Vanaspati ghee has long been an essential ingredient for bakeries, sweet shops, confectioneries, food processing industries, and home kitchens. From cakes and cookies to mithai and rusks, it plays a key role in delivering consistency, texture, and shelf life in large-scale food production.
So when we eat our favourite cookies, sweets, or dip rusks into our tea cups, we are essentially consuming vanaspati ghee. But an important question arises: Is the vanaspati ghee being used genuine and safe?
Let’s explore what vanaspati ghee really is, how fake products enter the market, and how you can spot the difference.
What Is Vanaspati Ghee?
Vanaspati ghee is a hydrogenated vegetable cooking fat made primarily from refined edible oils such as palm oil, soybean oil, or other approved vegetable oils. Later, it is fortified with vitamins A and D as mandated by the Indian food standards
What Is Fake Vanaspati Ghee?
Fake or adulterated vanaspati ghee is usually produced using low-quality raw materials and unethical manufacturing practices. To cut costs and increase profits, some manufacturers add illegal or unsafe substances.
Common adulterants include:
- Cheaper vegetable oils beyond permitted limits
- Animal body fats in unregulated production
- Mineral oil to increase volume and weight
- Artificial colourants for a brighter yellow look
- Excess waxes or emulsifiers to improve solidity
Such adulteration compromises food safety, quality, and legal compliance, posing risks to both consumers and businesses.
Why Does Fake Vanaspati Ghee Exist in the Market?
Fake vanaspati ghee enters the market mainly due to:
- The desire to increase profit margins
- High demand during festive and peak seasons
- Price competition among suppliers
- Lack of consumer awareness
- Weak enforcement in certain regions
Signs of Fake Vanaspati Ghee
Here are some visible signs that may indicate adulteration:
- Uneven Colour: Genuine vanaspati cooking fat/ vanaspati ghee has a uniform pale yellow or creamy whitish colour. Fake products may show dark patches, excessive yellow tint, or uneven shading.
- Texture: Pure vanaspati ghee is grainy and has a rough texture while fake one has smooth and oily texture.
Simple Tests to Detect Fake Vanaspati Ghee
You can perform a few easy checks at home or in commercial kitchens:
Melting Test: When heated, genuine vanaspati ghee melts evenly without separating. Fake ghee may split into layers or leave residue at the bottom.
Palm Rub Test: Rub a small amount between your palms. Pure vanaspati melts smoothly, while fake ghee may feel waxy or leave excessive grease.
Hot Water Test: Drop a spoonful into warm water. Authentic vanaspati melts and floats evenly. Adulterated ghee may sink, form lumps, or cloud the water.
Transparency Test: Fully melted genuine vanaspati becomes clear. Fake versions often remain cloudy or show floating particles.
What to Check on the Packaging
Packaging tells a lot about product authenticity. Always check for:
- FSSAI licence number (14-digit valid number)
- Batch number and manufacturing date
- Net weight and complete ingredient list
- Mention of Vitamin A and D fortification
- Properly sealed, undamaged packaging
Poor printing, missing details, or loosely sealed packs are red flags.
What Should You Do as a Buyer?
- Buy only from trusted and established brands
- Always read labels carefully
- Ensure packaging is intact and hygienic
- Prefer FSSAI-approved manufacturers
- Look for Vitamin A & D fortified vanaspati ghee
Final Thoughts
With fake vanaspati ghee becoming increasingly common, awareness is the strongest tool for prevention. By understanding quality indicators, performing simple tests, and choosing reliable manufacturers, consumers and businesses can ensure safety, consistency, and superior food quality.
- Stay ahead of adulteration risks. Share this information with everyone to protect them from any scam.
