Protein In 150 gm Paneer: Complete Breakdown (With Calories, Benefits, and Diet Tips)

150 grams of paneer contain approximately 27-31.5 grams of protein and 390-480 calories, depending on the type of milk used and the preparation method.

This serving size is appropriate for muscle building, as it delivers the recommended 25–30 grams of protein per meal, as research supports.

I’ve prescribed paneer-based meal plans to thousands of patients over two decades. It remains one of the most reliable vegetarian protein sources in India.

But the confusion around how much protein 150 gm of paneer actually delivers — and whether that’s enough for your goals — is something I address in my clinic almost daily.

This guide provides the exact numbers, the science behind them, and practical advice for using paneer effectively in your diet.

#NutritionFacts #HealthyLifestyle: How Much Protein Is In 150 gm Paneer?

150 grams of full-fat paneer provide 27-31.5 grams of protein. The range exists because protein content varies by milk type, fat content, and preparation method.

Here’s how that breaks down across different paneer types:

Paneer Type
Protein per 100g
Protein in 150 gm
Calories in 150 gm

Full-fat paneer (whole milk)
18–20g
27–30g
390–480

Low-fat paneer (toned milk)
20–25g
30–37.5g
300–375

Amul Fresh Paneer
~20g
~30g
~444

Homemade paneer (whole milk)
18–21g
27–31.5g
420–480

The reason for the variation is straightforward. When you remove more fat (by using toned or skimmed milk), the protein content per 100 grams increases.

Low-fat paneer packs more protein per serving because there’s less fat.

In my clinical practice, I use 20 grams of protein per 100 grams as the standard reference for full-fat paneer.

That means 150 g of paneer provides roughly 30 g of protein, which is exactly the amount I recommend per meal for adults focused on muscle building or weight management.

Complete Nutrition Profile: What’s Inside 150 gm Paneer?

Protein isn’t the only story. Here’s the full nutritional breakdown for 150 grams of standard full-fat paneer:

Nutrient
Amount in 150 gm

Calories
390–480 kcal

Protein
27–30g

Total Fat
30–37.5g

Saturated Fat
19–24g

Carbohydrates
2–6g

Calcium
600–750 mg

Phosphorus
300–450 mg

Selenium
25–35 mcg

Zinc
3–4.5 mg

Vitamin B12
1.1–1.5 mcg

Vitamin D
0.5–1 mcg

That calcium number deserves attention. 150 gm of paneer provides roughly 60–75% of your daily calcium requirement.

For vegetarians who don’t consume bone-based foods, this is significant.

I regularly recommend paneer to patients with osteopenia or low bone density — the combination of calcium, phosphorus, and protein supports bone health in ways that supplements alone cannot match.

Paneer Protein Table: From 50 gm to 1 kg

This is the reference table I share with my patients. Pin it. Screenshot it. Use it every time you’re calculating your daily protein.

Quantity
Protein (grams)
Calories (kcal)

50 gm
9–10
130–160

100 gm
18–20
260–320

150 gm
27–30
390–480

200 gm
36–40
520–640

250 gm
45–50
650–800

300 gm
54–60
780–960

500 gm
90–100
1300–1600

1 kg
180–200
2600–3200

Notice that 150 gm is a practical one-meal serving. It gives you enough protein to trigger muscle protein synthesis without overloading on calories.

That’s why I call it the “sweet spot” for paneer portions.

Why 150 gm Is the Ideal Serving Size?

In nutrition science, there’s a concept called the “leucine threshold.”

Your muscles need a minimum amount of the amino acid leucine — about 2.5 to 3 grams per meal — to switch on muscle protein synthesis.

Research published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that hitting this threshold is more important than total daily protein alone.

150 g of paneer provides approximately 2.5-3 g of leucine. That’s right at the threshold. Eat less, and you might not trigger full muscle building.

Eat much more in a single sitting, and the excess protein doesn’t proportionally increase muscle synthesis — it just adds calories.

This is why I recommend 150 gm as the target serving for anyone focused on muscle gain, recovery, or maintaining lean mass during weight loss.

For weight loss specifically, I recommend sticking to 100–150 grams per day. For muscle gain, the range extends to 150–200 grams per day.

Beyond 200 grams, the saturated fat load becomes a concern for most people.

Paneer vs Other Vegetarian Protein Sources

My patients always ask: “How does paneer compare to other protein options?” Here’s the honest comparison per 100 grams:

Food
Protein
Calories
Fat
Carbs

Paneer (full-fat)
18–20g
260–320
20–25g
2–4g

Tofu (firm)
15–17g
140–180
8–11g
2–3g

Chole (chickpeas)
8–9g
160–170
2–3g
27g

Moong dal (cooked)
7–8g
105–115
0.5g
18g

Soya chunks (dry)
50–52g
340–350
0.5g
33g

Greek yogurt
10–12g
100–120
0–5g
4–6g

Egg (whole)
13g
155
11g
1g

Chicken breast
31g
165
3.6g
0g

Paneer sits in the middle of the protein-per-gram spectrum. It’s not as protein-dense as soya chunks or chicken.

