Paneer is a well-known dairy product, and tofu is a dairy-free cheese that beats paneer when it comes to health. Both seem to be almost the same in appearance but differ in nutritional content. Both are mild, soft, and white. However, the significant difference between the two is that paneer is made from animal milk, whereas Tofu is a soybean product and is free from animal-based ingredients.
Know the Difference
Let us highlight some more details about paneer and Tofu.
As said earlier, paneer is created from the milk of buffalo or cow, which is soured using lime juice or some other acid. Indian cottage cheese is the other name for paneer. One can recall the American cottage cheese with the mild taste of paneer. Paneer or cottage cheese is a very typical Asian cuisine, and its texture differs from spongy, soft, to somewhat firm.
On the contrary, Tofu is a soy milk product and does not contain any animal ingredient. It is soured just like a paneer, and one can get different textures of Tofu that involve firm and extra-firm Tofu. Tofu initially originated in China and is now consumed in different parts of the world. Soups and stir-fries are the most common tofu dishes.
This blog presents the significant differences and similarities between a soya milk product- Tofu, and a dairy product- paneer.
A Brief Comparison of Tofu and Paneer
1) Nutritional Content
Protein is the leading nutrition found in both paneer and Tofu. Micronutrients are also present in distinct quantities in these products. The amount of protein in Tofu is higher as compared with paneer. This is because of the complex process of making Tofu. Both Tofu and paneer contain calcium. However, Tofu has other nutrients like vitamin B1 and amino acids, and on the other hand, paneer has potassium and magnesium as other nutrients.
Tofu has zero cholesterol levels, whereas there is 90mg cholesterol in 100gms paneer. The calorie content in Tofu is below 100 with no added fatty calories, whereas in 100gms paneer, the calorie content is above 300 with 200 additional calories from its fats.
By viewing the details above, it is found that Tofu, also known as bean curd, is healthier than paneer. However, if you are allergic to soybeans, you should opt for paneer, and if you are allergic to dairy products, then Tofu is the best non-dairy vegan delicacy.
2) Weight Loss
Now, we are aware of the significant differences and similarities between Tofu and paneer according to the nutritional content. Both Tofu and paneer are the source of protein with the difference in their amount of nutrition content. As stated above, the calorie content in paneer is higher than that of Tofu.The people who are conscious of their weight must prefer Tofu over paneer to maintain a healthy weight.
Midas Soy will be the best option to get fresh Tofu that is healthy and hygienically prepared and will support you in a desirable weight loss.
3) Taste
Let us now come to the taste of dairy-based and soy products. Tofu and paneer don’t taste similar. Tofu does not have a taste of its own. It lacks flavour. However, it takes the flavour into whatever marinated or seasoned in. This aspect is also true of paneer, but Tofu does it significantly better. The taste of paneer is sour and milky, whereas Tofu has a bean taste.
4) Other Benefits
Tofu is the best meat alternative and the best paneer substitute that helps reduce weight and helps maintain cholesterol levels. It is relatively higher in iron content than paneer and is recommended to people with a low haemoglobin level.
What’s the Conclusion?
Tofu is healthier than paneer in various aspects, as described above. Paneer holds cholesterol and Trans fats that are not good for a healthy diet. It would be best to stick to Tofu for its many health benefits and healthy living.
