How much is 300 ml paneer butter masala: A comprehensive guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

While liquid measurements for food can be deceiving, 300 ml of ready-to-eat paneer butter masala often equates to a serving size of 300 grams. This serving can contain anywhere from 200 to over 600 calories, depending on the richness and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the typical calorie count, weight, and cost associated with a 300 ml serving of paneer butter masala, comparing homemade versus restaurant versions and offering nutritional information.

Key Points

Weight Equivalence: 300 ml of paneer butter masala is roughly equivalent to 300 grams, though density can cause slight variations.
Calorie Variability: Calorie content can range dramatically from ~200 to over 600 calories per 300 ml serving, depending on preparation.
Cost Depends on Source: The price is cheapest when homemade, moderate for ready-to-eat packets, and highest for restaurant orders.
Health Control: Cooking at home provides maximum control over ingredients, allowing for healthier modifications like using less fat and incorporating low-fat dairy.
Comparison Factors: The main differences between homemade, restaurant, and ready-to-eat versions are cost, calorie count, ingredients, and convenience.

Understanding 300 ml Paneer Butter Masala: A Calorie and Cost Analysis

When we talk about a 300 ml serving of paneer butter masala, we're not just measuring volume; we're considering a complex mix of ingredients that determine its nutritional and financial value. The density of the creamy, rich gravy and the solid paneer cubes means that 300 ml is roughly equivalent to 300 grams, a standard single-serving size for many packaged foods. However, this is a generalization, as the exact weight can vary based on the specific recipe's thickness and the proportion of paneer to gravy.

The Nutritional Breakdown

The most significant variation comes from the nutritional content. A restaurant-style preparation, which is often generous with butter, cream, and oil, will be significantly higher in calories and fat than a homemade version or a commercially prepared 'light' variety. The calorie count can range dramatically, with some sources listing a single serving over 600 calories, while others report it closer to 200 calories. This huge discrepancy highlights the importance of knowing how your food is prepared.

Key ingredients like paneer provide a good source of protein and calcium, but they also contribute to the overall fat content. The masala base, made from tomatoes, onions, and cashews, also adds its own blend of nutrients and fats. The addition of butter and fresh cream is what gives the dish its signature richness but also drastically increases its caloric density.

The Price Point

The cost of 300 ml paneer butter masala is also highly variable. A ready-to-eat packet from a brand like MTR might cost around ₹100-₹150 in India, which is an extremely economical option for a quick meal. On the other hand, ordering a single serving from a restaurant, whether for dine-in or delivery, will be substantially more expensive. This is due to the overhead costs, labor, and higher-quality or fresher ingredients used. Making it at home offers the most control over both ingredients and cost, often proving to be the most budget-friendly option if you already have the basic spices.

Homemade vs. Restaurant vs. Ready-to-Eat: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Paneer Butter Masala	Restaurant-Style Paneer Butter Masala	Ready-to-Eat (e.g., MTR)
Cost per 300 ml	Low (Ingredients cost only)	High (Markup for labor, ambiance)	Moderate (Lower than restaurant)
Calories (approx.)	Variable (You control richness)	High (Rich with butter and cream)	Moderate (Standardized recipes)
Ingredients	Fresh & customizable	High-quality fresh ingredients	Standardized, may contain preservatives
Preparation Time	30-60 minutes	Immediate service	< 10 minutes
Nutritional Control	Maximum	Minimum (Unknown ingredients)	Moderate (Nutrition label available)

The Impact of Ingredients and Preparation

Homemade: The beauty of cooking at home is the ability to customize. You can use less oil, swap full-fat cream for a lower-fat version, or use a higher proportion of paneer. You can also control the amount of sugar and salt, making it a healthier option.
Restaurant-Style: Known for its indulgent taste, restaurant paneer butter masala is formulated to be rich and flavorful. This almost always means a higher calorie count due to generous amounts of fat. While delicious, it should be considered a treat rather than a regular meal if you are watching your calorie intake.
Ready-to-Eat: Products like MTR provide a convenient, pre-portioned meal. The nutritional information is available on the packaging, allowing you to make an informed choice. While a time-saver, these can contain added preservatives or be higher in sodium than a fresh meal.

Tips for a Healthier 300 ml Serving

If you are aiming for a healthier version without sacrificing taste, there are several modifications you can make:

Reduce Fat: Use less butter and oil when preparing the base. Sautéing the onions and tomatoes with just a little bit of oil will still develop flavor.
Use Low-Fat Dairy: Substitute fresh cream with low-fat yogurt or a small amount of cashew paste to thicken the gravy naturally.
Boost Protein: Add more paneer or mix in some green peas, as suggested by some recipes, to increase the protein content and make the meal more filling.
Increase Vegetables: Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or capsicums can boost the nutrient content without adding significant calories. For additional tips on cooking healthier Indian food, you can refer to resources like Tarla Dalal's website.

Conclusion

A 300 ml serving of paneer butter masala is a complex dish whose cost, weight, and nutritional value are not fixed but vary significantly based on preparation method. It is approximately 300 grams and can range from 200 to over 600 calories. While a restaurant portion might be an indulgent, calorie-rich meal, a ready-to-eat packet offers a quick, standardized option. For maximum control over cost and health benefits, preparing the dish at home is the best approach, allowing you to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary goals while still enjoying this classic Indian favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for 300 ml of paneer butter masala can vary widely based on the recipe and preparation. It can range from approximately 200-250 calories for a lighter, homemade version to over 600 calories for a rich, restaurant-style serving with extra cream and butter.

Yes, 300 ml is generally considered a standard single-serving size for a main course like paneer butter masala, particularly for ready-to-eat packets.

For creamy dishes like paneer butter masala, the liquid volume (ml) is a very close approximation of the weight (grams), so 300 ml is roughly equal to 300 grams.

No, a ready-to-eat packet often lists nutritional information, providing more clarity. Restaurant versions are typically much richer, using more butter and cream, which means a higher calorie and fat content.

The price for a 300g (approx. 300 ml) packet of a brand like MTR can be around ₹100-₹150, depending on the retailer and offers.

To reduce calories, use less butter and oil, and substitute fresh cream with a moderate amount of low-fat yogurt or a cashew paste to achieve a creamy consistency.

The primary factors affecting the nutritional value are the amount of butter, cream, and oil used in the gravy. The quality and proportion of paneer also play a role, but the fat content from dairy is the biggest variable.