Dalda is a pioneering brand of hydrogenated vegetable oil (vanaspati ghee) in South Asia, introduced in 1937 by Hindustan Vanaspati Manufacturing Company (now Hindustan Unilever) as an affordable substitute for traditional dairy ghee. Once a staple for cooking, baking, and deep-frying due to its low cost and high granular texture, it is now marketed as a trans-fat-free option fortified with Vitamins A & D.