Purity has become a popular word, printed on almost every jar of ghee you see. But real Bilona ghee isn’t made by claims alone. You can sense it in its aroma, its grains, and the way it settles. Once you learn to notice these small signs, you’ll never mistake imitation for authenticity again.
So, how to identify fake Bilona ghee products from reputed companies? Let’s uncover the signs that separate real Bilona ghee from the ones that only look pure on the outside.
Before You Buy - The Research Stage
Before adding ghee to your cart or basket, do a small background check. Authenticity always leaves traces.
1. Check Their Website and Process Explanation
A genuine brand clearly explains how their ghee is made very clearly.
If the website only says “Made by Bilona method” but does not show or describe the process, that’s a sign of incomplete transparency
Check:
Do they describe the method step by step?
Are there any photos or videos of their actual process?
2. Look for Information About Their Cow
Real Bilona ghee comes from Desi breeds like Gir, Sahiwal, or Tharparkar. Trustworthy brands mention the breed proudly.
If the brand avoids this detail or uses milk from mixed, unverified sources, you should think twice.
Also check:
- Are their cows grass-fed or given organic fodder?
- Do they show details of their farm or region?
- Do they specify that the milk is A2 type?
3. Check the Ingredients
The ingredient list should contain only one thing, milk (or curd made from milk).
If you see “milk solids,” “vegetable fats,” “flavors,” or “preservatives,” it is not real Bilona ghee.
4. Check for Third-Party Lab Reports
Pure brands do not just claim purity; they prove it.
Look for lab reports or purity certificates on their website. These should show fat content, absence of adulteration, and free fatty acid levels.
Brands that do not share lab reports are often the ones cutting corners.
5. Study the Packaging
Real Bilona ghee is always stored in glass jars, and for larger quantities, in steel containers because both help preserve its aroma and flavor.
Thin plastic jars or large commercial containers usually belong to mass-produced products.
Make sure the label includes:
- FSSAI number
- Manufacturing address
- Batch number and expiry date
- Proper seal with no leakage or tampering
6. Observe the Price
Pure Bilona ghee takes time and effort to make, so it cannot be very cheap.
If you see “A2 Bilona Ghee” being sold at a surprisingly low price, it is most likely not authentic. The traditional process requires a lot of milk, hand-churning, and slow heating, which naturally makes it more valuable.
The Bilona Method - What Real Ghee Should Go Through
Curd Formation
Fresh A2 Desi cow milk is boiled, cooled, and set overnight with a natural culture to form thick curd.
Hand Churning
The curd is churned slowly using a wooden bilona until the butter separates from the buttermilk.
Butter Collection
The butter is carefully gathered, leaving behind the buttermilk that’s rich in probiotics.
Slow Heating
The butter is then heated in an earthen or brass pot over a gentle flame until pure golden ghee appears.
Natural Cooling
Once done, it’s allowed to cool and settle naturally, creating that signature grainy texture and rich aroma.
If a brand skips any of these stages, the result is not truly Bilona ghee, even if the label says so.
After Buying - Check for Authenticity at Home
Once you’ve purchased your ghee, do a few simple checks at home to confirm its purity.
1. Palm Test
Take a few drops of ghee on your palm. Pure Bilona ghee melts quickly with body heat.
Fake or adulterated ghee stays solid or takes longer to melt.
2. Freeze Test
Keep your jar in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Real ghee solidifies evenly, while fake or mixed ghee separates into layers or shows white patches.
3. Heat Test
Warm a spoonful of ghee in a pan. Pure ghee burns cleanly and gives a nutty aroma.
Fake ghee produces black smoke and a burnt, chemical-like smell.
4. Texture Check
When cooled, authentic Bilona ghee has a grainy texture.
If it feels smooth and buttery without grains, it’s likely not made the traditional way.
5. Aroma and Taste
Real Bilona ghee has a gentle, earthy fragrance and a natural sweetness.
Fake ghee often smells synthetic or feels greasy on the tongue.
Extra Things to Look After
Even if the ghee passes basic tests, stay alert for these details:
What breed of cows is used? (Pure Desi breeds are essential.)
What are the cows being fed, grass or processed feed?
Do not assume that all golden ghee is pure; the color can be altered using additives or natural coloring agents.
Always check the ingredient list and lab reports carefully before trusting a “pure” claim.
The 3S Rule to Stay Safe
| Step | Meaning | Quick Check |
| Source | Buy from verified or official stores | Check seller name and website URL |
| Seal | Ensure the seal, label clarity, and FSSAI number | Avoid tampered or unclear print |
| Sense | Trust your eyes, nose, and hands | Aroma, texture, and color speak louder than claims |
Final Thought
Identifying fake Bilona ghee is not about mistrusting every brand. It’s about learning what real purity looks like and asking the right questions. Once you know the signs, from breed to process, from texture to aroma, it becomes easier to tell the difference between a real jar of goodness and one that only looks perfect.
Before you trust the brand, trust the process.