Benefits of Pure Shea Butter: Complete Guide to Cooking & Baking

Often overlooked outside its traditional roots in West Africa, shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of a shea tree.

In its pure, food-grade (or grade A) form, shea butter has a mildly nutty taste, sometimes described as earthy, and a smooth texture that makes it suitable for both cooking and baking.

Not only that, but there are so many benefits of pure organic shea butter - and home chefs are beginning to take notice.

As interest has grown in minimally processed and dairy-free fats, pure shea butter is steadily rising in popularity in modern kitchens - and for good reason.

What is pure shea butter?

Never heard of pure shea butter? Let’s get you up to scratch.

There are two main types of shea butter: cosmetic-grade and food-grade - you won’t want to get the two confused!

Both types of shea butter come from the same sun-dried kernels of the Vitellaria Paradox (shea tree), and the differences appear in the processing stage.

To make pure shea butter, the kernels are dried, roasted and ground before being slowly kneaded and churned to release natural oils - with no trace of chemicals.

On top of the two main types of shea butter, you also have different ways of processing it, creating three different types of shea butter:

1. Pure shea butter - The least processed, or ‘raw’ form, made through traditional methods with no additives or heat refining.
2. Unrefined shea butter - Similar to pure shea butter, except it might be lightly filtered to remove any debris while keeping most of its natural goodness and smell.
3. Refined shea butter - A type of shea butter which is heavily processed to remove any colour or scent, resulting in a pale product that’s better for skincare than eating.

For cooking and baking, you’re going to want to make sure you’re using pure shea butter, with a smooth, buttery texture and a light ivory, golden colour.

Benefits of pure shea butter

1. Nutritional advantages

Shea butter is high in vitamins A (for vision, immune function and skin health) and E (an antioxidant), and it also contains small traces of minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Another advantage is that high-quality shea butter is typically minimally refined (or even raw and pure), meaning it undergoes less intensive processing than many commercial cooking fats.

Pure shea butter is also free from trans fats, making it perfect for individuals avoiding partially hydrogenated oils while still making the most of a stable, versatile and plant-based fat in their kitchen.

2. Culinary benefits

Shea butter has a high melting point, typically around 35-45 degrees Celsius, which means it works well in heat-stable food applications, as well as vegan and dairy-free cooking and baking.

It also performs well as a fat for higher-heat cooking, in stir-fry or sauteeing vegetables, as it has a smoke point of 170-230 degrees Celsius.

Just as importantly, the mild, almost neutral flavour of pure shea butter will come in handy in recipes where you don’t want your fat to overpower the dish.

If you’re using shea butter in your cooking for the first time, use it as a finishing oil, drizzled over grilled vegetables, or as a small spoonful in a stir-fry.

This is so you can get to grips with the quantity of shea butter to use, as well as the amount of nuttiness you enjoy in your food.

Of course, this differs for everyone. Find out more about how to use shea butter for cooking here.

Our favourite recipes include the bakery-quality (and very yummy) Nutella and tahini buns, and our moist Banana and chocolate cake for beginners. 

3. Health benefits

One of the most common benefits of pure shea butter, whether you’re referring to the food-grade or cosmetic-grade kind, is its anti-inflammatory properties.

Shea butter has a high concentration of fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, and therefore, it can be used to reduce inflammation in the body.

It’s also high in saturated fat but rich in stearic acid, which is considered more cholesterol-neutral than other saturated fats, like dairy butter.

A final health benefit is that shea butter is naturally dairy-free, making it highly digestible.

However, it must be noted that research into the health benefits of consuming shea butter, in particular the cardiovascular benefits, requires further research and is based on the known properties of shea butter, rather than the butter itself.

Wondering where you can actually buy pure shea butter? The answer is right here!

Star Shea’s Vegan Butter not only ticks the three boxes for nutritional, culinary and health benefits, but it’s also free from additives, animal products and chemicals - perfect for those who want to swap out their current dairy butter for something more unique (and dairy-free).

Organic pure shea butter benefits

Certification and quality

Not everything can be certified as ‘organic.’ In fact, in the UK, for a food item to be labelled as organic, it must contain at least 95% organic agricultural ingredients. Pure organic shea butter is produced without any pesticides, chemicals or artificial additives.

If your shea butter is up to a food-grade quality, the company behind the product will have standard operating production procedures, frequent testing of the raw and final product, expert training of their staff and a note on their website of all the quality control considerations that have been completed.

On top of that, there are a couple of simple ways to check yourself:

• Check for a recognised organic certification on the label or website.
• Make sure your shea butter is clearly marked as food-grade before using it in your cooking.
• Look out for the natural, slightly nutty scent and smooth, creamy texture.
• Purchase your shea butter from a reputable supplier who is open about sourcing and processing.

If you want to invest in the best organic shea butter, the good news is you can do so right here!

Star Shea’s Vegan Butter is certified organic, meaning it’s made without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, and it also supports sustainable agriculture and promotes biodiversity - a win-win, if you ask us.

