Fake Paneer Warning: Simple test exposes 'black' cottage cheese in street food. Watch viral video

Paneer is a beloved staple in Indian cuisine, often seen as a primary source of protein for vegetarians. From grand feasts to everyday meals, paneer finds its way into numerous dishes. But what if the paneer you're consuming isn't as authentic as it seems? A recent video by Haryana-based vlogger Nikhil Saini has raised alarms about the presence of fake paneer in street food.

The video, shared on his Instagram handle ‘nikhilspreads’, highlights a shocking experiment where the paneer inside a bread pakora turned black when tested with iodine tincture. This color change was an indicator that the paneer was synthetic, made from chemicals rather than milk.

The Test: How the Fake Paneer Was Exposed

The video shows Nikhil purchasing a bread pakora with paneer from a local shop for just Rs 25. After separating the paneer from the bread, he rinsed it with lukewarm water before applying iodine tincture. The moment the solution touched the paneer, it immediately turned black, a clear sign of the presence of chemicals.


Real paneer, when tested with the same solution, showed no color change. "Ye dekhiye doston, ye farak dekhiye. Ye jo asli paneer hai iska colour bilkul bhi change nhi hua," Nikhil exclaimed in the video, pointing out the stark difference between the two samples.

What is Fake Paneer?

Fake paneer, which is often sold in markets, is made from a mixture of palm oil, starch, and chemicals. While it’s cheaper than authentic paneer, it is often difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two. Real paneer, in contrast, has a firm texture and a milky odor, and is made directly from milk. In India, fake paneer, also known as analogue or synthetic paneer, is legal, but it must be labeled clearly as non-dairy by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The issue of fake paneer isn’t new. In 2024, food delivery platform Zomato faced criticism for selling “analogue paneer” through its B2B service, Zomato Hyperpure, although the product was clearly labeled as such. Despite this, many street vendors and even restaurants may use counterfeit paneer to cut costs.

What Consumers Are Saying

Nikhil’s video has sparked a debate online, with many users expressing concern over the authenticity of the paneer used in street food. "No one is cooking real paneer for you unless you buy it yourself," one user commented, pointing out the high cost of real paneer compared to its synthetic counterpart. Another user added that while the iodine test is a good start, it only detects starch and doesn't confirm the full range of possible adulterations.

As food lovers continue to grapple with this issue, the video serves as a wake-up call, urging consumers to be more cautious about what they eat, especially from street vendors. "Avoid eating paneer outside, even in restaurants," one simple comment suggested.