It’s the question we get asked almost as much as “where can I buy it”: is paneer actually good for you, or is it just cheese with better PR?
Fair question. Let’s talk it through, auntie to auntie.
So what’s actually in paneer?
Paneer is a fresh, pressed cheese, made simply by curdling milk and draining the whey. No rennet, no ageing, no additives needed to hold it together. Just milk, a little acid, and time.
That simplicity is exactly why it’s high in protein and calcium. Because paneer is pressed rather than melted or matured, it holds onto more of the milk’s natural protein than a lot of other cheeses do. Some people describe it as pressed cottage cheese, which is a helpful way to picture it if you’ve never cooked with it before, though the texture ends up firmer and it holds its shape brilliantly in a pan.
Is it high in fat too?
It’s a full-fat dairy product, so yes, there’s fat in there. That’s part of what makes it so satisfying: a little goes a long way, it fills you up, and it takes on spice and flavour beautifully because of that fat content. If you’re watching your intake, portion size is your friend, same as with any cheese.
Does it matter where the milk comes from?
Honestly, yes, more than people realise. A lot of the paneer on UK shelves is either imported from Europe or made here using imported European milk. That’s not a knock on it, it’s just how the supply chain has developed.
Ours is different. Every block starts as fresh milk from British dairy farms, which means we’re putting money back into British farming rather than a supply chain overseas. Jack, Riya and the rest of us still find it a bit surreal every time we walk past it sitting on a shelf in Tesco.
Is paneer a good everyday protein source?
We think so. It’s naturally high in protein, doesn’t need marinating for hours to taste of something, and cooks in minutes. Whether you’re adding it to a curry, a traybake or just frying it up with some spice and lemon, it’s a genuinely easy way to get more protein into a meal without much fuss.
Where can I find it?
You’ll find All The Aunties paneer in Tesco, Ocado and Sainsbury’s, plus a growing number of independent shops. Availability can vary a bit store to store as we’re still a small, growing brand, so if your local one is out, do let the shelf staff know you’re after it.
Got a paneer question we haven’t covered?
We love hearing what you’re cooking and what’s got you stumped. Drop us a line any time at hello@alltheaunties.co.uk and we’ll do our best to answer it, or turn it into the next FAQ.
