There’s always a lingering fear when you’re buying spices, paneer or even flour from markets. After all, news such as countries banning the sale of MDH and Everest spices due to the presence of a carcinogenic pesticide doesn’t make it any easier. 
 
In India, FSSAI and other agencies have conducted multiple raids revealing shocking conditions in which vegetables, fruits, and spices are stored and used.

Adding to the problem, fake spices have been found in the market, made from rotten leaves, spoiled millets, rice powder, wood dust, and low-grade oils. These adulterated spices not only lack nutrition and flavour but can also be harmful to health. This highlights the urgent need for consumers to be vigilant, check for authenticity, and buy food items from trusted sources.

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Food adulterated is not unheard of. It usually increases during festivals as many vendors use synthetic milk, khoya, paneer, for sweets to fulfil huge demand. This adulteration has reached our homes as well. As a matter of fact, half of the edible items present in your kitchen may be adulterated. A 2023 report by Authentication Solution Providers Association revealed that 27 per cent of the buyers in India were unaware that the product was counterfeit at the time of purchase. With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne diseases annually – almost 1 in 10 people in the world fall ill after eating counterfeit food. 

As per findings, in India, the Food Regulator (FSSAI) analysed a total of 1,06,459 samples across the country and found over 15.8 per cent of food samples as sub-standard, 3.7 per cent unsafe, and nine per cent mislabeled during the year 2018-19.

The question remains: How do you know if you’re buying the real deal or not? Let’s find a list of food items with tips or tests to detect synthetic edible products. 

 

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Simple Tips to Spot Fake Food Items

1. Paneer: It is the first love of almost all vegetarians. Derived after curdling cow or buffalo milk and separating solids from whey, paneer or cottage cheese are must-have food items in the kitchen. But, sadly it has been adulterated as many lookalikes or fake products have taken the shelf. In India, synthetic or "analogue" paneer is allowed by law, but it must be clearly labeled as non-dairy, according to the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The problem of fake paneer isn’t new. In 2024, Zomato faced backlash for selling "analogue paneer" through its business-to-business (B2B) service. Many people were concerned about its quality and whether it was properly labeled. The worst part is that paneer is made up of starch and oils which we all are consuming every day. No wonder, the rise of health issues in the country is skyrocketing. 

To ensure authenticity of the paneer, do these 3 tests:

• Iodine Test: Boil a small piece of paneer in water, let it cool, and then add a few drops of iodine tincture. If the paneer turns blue, it indicates the presence of starch, suggesting adulteration. ​
• Dal Test: After boiling the paneer, let it cool in water, then add some toor dal and let it rest for 10 minutes. If the water turns light red, it may indicate contamination with urea.
• Texture and Aroma Examination: Gently press the paneer between your fingers and smell it.​ Authentic paneer should be soft, slightly crumbly, and have a fresh, milky aroma. If it feels rubbery, overly smooth, or lacks the characteristic milky scent, it is likely to be adulterated.

 

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2. Honey: With the rising demand for honey, the market is flooded with unauthentic versions. Fake honey is often mixed with sugar syrup, glucose, or even corn syrup to increase volume and preservatives to mimic the taste and aroma of natural honey. Consumption of adulterated honey increases sugar intake, which can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes. 

Tips to spot adulterated honey:

• Water Test: Drop a spoonful of honey in a glass of water. Pure honey will settle at the bottom without dissolving, while fake honey will mix easily.
• Paper Test: Spread a drop of honey on a paper towel. Pure honey won’t be absorbed quickly, but fake honey, due to added water, will leave a wet mark.

3. Mawa: Authentic mawa is made by slow-cooking full-fat milk until it thickens into thick solids with a creamy texture. This traditional dairy product is widely used in sweets and desserts. However, the market is flooded with fake mawa, where starch is added to bulk up the quantity and cut costs. Consuming adulterated mawa can lead to digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. 

A simple test to detect fake mawa is adding a few drops of iodine solution. If it turns blue, it contains starch. Avoid mawa that appears unnaturally white or excessively soft.

4. Milk: Milk adulteration is a major issue, with some sellers adding water, detergent, synthetic milk, or even starch to increase volume. Some brands even claim to have real buffalo milk, but all it contains is dairy whitener. Consuming such contaminated milk can lead to severe health problems, including food poisoning and stomach disorders. 

