How To Test Paneer At Home For Freshness?

By Shubhi Kumar
05 Apr 2025, 16:00 IST

Paneer is a versatile and widely used ingredient in cooking. However, not all paneer available in the market is of good quality. To ensure that your paneer is fresh and free from adulterants. Tap to read!

Water Test (for Freshness)

When placed in water you have to ensure that fresh paneer sinks. If it floats, this indicates that it is either old or of poor quality.

Oil Test (for Synthetic)

Once you heat, synthetic could secrete oil. Authentic paneer made with milk will not secrete the oil.

Smell Test (Freshness Check)

If you know fresh paneer has a light and pleasant dairy smell. If it smells sour or off, then it is not fresh.

Test of Starch (Adulteration Check)

To examine for starch, simply you have to rub a small piece of paneer in your fingers. If it feels slimy, starch has been added.

Cold Water Float Test

Put a small piece of paneer in cold water. Authentic paneer should sink and synthetic paneer may float due to chemicals or starch.

Information credits

This information is sourced from the National Institute of Health (NIH). However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.