21 MARCH 2025
Fake paneer alert: How to spot the dairy imposter!
Paneer, the creamy delight that elevates every curry, kebab, and sandwich, is facing a full-blown identity crisis! The market is now flooded with fake paneer, also called "analogue paneer," made from synthetic ingredients like vegetable oil, starch, and non-dairy substitutes. How do you make sure you’re not munching on a science experiment? Read on to become a dairy detective!
Image Credit: iStock/enviromantic
The iodine tincture test
Boil a small piece of paneer and let it cool. Add a few drops of iodine tincture. If it turns blue, that means starch is present—FAKE ALERT!
Image Credit: iStock/Raja J
The texture test
Real paneer is soft and slightly crumbly. Fake paneer feels rubbery, firm, and unnaturally smooth.
Image Credit: iStock/liubomirt
The smell check
Real paneer has a fresh, slightly milky aroma. Fake paneer often has a stale, greasy, or even chemical-like smell.
Image Credit: iStock/liubomirt
The water test
Drop a cube of paneer in hot water. Real paneer remains intact, while fake paneer may start dissolving or turning slimy.
Image Credit: iStock/liubomirt
The fry test
If you fry real paneer, it stays firm. Fake paneer can melt or break apart due to the presence of starch and oil.
Image Credit: iStock/shishir_bansal
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