Cheese (Paneer)

What is Paneer?

Paneer is a type of fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is made by curdling milk with an acidic substance like lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer has a soft, crumbly texture and is used in a variety of dishes such as palak paneer, paneer tikka, and paneer butter masala. Unlike many other cheeses, paneer does not melt when heated, making it ideal for cooking in curries and frying.

Why Do I Have an Intolerance to Paneer?

Intolerance to paneer can occur due to lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. Lactose intolerance is caused by the body's inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A dairy allergy, on the other hand, is an immune response to proteins found in milk, such as casein or whey, which can cause symptoms ranging from hives to anaphylaxis.

What Can I Do About It?

If you have lactose intolerance, try consuming paneer in small amounts to see if you can tolerate it, as it may contain lower levels of lactose compared to other dairy products. Lactase enzyme supplements can also help in digesting lactose. 

If you have a dairy allergy, it is best to avoid paneer and other dairy products entirely. Consider using dairy-free alternatives like tofu, which can be used in similar ways to paneer in cooking.