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HomeHealth & FitnessPaneer Purity Test: Food Pharmer finds big brands pass while street vendors fail; What it means for your health?

Paneer Purity Test: Food Pharmer finds big brands pass while street vendors fail; What it means for your health?

While leading dairy brands like Amul, Milky Mist, and iD Foods passed the checks, local and street vendors failed due to possible adulteration and palm oil substitutes — raising serious food safety and health concerns.

October 13, 2025 / 09:23 IST
Food Pharmer’s lab test shows major brands like Amul and Milky Mist passed purity checks, while street vendor paneer failed due to adulteration risks. (Image: Pexels)

A recent lab experiment conducted by influencer-health advocate Food Pharmer (Revant Himatsingka) tested 11 paneer samples — and the results are raising serious health flags. According to him, branded paneer from major dairy producers passed his purity checks, while paneer from street vendors and small dairies failed consistently.

Here’s what to know and what to avoid if you care about both nutrition and food safety.

What Passed the Test

As per the Food Pharmer’s post, the following packaged paneer brands cleared the purity check:

  • Amul Fresh Paneer
  • Amul Malai Paneer
  • Gowardhan Paneer
  • Humpy A2 Paneer
  • iD High Protein Paneer
  • Milky Mist
  • Desi Farms


Why Street Vendor Paneer Is Failing the Test

In contrast, all street-side samples and many small dairy vendors failed the purity assessments, signalling the possibility of adulteration or substitution.

Himatsingka claimed that “analogue paneer” — paneer partially made using palm oil or cheaper fillers — is increasingly used by cost-sensitive vendors. He warns that this practice can reduce actual protein content and raise risks of unwanted additives.

He noted that analogue paneer sells at under Rs 210 per kg in many parts of India — well below the typical Rs 450 for “real” paneer.

Also Read: Protein intake for elderly: Include dals, paneer and chicken soup to ensure you are getting enough

Health Consequences You Need to Know

Reduced nutritional content
A drop in protein levels or the addition of fillers can upset the paneer's expected nutrient balance.

Possible contamination or extra ingredients
Using non-dairy fats (such as palm oil) or adulterants might bring in harmful elements or cause allergic responses.

Trouble in digestion
Tainted or altered paneer can lead to upset stomachs for those with delicate digestive systems.

Dangers to food safety
Street vendors often lack strict cleanliness measures, which increases the chance of bacterial contamination.

How to Pick Safer Paneer – Advice & Tests

  • Go for branded packaged paneer with sealed wrapping and an expiration date.
  • Read labels: Search for only dairy ingredients (milk, culture, rennet, etc.) and the nutrient breakdown.
  • Try this at home: Put a small piece of paneer in water — genuine paneer shouldn't melt or release oil.
  • Smell and texture: A sour smell, slimy texture, or glossy oily surface are warning signs.
  • Purchase items from reliable sellers, well-known stores, or reputable brands that keep their products refrigerated.
Also Read: Paneer vs tofu: Which is healthier for weight loss?

FAQs on Paneer Purity Test and Effect on Health

Q: How can I test the purity of paneer at home?
A: Put a small piece of paneer in water—genuine paneer shouldn't melt or release oil. Also, check for a sour smell, slimy texture, or glossy oily surface, which are warning signs.

Q: What are the health risks of consuming adulterated paneer?
A: Adulterated paneer can lead to reduced nutritional content, possible contamination, digestive issues, and increased food safety risks due to lack of cleanliness.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

Manjiri Patil
first published: Oct 13, 2025 09:23 am

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