Paneer, a popular dairy product in many households, is often subjected to adulteration, raising concerns about its quality and safety. With reports of synthetic or adulterated paneer becoming common, identifying genuine paneer has become essential for health-conscious consumers. Here are five simple methods to help you spot fake paneer and ensure what you eat is authentic and pure.

First, examine the texture. Genuine paneer has a soft and crumbly texture, while fake paneer feels rubbery or excessively smooth due to synthetic ingredients. Another effective way is to check for an off-putting smell. Real paneer has a mild, milky aroma, whereas adulterated versions might have a chemical or sour odor.

For a quick home test, boil a small piece of paneer in water. If it breaks apart or leaves behind a greasy residue, it may not be authentic. Additionally, rubbing a piece of paneer between your fingers can reveal its quality—authentic paneer will not release oil or feel sticky.

Finally, consider the taste. Pure paneer tastes fresh and milky, while fake versions might taste overly salty or bland, hinting at the presence of non-dairy substances.

With these simple checks, you can safeguard your meals and health from low-quality or fake paneer. Staying vigilant about food quality ensures you enjoy the authentic flavors and nutritional benefits that fresh paneer offers.