Paneer

Dairy Product

Paneer at a glance

Category
Dairy Product
Also called
Indian Cottage Cheese
Commonly found in
Saag Paneer, Paneer Tikka, Paneer Butter Masala, Palak Paneer
Diets reviewed
26 diets

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a type of fresh cheese that is popular in Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisines. Unlike many other cheeses, it does not melt when heated, making it ideal for cooking and adding to hot dishes. It is made by curdling milk with a food acid like lemon juice or vinegar, then draining the curds and pressing them into a solid block. Paneer is a source of protein and calcium, and is often used in vegetarian diets as a meat substitute.

Also known as:

Indian Cottage Cheese

Diet Compatibility

Dairy FreeAvoid

Paneer is an Indian cheese, often compared to cottage cheese, which is typically derived from cow or buffalo milk.

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Milk FreeAvoid

Paneer is an Indian cheese, often compared to cottage cheese, which is typically derived from cow or buffalo milk.

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Lactose FreeAvoid

Paneer is an Indian soft cheese that contains lactose.

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Alpha-Gal FriendlyAvoid

Paneer is an Indian cheese, often compared to cottage cheese, which is typically derived from cow or buffalo milk, and thus contains alpha-gal.

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Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

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Corn FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Corn Free diet.

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Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

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Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

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Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

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GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

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Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

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Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

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Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

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Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

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Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

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Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

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Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

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PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

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Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

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Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

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Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

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Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

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Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

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VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

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VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

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Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

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Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Paneer

People avoid paneer primarily because it is a dairy product. This makes it unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or following a vegan diet. Additionally, some individuals may avoid it due to dietary restrictions on animal-derived products or personal health reasons related to cholesterol or saturated fat intake.

Potential Reactions

  • Lactose intolerance symptoms (bloating, diarrhea, gas)
  • Allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergy

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Paneer

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Related to Paneer

Other ingredients people often check alongside Paneer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

  • Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
  • Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
  • Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
  • Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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