Paneer ingredient

All About Paneer

dairy

Your complete guide to paneer - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.

4 storage methods
19 substitutes
4 cooking methods

How Long Does Paneer Last?

Storage times and freshness tips for paneer in different conditions.

Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.

freezer
2-3 months for best quality; safe indefinitely but quality degrades.

Signs of Spoilage

While freezing stops spoilage, freezer burn (dry, discolored patches) indicates a loss of quality. After thawing, if it smells off or has an unusually slimy texture, discard.

How to Check

Before freezing, ensure no signs of spoilage. After thawing, assess the texture (it may become slightly crumbly) and smell. If it smells sour or off after thawing, do not consume.

Storage Tips

To freeze, pat the paneer dry, cut into desired portions, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Freezing can alter the texture, making it slightly crumbly or tougher, so it's often best used in cooked dishes like curries where textural changes are less noticeable.

unopened fridge
Up to 1 week past 'best by' date (if vacuum-sealed and stored properly), otherwise adhere to 'best by' date.

Signs of Spoilage

Puffiness or bloating of the packaging, strong sour or yeasty odor upon opening, visible mold (green, black, or pink fuzzy spots), significant yellowing of the paneer.

How to Check

Visually inspect the packaging for any signs of swelling. Upon opening, take a cautious sniff – a fresh, milky aroma is good; a strong, pungent, or sour smell is a red flag. Look for any discoloration or fuzzy growth on the surface.

Storage Tips

Always store paneer in the coldest part of your refrigerator. While vacuum-sealed paneer can last a bit longer, 'best by' dates are for optimal quality. When in doubt, discard.

opened fridge
3-5 days

Signs of Spoilage

Distinctly sour, pungent, or 'off' smell (can be yeasty, fishy, or ammoniacal), slimy or sticky texture, visible mold, significant yellowing or discoloration (beyond a slight creamy tint).

How to Check

  1. Smell Test: A fresh paneer should have a mild, milky, or neutral smell. A strong, sour, or unpleasant odor is the primary indicator of spoilage.

  2. Visual Inspection: Look for any fuzzy green, black, pink, or even white spots (mold). Check for overall yellowing or dullness.

  3. Touch Test: Fresh paneer is firm but slightly crumbly. If it feels slimy, sticky, or excessively soft/mushy, it's likely spoiled.

Storage Tips

To maximize freshness, store opened or homemade paneer in an airtight container. Submerging it in fresh, cold water (changed daily) can extend its shelf life by a day or two. Ensure the container is clean to prevent bacterial growth.

cooked fridge
3-4 days

Signs of Spoilage

Off-odors from the dish, visible mold on the paneer pieces or other ingredients, slimy texture on the paneer, general signs of dish spoilage (e.g., unusual discoloration, separation of ingredients, sour taste).

How to Check

  1. Smell Test: Smell the entire dish for any sour, rancid, or unpleasant odors.

  2. Visual Inspection: Look for any mold growth on the paneer or other components. Check for any unusual color changes.

  3. Texture Check: Observe if the paneer pieces have become slimy or excessively soft.

Storage Tips

Cool cooked dishes containing paneer rapidly (within 2 hours) before refrigerating. Store in a clean, airtight container to prevent cross-contamination and maintain quality.