Real Vs Fake Paneer: 7 Quick Ways To Identity

By Yashika Goel
17 Feb 2025, 15:30 IST

Paneer is an important source of protein and healthy fats for vegetarians. But the market is filled with synthetic and fake paneer. Tap to read the simple ways to identify fake paneer at home.

Smell test

Synthetic paneer has a chemical-based sour odour, while real paneer has a mild milky and dairy-like smell.

Iodine test ‘

Boil the paneer for a few minutes and let it cool down. Put a few drops of odone solution; if it turns blue, it is fake.

Oil test

If your frying the paneer, real paneer turns light brown. Synthetic paneer does not show any colour changes or oil.

Press test

Real paneer is soft and releases some moisture when pressed, while fake paneer is stiff and does not break down easily.

Heat test

When heated or cooked, real paneer does release excess moisture. Fake paneer release excess amounts of water.

Texture and taste test

Real paneer is soft and crumbly, which is easier to break and has a milk taste. While the fake paneer is rubbery in texture.

Information credits

This information is taken from the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional regarding any side effects.