By Garima Johar
August 6, 2026
Not all paneer sold in the market is made with milk. Prepared using vegetable fats, milk, solids, and additives, analogue paneer is fake paneer that looks real. Here’s how you can identify the difference.
Real paneer is made with milk. If the ingredients section on the packet specifies vegetable oil, starch,, or emulsifiers, chances are it is analogue paneer.
Dairy paneer has a soft and crumbly texture. Analogue paneer is firmer and feels rubbery.
Fresh paneer has a creamy white colour, while analogue paneer is usually brighter and whiter.
Do a taste check. Real paneer will have a milky flavour and analogue will taste flatter and oily.
If you’re getting unusally low-priced paneer, it is most likely analogue paneer.