🥛 Dairy

Paneer Substitute in USA - Where to Find and Best Alternatives

Discover where to find paneer in the USA and the best substitutes available in American grocery stores. Get specific brand recommendations and store locations for authentic Indian cooking.

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Quick Answer

In the USA, you can find paneer at Indian grocery stores, Whole Foods, and some mainstream supermarkets. The best substitutes available in US stores are extra-firm tofu, halloumi, queso fresco, and ricotta salata.

Best Substitutes

Extra-Firm Tofu

1:1

Widely available in US grocery stores, excellent texture and protein content

Best for:

all paneer dishescurriesgrilled dishesstir-fries

Available at most grocery stores, press well before using

Halloumi Cheese

1:1

Available at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and specialty stores

Best for:

grilled dishespaneer tikkaspicy currieskebabs

Look for Cypriot or Greek halloumi, rinse to reduce saltiness

Queso Fresco

1:1

Mexican cheese available at most grocery stores and Latin markets

Best for:

mild curriescreamy dishesmattar paneertraditional-style dishes

Available at Walmart, Target, and most grocery stores

Ricotta Salata

1:1

Available at Italian markets and specialty cheese stores

Best for:

mild curriescreamy dishesmattar paneertraditional preparations

Look for it in the specialty cheese section of grocery stores

Paneer (Indian Stores)

1:1

Authentic paneer available at Indian grocery stores

Best for:

all paneer dishesauthentic Indian cookingtraditional recipes

Check Patel Brothers, India Bazaar, or local Indian markets

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Check Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers, India Bazaar, or local Indian markets for authentic paneer
  • 💡Whole Foods and Trader Joe's often carry halloumi cheese
  • 💡Look for extra-firm tofu in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores
  • 💡Queso fresco is usually found in the dairy section near other Mexican cheeses
  • 💡Ricotta salata is typically in the specialty cheese section
  • 💡Call ahead to Indian stores to check paneer availability
  • 💡Some Costco locations carry halloumi cheese in bulk
  • 💡Check the international section of larger grocery stores for paneer

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find where to buy paneer in the USA and discover the best substitutes available in American grocery stores. Get store recommendations and brand suggestions for authentic Indian cooking.