Moneycontrol News March 4, 2024
Paneer and tofu are great sources of protein. While, paneer has been mainly used in Indian cuisine while making curries, parathas and snacks, among others, tofu has been a quintessence of Oriental cuisines like Chinese, Thai and Japanese.
There has, however, been a conscious effort to include tofu in Indian preparations as a vegan replacement for paneer.
Made with soybean milk, tofu is prepared by curdling soy milk and is believed to be a low-calorie substitute for regular cottage cheese or paneer, a better option for people trying to lose weight.
Tofu is also a good source of calcium, which helps in strengthening overall health and immunity. And, unlike paneer, people with lactose intolerance can have tofu without any discomfort.
Soy milk is rich in healthy carbs, essential amino acids, vitamin B1 and low in fats, which makes tofu a healthier alternative for weight watchers, diabetics, and fitness enthusiasts.
In fact, 100 grams of tofu contains 76 calories, whereas 100 grams of paneer may contain 260 calories.
Paneer is a good source of milk fats, but does not contain vitamin B1 and essential amino acids, whereas soy milk is rich in both and is rich in selenium, manganese, and dietary fibers.
In terms of taste and texture, however, paneer is a better choice. It is also the preferred option for people planning to build muscles because it contains high amounts of calcium and protein.
But if you are looking to cut down on calories, then tofu is undeniably a much healthier and nutrient-rich alternative compared to fat-rich paneer.