Environmental benefits

There are plenty of environmental benefits to consider, too. That includes sustainable harvesting and biodiversity support.

To begin, shea fruits are only collected once they have naturally fallen from the trees to ensure the health and lifespan of the shea tree is protected.

Also, choosing to shop organic is important here, as it makes sure you’re buying a product that contains no pesticides or fertilisers, as well as a product that doesn’t rely on intensive farming to preserve soil health.

And finally, shea trees make for rich ecosystems for plants and animals, so looking after the health of the trees with organic processes will keep it this way.

Enhanced properties

You’re also going to want to ensure you’re investing in the real deal. Pure shea butter is gently processed to support better nutrient retention, helping preserve more of the vitamins and compounds naturally present in the fat.

Reliable (and organically-sourced) shea butter will come with strong purity guarantees and no hidden blended oils - just 100% goodness.

Premium value

Finally, you also may find that to get the best organic shea butter benefits, you shouldn’t pick the cheapest option.

Organic shea butter, when you choose one that has all the correct certifications and is officially labelled as ‘organic’ in the UK, is different from non-organic alternatives.

We’ve already touched on the different grades of shea butter, but this can also affect the price, too.

As a family, or as an individual, it’s up to you to weigh up the cost considerations against the long-term benefits of pure shea butter. Ultimately, buy cheap, buy twice - quality is an investment!

Cooking and baking applications

The true benefits of pure shea butter only come to fruition when you start to use it in your cooking and baking. Here’s how:

• Cooking: Use shea butter in your cooking as you would any other cooking fat or oil. Add a spoonful to a warm pan, and once it melts, add in the rest of your ingredients. A couple of our favourite recipes include our Vegetarian curry and Rice noodle stir-fry.
• Baking: If you’re baking cakes and muffins, gently melt shea butter in the microwave or soften it before mixing to ensure a smooth and even batter. For biscuits and shortcrust pastry, you can rub shea butter in cold to achieve a perfectly crumbly texture. The natural flavour of shea butter pairs particularly well with dark chocolate, bananas, spices and nuts.
• Temperature considerations: It’s best to allow shea butter to heat to room temperature before using it in baking.
• Recipe adaptations: In most recipes, shea butter can be substituted like-for-like, meaning that if you need 100g of dairy butter, you can more often than not swap it out for 100g of shea butter. All of our recipes at Star Shea are handily written with the shea butter quantities already worked out in your ingredients list.

Quality and safety

In the EU, shea butter must comply with General Food Law, which covers traceability, hygiene and processing.

Before purchasing your shea butter, look for all the quality markers on the brand's website and the respective certifications required.

Alternatively, once you have the shea butter at home, there are a couple of quality checks you can do.

Before use, give your shea butter a smell - it should smell earthy and mildly nutty. If it smells sour or smoky, you might want to take a closer look to check it’s okay to consume.

In terms of storage, the best way to store shea butter is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place - a pantry or cupboard works extremely well for this.

Shea butter doesn’t need to be refrigerated unless you live in a particularly hot climate; in that instance, it might be necessary to stop it from turning into sludge.

Unlike dairy butter, shea butter has a surprisingly long shelf life - especially when it’s stored properly. Pure shea butter can last around 12-24 months!

For the best pure shea butter without worrying about its certifications or whether it’s edible, look to Star Shea’s Vegan Butter, which is organic and free from additives, plant products and chemicals.

We’re also transparent about processes and origins, as our Vegan Butter is sourced from eco-certified farms, supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Traditional origins

Although shea butter is a relatively new ingredient to Western kitchens, African kitchens have been using it for much longer.

In Africa, shea butter is used to fry vegetables, but it’s also used to make a fermented porridge called koko, made from millet, sorghum and other types of grains. In fact, shea butter is so versatile it can even be used in the production of sweets!

Harvesting shea nuts usually takes place in Africa’s rainy months, from around May to August. Afterwards, these are the common processing steps:

1. Nut separation and cleaning
2. Drying
3. Traditional crushing methods to release the kernels
4. Hand extraction, as the crushed paste is mixed with water
5. Natural filtration as the shea butter is boiled and skimmed to remove impurities

Shea butter is deeply woven into African communities, and women’s cooperatives play a central role in the production of shea butter.

Nicknamed ‘women’s gold’, for many families, shea butter is their life and business, whether that be selling shea butter or getting stuck in with the production of it. It’s an important part of both income and communities.

Also important to communities is that shea butter is made sustainably. This means only collecting the shea fruits once they’ve naturally fallen and steering clear of intensive farming.

That’s why it’s important to make an effort to shop organic. Star Shea’s Vegan Butter is organic and free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.

Plus, Star Shea works with women’s cooperatives like the Morning Star Integrated School (a school set up for women who are unable to qualify for higher-level education), to create a gloriously creamy, nutty and perfect for baking shea butter.

Comparing pure shea butter

It’s also important to weigh up the similarities (and differences) between shea butter and dairy butter.

The two fats are similar in vitamin profiles, mineral content and, more often than not, cost. However, there are plenty of differences to point out between the two.