But it offers something those foods don’t — a complete amino acid profile with high calcium, bioavailable B12, and a taste profile that works across hundreds of Indian recipes.

For my vegetarian patients aiming for 100 grams of protein per day, I typically build a plan around paneer (150 gm = 30g protein), dal (2 servings = 15g), curd/yogurt (200g = 12g), soya chunks (30g dry = 15g), and the remaining from chapati, rice, and vegetables. Paneer forms the anchor of that plan.

Is Paneer Good for Weight Loss?

Yes — with conditions. In 20 years of practice, I’ve seen paneer work well for weight loss when patients follow two rules: control portions and control cooking methods.

The protein in paneer keeps you full longer. Protein has the highest thermic effect of any macronutrient — your body uses more energy to digest it.

That means eating 150 gm of paneer burns more calories during digestion than eating the same calories from carbs or fat.

Paneer also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid studied for its role in fat metabolism.

A 2015 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that CLA supplementation supported modest reductions in body fat. Paneer is one of the few natural food sources of CLA.

The catch is the calorie density. 150 gm of paneer packs 390–480 calories. If you’re eating it fried in butter with naan, you’re adding another 400–600 calories from the preparation alone.

That’s where weight loss plans fail — not because of the paneer, but because of how it’s cooked.

My Weight Loss Recommendations for Paneer:

Stick to 100–150 gm per day. Grill, bake, or stir-fry with minimal oil.

Pair with fiber-rich vegetables — a palak paneer or paneer salad keeps you full without excess calories. Avoid deep-fried dishes such as paneer pakora during active weight loss.

Is Paneer Good for Muscle Gain?

Absolutely. Paneer is one of the best foods for muscle building in a vegetarian diet. Here’s why I recommend it to every vegetarian patient in my clinic who trains.

Paneer provides complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids your muscles need for repair and growth.

Many plant proteins are incomplete — they lack one or more essential amino acids. Paneer doesn’t have that problem.

Paneer digests slowly. The casein in paneer degrades gradually over several hours. This creates a sustained release of amino acids into your bloodstream.

That slow release is ideal for muscle recovery, especially overnight. I often recommend paneer as a dinner protein for this reason.

150 gm delivers 27–30 grams of protein — the exact range researchers recommend per meal for maximizing muscle protein synthesis.

A 2018 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition confirmed that 0.4g of protein per kg of body weight per meal optimizes muscle building.

For a 70 kg person, that’s 28 grams — which 150 gm of paneer provides.

My muscle gain recommendation: Eat 150–200 gm of paneer daily, split across 1–2 meals. Combine with resistance training. Pair with a carb source (rice or chapati) post-workout to support glycogen replenishment.

Paneer and Diabetes: What You Should Know?

Paneer has a low glycemic index. It doesn’t spike blood sugar the way rice, bread, or potatoes do.

The combination of high protein and fat slows glucose absorption, resulting in a more stable blood glucose response after meals.

I prescribe paneer regularly to my diabetic patients.

A 2019 study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that replacing high-GI foods with protein-rich options like paneer improved HbA1c levels over 12 weeks.

My recommendation for individuals with diabetes: Consume 100–150 g of paneer per day. Pair with non-starchy vegetables. Avoid paneer in sugar-heavy gravies (some restaurant-style paneer butter masala contains added sugar). Choose grilled, bhurji, or palak preparations instead.

Paneer and Bone Health

This is where paneer truly stands out. 150 gm delivers 600–750 mg of calcium — more than most supplements provide in a single tablet.

It also delivers phosphorus, which works alongside calcium for bone mineralization.

In my practice, I observe improvements in bone density among patients who consistently consume paneer as part of a calcium-rich diet.

The bioavailability of calcium from paneer is high because it is consumed in a food matrix containing protein and fat, which facilitates absorption.

For women over 40 — who face accelerated bone loss after menopause — I recommend 150 gm paneer daily alongside weight-bearing exercise.

It’s one of the most effective dietary interventions for maintaining bone density that I’ve seen in two decades.

Paneer Calories By Recipe: Popular Indian Dishes

The calories in paneer depend heavily on how you cook it. Raw paneer, at 260–320 kcal per 100 g, can double in calories when oil, butter, cream, or gravy are added.

Here are the calorie values of popular paneer dishes per 100 gm serving:

Paneer Dish
Calories per 100g
Protein per 100g
Best For

Paneer salad (stir-fried)
130–140
12g
Weight loss

Palak paneer
145–150
10g
Balanced nutrition

Paneer tikka (grilled)
145–155
12g
Muscle gain, weight loss

Paneer bhurji
170–180
13g
High-protein breakfast

Matar paneer
150–160
9g
Everyday meal

Kadai paneer
130–140
9g
Moderate calories

Shahi paneer
140–150
8g
Occasional indulgence

Paneer butter masala
215–225
9g
High calorie, occasional

Grilled paneer (plain)
270–290
18g
Maximum protein

Paneer paratha (1 pc)
165–170
5g
Breakfast, moderate use

Notice the pattern. The lighter the cooking — grilled, stir-fried, bhurji — the more protein you retain per calorie.

