Difference between Cheese and Paneer

Cheese and paneer are two types of dairy products. People often confuse cheese with paneer as they look alike from outside. Although cheese and paneer share some features, they are different from each other in terms of their nature, nutrition and preparation. Let us see how they differ from each other!

Cheese:

Cheese is made from the milk of cow, buffalo, goat etc., by the process of acidification. Bacteria cause acidification of the milk and define the texture and flavour of the cheese. It can be produced in various shapes, textures and flavours. There are more than 300 varieties of cheese that are available in different flavours.

Cheese has a high concentration of fat and calories so it is not a suitable for people suffering from heart problems. It also has a high concentration of protein than paneer so it is good for people who want to gain weight and muscles. Further, it contains more calcium than paneer so it is good for the bones.

Cheese can be stored for long periods of time as compared to paneer. It can be stored from two to six months in the freezer. The preparation of cheese involves emulsification that allows it to stay fresh for long periods of time.

Paneer:

It is a domestic form of cheese that is also known as cottage cheese. It is also made from milk by it to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then adding an acid to coagulate milk. A lemon juice or vinegar can be used as acids to coagulate milk. In India and Pakistan, it is called paneer, whereas, in most of the other countries, it is called cottage cheese. However, in Orissa and Bengal, it is called Chhena or Chhana.

Paneer has a low concentration of fats and calories so it is good for people suffering from heart disorders. The preparation of paneer does not involve emulsification that makes paneer a highly perishable product. So, it cannot be stored for long periods of time and you have to consume it within 2 or 3 days. You can change the water of paneer to increase its life.

Based on the above fact, some of the key differences between cheese and paneer are as follows:

Cheese	Paneer
It is made from the milk by the process of acidification.	It is made by curdling heated milk with acids like lemon juice, vinegar etc.
It has more fat and calories than paneer.	It has less fat and calories than cheese.
It is not perishable, so can be stored for long periods of time, around 2 to 6 months in a freezer.	It is a highly perishable product, so cannot be stored for long periods of time, i.e. it should be consumed within 2 or 3 days.
Its preparation involves emulsification.	Its preparation does not involve emulsification.
It has more protein and calcium than paneer.	It has less protein and calcium than cheese.
Some popular cheese recipe: cheese pizza, cheese pasta, Garlic cheese bombs, cheese fondue etc.	Some popular paneer recipe: shahi paneer, mattar paneer, paneer tikka, kadai paneer etc.