16 out of 29 paneer samples found unsafe in Ludhiana: 5 non-dairy paneer alternatives to try

Paneer adulteration has become the talk of the town in every state. From Karnataka to Punjab, every now and then, food safety officials are seizing adulterated paneer, which is unsafe for human consumption. In the same league, food safety officials recently collected 29 paneer samples from various locations across the Ludhiana district. Out of which 16 were found to be unsafe for human consumption. Scroll down to read the details.

Out of the 29 samples tested, eight were found to be substandard or unsafe. Three samples were deemed unsafe and misleading, while five were identified as substandard. Seven samples passed the quality tests, and results for the remaining samples are still awaited.


As per the officials, the motive behind regular testing is to ensure that people have access to safe and genuine food products. In recent times, the circulation of analogue paneer, a non-dairy alternative made from vegetable oils, starch, emulsifiers, and artificial flavourings has increased. It has been found that this cheaper version of paneer lacks the nutritional value of genuine milk-based paneer, being lower in protein and higher in unhealthy fats. Hence, it is important for people to invest in healthier non-dairy alternatives of paneer, which are mentioned below.



Tofu: Also known as soy paneer, it is high in protein and is great for muscle building, especially for vegans. It contains less saturated fat than paneer and is a rich source of iron and calcium, which is important for bone health.


Tempeh: It is a fermented soy product that promotes gut health with probiotics. It is high in protein and fiber and keeps you full longer. It also contains vitamins like B12 and has a low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar.

Almond Paneer: As the name suggests, it is made from almond milk and is said to have heart-healthy fats, a good source of monounsaturated fats. It is good for lactose intolerant or vegan diets. And the rich amount of vitamin E helps skin and hair health.

Chickpea Tofu: It is also called burmese tofu and is high in plant protein, magnesium and folate. Also, it is easy to digest compared to dairy products.


Mushrooms: Mushrooms like King Oyster and Buttons are umami-rich, low in calories and fat. They are rich in antioxidants like selenium and support immune function.

Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock

Can’t eat your food without snapping a picture first?
Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!

Click HERE for details.


Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news! Click here