Heavy gravies dilute protein concentration because they add calories from cream, oil, and cashew paste without providing much protein.

Who Should Limit Paneer?

Paneer isn’t ideal for everyone. In my clinical experience, these groups should moderate or avoid paneer:

1. PCOS patients should limit paneer. It’s high in fat and calories, which can interfere with hormonal balance and ovarian function. I typically recommend tofu or lean dal as primary protein sources for PCOS patients.

2. People with high cholesterol need to watch their saturated fat. 150 gm of full-fat paneer delivers 19–24 grams of saturated fat — close to the entire daily recommended limit of 20 grams. If your LDL is elevated, switch to low-fat paneer or reduce your portion to 50–100 gm.

3. People trying to gain weight may find paneer counterproductive. Its high protein content creates satiety quickly. You feel full before you’ve eaten enough calories. For underweight patients, I recommend calorie-dense foods that don’t suppress appetite as strongly.

4. Lactose-sensitive individuals may experience bloating. Paneer has low lactose compared to milk, but it’s not zero. If you’re lactose intolerant, start with 50 gm and see how your body responds.

How to Choose the Right Paneer?

Not all paneer is equal. Here’s what I tell my patients at the grocery store.

1. Check the Ingredient List

Good paneer contains only milk and an acid (citric acid or vinegar). Some commercial brands add starch, emulsifiers, or preservatives. Avoid those.

2. Check the Protein-to-fat Ratio on the Nutrition Label

Amul Fresh Paneer lists approximately 20g protein and 22g fat per 100g. That’s a healthy ratio. Some cheaper brands have lower protein (14–16g) and higher fat (25–28g). Compare labels before buying.

3. Homemade Paneer Gives you the Most Control

Use full-cream milk for standard paneer (18–20g protein per 100g) or toned milk for higher-protein, lower-fat paneer (20–25g protein per 100g). The trade-off: homemade paneer from toned milk is firmer and slightly less creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does 150 gm paneer have?

150 gm of full-fat paneer provides approximately 27–30 grams of protein. Low-fat paneer can provide up to 37.5 grams in the same serving. The exact amount depends on the milk type and brand.

How many calories are in 150 gm paneer?

150 gm of paneer contains 390–480 calories. Low-fat paneer sits at the lower end (300–375 calories). Full-fat paneer made from whole milk is at the higher end.

Is 150 gm paneer too much per day?

For most healthy adults, 150 gm per day is fine. It delivers 27–30g protein and 390–480 calories. For weight loss, stay within 100–150 gm daily. For muscle gain, 150–200 gm works well. If you have high cholesterol or PCOS, consult your nutritionist for a personalized portion.

Can I eat 150 gm paneer every day?

Yes, as part of a balanced diet. Pair it with vegetables, whole grains, and other protein sources. Don’t rely on paneer as your only protein. Rotate with dal, curd, soya, eggs, or other options throughout the week.

Is paneer better than chicken for protein?

Gram for gram, chicken breast has more protein (31g per 100g) and less fat (3.6g) than paneer (18–20g protein, 20–25g fat per 100g). But paneer provides calcium, B12, and CLA that chicken doesn’t. For vegetarians, paneer is the closest equivalent to a high-protein animal food.

How much paneer do I need to eat to get 50 grams of protein?

You’d need approximately 250–280 grams of full-fat paneer to hit 50 grams of protein. That’s a large amount in one sitting and adds 650–900 calories. I recommend splitting it across two meals and supplementing with other protein sources.

Is low-fat paneer better than full-fat paneer?

It depends on your goal. Low-fat paneer has more protein per 100g and fewer calories — better for weight loss. Full-fat paneer has more CLA and a creamier taste — better for cooking and for people not cutting calories. Both are nutritious.

Does cooking paneer reduce its protein?

No. Cooking doesn’t destroy protein. Grilling, frying, or adding paneer to curry preserves its protein content. What changes is the total calorie count — because cooking adds oil, butter, or cream.

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My Final Recommendation #ProteinRichFood

150 gm of paneer is the serving I recommend most often. It delivers 27–30 grams of high-quality, complete protein.

It provides over 60% of your daily calcium. It keeps you full for hours. And it fits naturally into the Indian diet — from breakfast bhurji to dinner palak paneer.

The key is how you cook it and what you eat alongside it. Pair paneer with fiber (vegetables, salads). Choose lighter preparations (grilled, bhurji, tikka). Watch your total fat intake for the day.

Paneer is not a magic food. No food is. But as a protein source for vegetarians in India, I’ve seen it transform diets, support muscle building, aid weight loss, and improve bone health across thousands of patients over 20 years. It earns its place on your plate.

Eat smart. Eat paneer. But eat the right amount.