• Heat stability: Shea butter can handle temperatures up to 230 degrees Celsius, whereas dairy butter can easily burn.
• Flavour: For a new, nutty flavour, you’re going to want to opt for shea butter. Or for the tried-and-trusted creamy flavour, go for dairy butter.
• Origins: Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, and dairy butter is made from churned cream.
• Plant-based: Shea butter is free from animal products and is vegan/vegetarian-friendly, while dairy butter is not.
• Shelf life: Shea butter can keep (if stored properly) for 12-24 months, while the shelf life of dairy butter is a lot less.

It’s also important to compare shea butter to other plant-based fats.

• Vegetable oil: Shea butter has a firmer texture and higher heat tolerance, making it better for baking and frying.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used to add flavour, but that’s not always a good thing. For recipes that require a more neutral taste, opt for shea butter.
• Nut butters: Unlike heavy nut butters, shea butter melts smoothly and is ideal for baking.

Practical applications

So, how are you going to use your shea butter?

Shea butter possesses incredible versatility compared to lots of other fats. You can use it in everyday cooking to sauté leafy greens like spinach or kale, or to cook onions, garlic, and tomatoes.

It can also be used for starting soups, curries and sauces, and if you prefer a little extra nutty depth to your cooking, you’re going to love using shea butter in your cooking!

A little bit of shea butter can go a long way, so make sure you start small by adding a spoonful of it to a warm pan. Let it melt and then stir in your vegetables.

For baking, substitute your shea butter like-for-like and melt it gently (or leave it out) before mixing it into your bakes. Alternatively for biscuits and shortcrust pastry, you can rub shea butter in cold to get that crumbly texture you’re after.

Also, once you’ve finished cooking or baking with shea butter, remember to pop it back in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. This way you’ll maximise the shelf life of your newly beloved shea butter!

Hopefully now you feel more confident using pure shea butter in your cooking and baking - as well as where to shop the best.

There are many reasons as to why the popularity of shea butter is on the rise, but the fact that it’s plant-based is definitely a massive one for those with allergies or vegan diets.

On top of that, it also has a unique nutritional profile, taste and a high heat tolerance that makes it super simple to cook with. And, from high-heat frying to delicate bakes, shea butter continues to surprise.

Don’t be surprised, however, with your shea butter when it arrives - not if you order it from a trusted source.

Star Shea’s Vegan Butter is made with only the finest organic ingredients and is free from additives and nasties you definitely won’t want in your kitchen.

Perfect for vegans or those with a dairy allergy, our Vegan Butter is rich in nutrients and is as delectable as it is gloriously smooth. Shop it in 1kg and 25kg quantities here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes shea butter pure?

Usually, whether a shea butter is ‘pure’ or not comes down to how it’s sourced and processed.  Pure shea butter will be made from the nuts of a shea tree without any additives, chemicals or pesticides.

Food-grade shea butter also tends to be ‘purer’ than cosmetic-grade as it’s carefully extracted and minimally refined to retain vitamins and fatty acids.

Look for shea butter packaging with ‘organic’, ‘food-grade’ or ‘grade A’ on it.

What are the main benefits of pure shea butter?

In short, the main benefits of shea butter include:

• Vegan/vegetarian-friendly (great for those with a plant-based diet in general)
• Subtle nutty taste that adds depth to your cooking and baking
• Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and stearic acids
• Contains valuable vitamins like vitamins A and E
• Meaningful ethical benefits - Star Shea’s Vegan Butter is sourced from female-led cooperatives based in Northern Ghana

How do you use pure shea butter in cooking?

Using shea butter in your cooking is super easy. Start small (you can always add more, but you can’t take any away) and add a spoonful of shea butter to a warm pan. Follow this with your vegetables, spices or garlic.

Shea butter can also be used as a finishing fat. Simply add a spoonful during the final stages of your recipe to bring the dish together and give it that silky smooth finish.

Want to know exactly how to use shea butter in your cooking? Star Shea has an entire page full of recipes waiting - no hassle and no substituting ingredients, as its recipes have shea butter quantities already in the ingredient list. Find our favourite recipes here.

Is pure shea butter better than refined?

Pure shea butter is widely considered better than refined shea butter. That’s because pure shea butter is minimally processed and is usually the type that’s used for consumption rather than cosmetic use.

Alternatively, refined shea butter tends to be more heavily processed to remove its natural colour, scent and impurities. This makes it more neutral, but it also strips away all of its nutritional and natural qualities.

For cooking and baking, investing in pure shea butter is generally the way to go.

How can you tell if shea butter is pure?

Use this checklist to ensure the shea butter you choose to invest in is pure.

• A natural, unrefined appearance
• Usually an off-white, slightly ivory or pale yellow colour - if it’s bright white, that could suggest heavy processing
• Creamy, not overly gritty
• Easily warmed by your hands
• Mild, nutty aroma

Also make sure to opt for a shea butter supplier who mentions traceability on its product or website, or those who work with women’s cooperatives to support fair pricing and sustainable production.