Fake Paneer Alert! What looks soft and fresh might secretly be a mix of chemicals and counterfeit ingredients. According to a report by The Times of India, out of 83 paneer samples tested, 83% failed quality standards and 40% were unsafe for consumption.
As this alarming reality unfolds, experts like Dr. Shehrawat step forward to explain what makes this imitation so dangerous and deceiving.
Analogue Paneer: What It Is and Why It Is Risky?
Dr. Priyanka Shehrawat explains that analogue paneer is not made from pure milk. It uses milk substitutes and additives to copy the taste and texture of real paneer. Reported ingredients can include urea, palm oil, detergent, soda, and formalin, which may create a convincing look but raise health concerns.
Knowing the difference between real and fake helps you avoid potential harm. Choose trusted dairy brands, read labels carefully, and when possible, make paneer at home with fresh milk for assured quality.
Fake Paneer Alert: Safe Paneer Alternatives You Can Choose
Dr. Shehrawat advises preparing paneer yourself with fresh milk for guaranteed safety. If avoiding paneer, choose protein-rich options like dal, eggs, pulses, or other dairy-free substitutes. Switching from Analogue paneer to these alternatives minimises the harmful effects of fake paneer and keeps diets balanced without quality compromise.
Health Risks Of Analogue Paneer Consumption: Experts Warn
Daily consumption of Analogue paneer can damage health in multiple ways.
- Leads to long-term neurological issues.
- Causes severe digestive problems and stomach pain.
- Increases toxin buildup in organs.
- Raises the risk of certain cancers over time.
Such harmful effects of fake paneer make real vs fake paneer awareness critical for consumers.
How to Identify Fake Paneer at Home
Worried about analogue paneer? Use these quick checks before it reaches your plate.
- Smell Check
Bring a small piece close to your nose. A sharp chemical or paint-like odor is a red flag. Fresh paneer should smell clean and milky. - Texture and Crumble
Break it with your fingers. Real paneer crumbles softly and unevenly. Fake paneer often feels rubbery or plasticky and snaps cleanly. - Press Test
Gently press between thumb and forefinger. Pure paneer yields and stays soft. Analogue versions resist pressure and spring back. - Warm Water Test
Drop a small piece into warm water for two to three minutes.
- Real paneer softens and the water turns slightly milky.
- Fake paneer may leave an oily film, sticky residue, or visible synthetic granules.
Spotting the difference protects you from possible harm linked to counterfeit ingredients and adulterants.
- Buy from trusted dairies or well-known brands with proper labeling.
- Read ingredient lists carefully. Avoid products with vegetable oils, starches, or emulsifiers.
- Make paneer at home using full-fat milk with lemon or vinegar for guaranteed purity.
Stay alert to fake paneer warning signs and choose safer options to protect your health.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
