Tag: Paneer soda

Despite its potentially confusing name, paneer soda contains absolutely no Indian cottage cheese, a fact that surprises many. The reason why is called paneer soda is a delightful linguistic quirk rooted in South Indian tradition, where the word "paneer" refers to fragrant rose water.

While some commercial products are marketed as healthy, with potential probiotic benefits, others are little more than flavored sugar water. The phrase "paneer soda" can refer to either a fermented probiotic drink made from cheese whey or a sweet rose-flavored carbonated beverage. This disparity in composition is crucial for understanding its actual health impact.

With its refreshing floral aroma and vibrant color, paneer soda is a popular summer beverage in South India. The primary components of this sparkling drink are typically rose essence (from the Tamil word 'panneer' meaning rose water), carbonated water, and, in most traditional and commercial preparations, a significant amount of sugar.

In many parts of South India, a beverage called "paneer soda" is a nostalgic and refreshing street-side drink. It is important to note, however, that this traditional drink is made with rose water, not with the whey leftover from making Indian cottage cheese (paneer). The question, "Can we drink paneer soda?" often confuses the aromatic rose drink with consuming leftover dairy whey.