Comparison of Fatty Acid Profiles in Butter, Ghee, and Margarine

The current study seeks to compare the fatty acid profiles of butter, ghee, and margarine and their implications for healthier fat choices. The researchers randomly selected 60 samples from popular brands of these products across five food chain stores. The samples were coded, kept cool, and analyzed in a laboratory using gas chromatography to determine their fatty acid profiles. Following this, a policy dialogue session with stakeholders was held to discuss challenges related to fats and oils, accompanied by a SWOT analysis.

The results revealed the following:

• The analysis found the average total fatty acids in butter, ghee, and margarine to be 94.07 ± 0.17, 94.49 ± 0.61, and 99.00 ± 0.18, respectively, with total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) measured at 66.69 ± 0.39 for butter, 64.26 ± 0.63 for ghee, and 40.36 ± 0.87 for margarine.
• Trans fatty acids (TFA) were found to be 2.43 ± 0.09 in butter, 3.60 ± 0.29 in ghee, and 0.83 ± 0.15 in margarine. 
• The primary TFAs in butter and ghee were identified as vaccenic acid, while margarine contained mainly elaidic acid. 
• The SWOT analysis highlighted the presence of TFAs within acceptable levels as a strength, mismanagement as a weakness, potential tax reductions for lower TFA content as an opportunity, and sanctions as a significant threat affecting fat choices. 

To summarize, the study concluded that while butter, ghee, and margarine have relatively low TFA levels, butter and ghee are rich in beneficial fatty acids associated with health benefits. The findings suggest that policymakers could use the strategies from the SWOT analysis to encourage healthier fat and oil choices for improved public health.

Source: Mohammadi-Nasrabadi F, Rashidimehr A, Khoshtinat K, Alhouei B, Massomian A, Rashidian M, Esfarjani F. A Comparative Analysis of Butter, Ghee, and Margarine and Its Implications for Healthier Fat and Oil Group Choices: SWOT Analysis. Food SciNutr. 2024 Oct 29;12(12):10123-10135. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.4557. PMID: 39723069; PMCID: PMC11666836.