All About Paneer cheese
Your complete guide to paneer cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Paneer cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for paneer cheese 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.
unopened fridge1-2 weeks past 'best by' date, or as indicated on packaging
Signs of Spoilage
Bloated packaging, visible mold (green, black, pink spots), strong sour or yeasty odor, yellowing or grayish discoloration.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any signs of puffiness or air accumulation, which suggests bacterial activity. Check for any mold growth through the packaging. Give it a sniff upon opening; a fresh paneer has a mild, milky, slightly tangy scent. A strong sour, ammonia-like, or putrid smell indicates spoilage. The texture should be firm but slightly springy.
Storage Tips
Always refer to the 'use by' or 'best by' date on the package. Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator for optimal freshness.
opened fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (fuzzy green, black, or pink patches), strong sour, yeasty, or ammonia-like odor, slimy or sticky texture, significant yellowing or grayish discoloration.
How to Check
Visually check for any mold. Smell the paneer; a distinct sour, off, or unpleasant odor is a clear sign of spoilage. Touch the surface; if it feels slimy, overly soft, or unusually crumbly (not the natural crumbly texture of some paneer), it's likely gone bad. If in doubt, it's best to discard.
Storage Tips
Once opened, store paneer in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out, absorbing fridge odors, and to limit bacterial exposure. You can also store it submerged in fresh, cold water (changed daily) in an airtight container to extend freshness by a day or two, though this isn't as common for paneer as for other fresh cheeses.
freezer3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
While spoilage is rare in the freezer, quality degradation can occur: significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), extremely crumbly or mealy texture after thawing, noticeable loss of flavor. It should not have any off-smell after thawing.
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure it's fresh. After thawing, visually check for freezer burn. The texture might be slightly more crumbly or less firm than fresh paneer, but it should not be mushy or rubbery. Smell for any off-odors after it has fully thawed; it should have a mild, fresh scent.
Storage Tips
For best results, cut paneer into desired portion sizes before freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. While freezing can alter the texture slightly, making it a bit more crumbly, it remains safe and excellent for cooking, especially in curries where it will soften.