The truth about fake paneer in the market

Paneer, a staple in Indian cuisine, is a versatile ingredient loved for its taste and texture. But have you ever wondered if the paneer you’re buying is the real or fake? Unfortunately, there’s a growing trend of fake paneer flooding the market, raising concerns about health and quality.

Making fake paneer with palm oil
Screenshot
Image showing counterfeit paneer being sold in the market alongside genuine paneer, highlighting the issue of fake paneer infiltrating the food supply
Screenshot
Image showing counterfeit paneer being sold in the market alongside genuine paneer, highlighting the issue of fake paneer infiltrating the food supply
fake paneer

Here’s how they’re making it:

  • The Synthetic-Paneer: This version starts with good quality milk, but the cream is extracted, leaving behind milk with minimal nutrients. To compensate, they add arrowroot powder for texture and leftover chenna water to bulk it up. The kicker? Formalin, a harmful chemical, is used as a preservative, making this paneer look fresh for an extended period.

  • The Powder Play: Some manufacturers completely bypass milk, opting for a quicker and cheaper method: milk powder. Palm oil is mixed in the paneer, and milk powder is used for a softer texture, making it difficult for unsuspecting consumers to tell the difference.

  • The Rising Menace: This method utilizes a surprising ingredient – baking powder! Water and synthetic milk are combined, then baking powder is added to curdle the mixture. After boiling, the dense mass is extracted as fake paneer.

The Shocking Reach: The disturbing part? Even large restaurants and food chains might be sourcing their paneer from these dubious companies.

Why it Matters:

Consuming fake paneer laced with chemicals like formalin, baking soda, palm oils can have negative health consequences. These additives can irritate the digestive system and potentially lead to more severe health issues.

What You Can Do:

Be an informed consumer! Here are some tips to identify real paneer:

  • Freshness: Real paneer has a mild, milky aroma. Fake paneer might lack this or have a chemical scent.
  • Texture: Authentic paneer is firm yet slightly crumbly. Fake paneer can be spongy or rubbery.
  • Color: Real paneer has a natural white or ivory color. Fake paneer might be unnaturally bright white.
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paneer and cream

The Bottom Line:

By choosing real paneer from ‘the paneer factory’, you’re not just getting a superior taste and texture, you’re also making a healthier choice. Support ethical producers who prioritize quality ingredients and reject the imposters infiltrating the market. Let’s savor the real taste of paneer and promote a healthy culinary experience for all!

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