in for pure options like pure cow ghee.

Conclusion

The GST reduction on ghee to 5% is a timely incentive to adopt healthier cooking habits. By switching to ghee and cold pressed oils, you invest in long-term wellness rooted in Indian traditions.

Ready to make the change? Head to our a2 desi cow ghee collection and start your journey today.