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How Much Protein in Paneer (Per 100 g) — Nutrition, Benefits and How to Include It in Your Diet

Quick Answer: Paneer is a high-protein vegetarian food that provides approximately 18 to 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. It is a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids, calcium, and healthy fats. Paneer supports muscle growth, bone health, satiety, and overall nutrition, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and fitness enthusiasts.

If you are wondering how much protein in paneer you can get from a regular serving, the answer is around 18 to 20 grams per 100 grams of paneer. Paneer is one of the most popular dairy-based vegetarian protein sources in India and across the world. It is not only high in protein but also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and essential nutrients. Whether you are a vegetarian, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking to improve your nutrition, knowing how much protein in paneer and how to include it in your daily meals can make a significant difference in your diet. In this article, we will explore paneer’s nutrition, health benefits, ways to incorporate it into your diet, and answer the most common questions about this versatile food.

What Is Paneer?

Paneer is fresh, soft, non-melting cheese made by curdling milk using lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid. It is a staple in Indian households and is highly versatile in cooking. Paneer is available as homemade or store-bought varieties and is made from cow or buffalo milk. It is celebrated not only for its high protein content but also for its mild taste, creamy texture, and ability to absorb flavors from spices and sauces. For many vegetarians, paneer serves as a reliable source of protein in a diet that may otherwise lack animal-based proteins.

Paneer is easy to digest, making it suitable for children, adults, and even the elderly. Its high protein content, combined with essential minerals like calcium, makes it a functional food that supports both nutrition and fitness goals. If you are interested in understanding how to incorporate protein-rich foods like paneer into structured meal plans, a professional dietician course in india can help you build strong expertise in clinical nutrition, diet planning, and client counselling.

How Much Protein in Paneer?

Paneer Protein Per 100 g

The protein content in paneer can vary slightly depending on the type of milk used, whether it is homemade or store-bought, and the firmness of the paneer. On average, 100 grams of paneer provides between 18 and 20 grams of protein.

  • Homemade paneer from cow milk provides around 18 to 19 grams of protein per 100 grams
  • Homemade paneer from buffalo milk provides slightly more, around 19 to 20 grams per 100 grams
  • Store-bought paneer usually contains 17 to 19 grams of protein per 100 grams

The protein in paneer is of high quality and considered a complete protein because it contains all essential amino acids, which are crucial for the body’s growth, repair, and overall functioning.

Factors Affecting Protein Content in Paneer

Several factors can influence how much protein in paneer is present in a serving:

  • The type of milk used: Buffalo milk paneer generally has higher protein than cow milk paneer
  • The firmness of the paneer: Firmer paneer retains more protein and less moisture
  • Homemade vs store-bought: Homemade paneer tends to be more nutrient-dense as it often contains less water and no preservatives

Paneer Nutrition Facts Beyond Protein

While protein is the primary highlight, paneer also offers a range of other nutrients essential for health. Here is the nutritional composition per 100 grams of paneer:

  • Protein: 18 to 20 grams
  • Fat: 20 to 22 grams
  • Calories: 265 to 300 kcal
  • Calcium: 200 to 250 mg
  • Phosphorus: 180 mg
  • Vitamin B12: 0.7 micrograms

Paneer provides a balanced combination of macronutrients and micronutrients. Its high protein content supports muscle repair and growth, while calcium and phosphorus promote strong bones. The fats in paneer help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and provide long-lasting satiety, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

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Why Paneer Is a Great Protein Source

Complete Protein for Vegetarians

Paneer contains all nine essential amino acids required by the human body, making it a complete protein source. For vegetarians who do not consume meat or eggs, paneer is an indispensable part of the diet. Its protein is also highly digestible compared to many plant-based sources, which may contain antinutritional factors.

Supports Fitness and Muscle Growth

Protein in paneer is vital for muscle repair and strength. Consuming paneer after workouts provides amino acids that help rebuild damaged muscle fibers and support lean muscle development. Fitness enthusiasts often include paneer in shakes, salads, and meals to reach their daily protein goals. If you want to better understand workout programming, recovery nutrition, and muscle development strategies, enrolling in a professional certified fitness trainer course can help you build practical coaching skills along with strong foundational knowledge in fitness science.

Other Benefits of Paneer

  • Supports bone health due to its high calcium content
  • Provides long-lasting satiety, aiding in weight management
  • Can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, from curries and salads to snacks and desserts
  • Offers essential micronutrients like phosphorus and vitamin B12

How to Incorporate Paneer Into Your Diet

Here are several practical ways to include paneer in your daily meals to ensure adequate protein intake:

  • Breakfast: Paneer omelette or cottage cheese smoothie
  • Lunch: Paneer salad with vegetables and quinoa
  • Snacks: Grilled paneer skewers or spicy paneer cubes
  • Curries: Palak paneer, paneer butter masala, or paneer tikka masala
  • Wraps: Whole-grain wraps with paneer and vegetables
  • Desserts: Paneer-based sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, or cottage cheese pudding
  • Quick Protein Boost: Snack on raw paneer cubes with herbs and spices
  • Dinner: Paneer stir-fry with vegetables or added to soups for extra protein

Regularly incorporating paneer into meals ensures that vegetarians and fitness enthusiasts can easily meet their daily protein requirements while enjoying delicious dishes.

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Conclusion

Understanding how much protein in paneer is in each serving helps vegetarians, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals optimize their diets. With approximately 18 to 20 grams of protein per 100 grams, paneer is a complete, versatile, and nutrient-dense protein source. Including paneer regularly can support muscle growth, bone health, satiety, and overall well-being.

By knowing the exact protein content and how to include paneer in daily meals, you can enjoy its nutritional benefits while meeting your fitness and health goals effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1: How much protein in paneer should I eat daily?

To meet daily protein requirements, adults can consume 100 to 200 grams of paneer per day. This provides approximately 18 to 40 grams of protein, which can be combined with other protein sources like legumes, nuts, and dairy for a balanced diet.

Yes, paneer is an excellent protein source for vegetarians aiming for muscle growth. Its complete amino acid profile supports muscle repair, recovery, and lean muscle development when combined with resistance training.

Yes, paneer contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This is particularly beneficial for vegetarians who may not get complete proteins from plant-based foods alone.

Paneer can support weight management. Its protein and fat content promote satiety, reducing overall calorie intake. Portion control is essential to avoid excess calories, but paneer is effective for maintaining muscle mass while losing fat.

Homemade paneer usually has slightly higher protein content and less water than store-bought varieties. Store-bought paneer may contain additives and higher moisture, slightly reducing its protein per 100 grams.

Paneer generally contains higher protein per 100 grams than tofu and also provides calcium, which supports bone health. For vegetarians seeking high-quality protein, paneer is often the preferred choice.

Paneer can be added to meals like salads, wraps, curries, stir-fries, and snacks. Consuming 100 to 200 grams of paneer daily alongside other protein sources ensures sufficient protein intake.

While paneer is a significant protein source, relying solely on it is not recommended. Combining paneer with legumes, nuts, seeds, and other dairy ensures a complete and balanced protein intake.

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