Is Your Paneer Genuine? Find Out In 7 Steps

Smell check

Fresh paneer has a light, milky aroma. Adulterated paneer ma smell sour, synthetic or unusually strong.

Taste test

Pure paneer tastes creamy and mild. If it feels chalky, bitter or chemical like, it may be fake or low quality.

Flame test

Take a dry piece and burn it lightly using tongs. If it smells like burning plastic, the paneer may contain synthetic milk or adulterants.

Texture test

Real paneer is soft, spongy and smooth to the touch. Fake paneer may feel rubbery, overly hard, or crumbly due to added starch or synthetic milk.

Heat test (for starch)

Boil a small piece of paneer in water for 5 minutes. Add few drops of iodine solution to the water. Blue or black color change indicates presence of starch – a sign of adulteration.

Rub test

Rub a small piece between your fingers. If it becomes slippery or leaves a soapy/ greasy feel, detergent or synthetic substances may be present.

Lemon test

Add a few drops of lemon juice to a piece of paneer in a warm water. Real paneer stays intact or slightly softens. If it breaks down or forms a weird residue, it may be fake.