• To check for purity, rub a drop of milk between your fingers. If it's pure, milk feels smooth, while fake milk leaves a soapy or greasy texture. 
• Heat milk pot and let it boil. If it thickens, it is pure. whereas adulterated milk remains watery. 

 

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5. Ghee: Formulated by churning butter and slow-cooking it to extract aromatic fat rich in fatty acids, pure ghee enhances digestion, boosts immunity, and is a staple in many traditional dishes. However, fake ghee is often mixed with vanaspati (hydrogenated fats) or animal fats, which can be harmful to health. 

Purity test

• Heating: To test purity, heat a spoonful of ghee to melt into a clear golden liquid and solidify uniformly when cooled, whereas adulterated ghee leaves a white residue. 

 

6. Spices: Spices such as turmeric, chili powder, and coriander are obtained from dried seeds, roots, and herbs, known for their strong flavors and medicinal benefits. However, Many ground spices available in the market are often adulterated with artificial dyes, brick powder, lead salts, or even harmful synthetic colors to improve their appearance. Turmeric can be found mixed with corn. Nutmeg is frequently blended with inexpensive pepper. Oregano may actually contain ground-up weeds.

Purity test

• Sprinkle a small amount in water. Pure spices settle at the bottom, while adulterated ones release pigment or float. 
• Another test for turmeric is mixing it with water and rubbing it on the palm. If it leaves a bright yellow stain, it's pure, whereas fake turmeric leaves an orange or reddish tint. 

 

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7. Sugar: Pure white sugar is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets, where the juice is extracted, crystallised, and refined to create white granules. It is an essential ingredient in many foods and beverages, providing instant energy. However, low-quality or fake sugar is sometimes mixed with washing soda or powdered white stones to increase weight and quantity. 

Purity test

• Dissolve a small amount of sugar in water. If sugar dissolves completely, then it is pure sugar. Adulterated  sugar may leave residue behind. 

8. Cheese: Cheese is traditionally made by curdling milk with natural acids. The process is similar to paneer and provides calcium, protein, and essential fats. However, the processed cheeses available in the market are mixed with excessive starch as a filler to reduce production costs.  

Purity test

• Dip a small piece of cheese into iodine solution; if it turns blue, it contains starch. 
• Another sign of poor-quality cheese is an overly stretchy, rubbery texture. 

 

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9. Coffee: Original coffee is made from roasted and ground coffee beans, with a strong aroma, rich flavor, and natural antioxidants. However, counterfeit coffee is often mixed with tamarind seed powder, chicory, or even date seed powder to increase bulk and reduce costs. 

Purity test

• Sprinkle a little coffee powder in a glass of water. If it floats, it is real coffee. If it doesn't then it may sink. 
• Additionally, pure coffee has a uniform fine texture. The best way to ensure quality is to buy whole beans and grind them fresh at home.

10. Cooking Oil: Pure cooking oils, such as mustard, coconut, and olive oil, are extracted through cold pressing or refining, providing essential fatty acids and nutrients. Low-quality oils are mixed with toxic argemone oil, which can cause severe health issues, including heart disease and food poisoning. 

Purity test

• Add a few drops of nitric acid to the oil and shake. If the mixture turns reddish, it contains harmful substances. 
• Another method is rubbing the oil between fingers. Pure oil feels smooth, while adulterated oil may leave a sticky residue. 

 

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Things to Look For Before Buying Food Products

• Check Labels: First, look for FSSAI, AGMARK, or other relevant food safety certifications on packaged products.
• Buy from Trusted Brands: Purchase dairy, oils, and other perishable items from reputed brands only.
• Choose Whole & Raw Ingredients: Opt for whole spices, coffee beans, and fresh dairy instead of pre-ground or highly processed versions. Better to grind them at home to ensure its purity. 
• Avoid Unnaturally Bright Appearance: Overly white sugar, glowing turmeric, or extra shiny cheese may indicate chemical adulteration.

With rising food adulteration, it’s essential to be a conscious consumer. Fake food not only lacks nutrients but can also cause serious health risks over time. By following simple tests, choosing trusted sources, and staying aware of deceptive practices, you can protect yourself and your family from harmful substances. 

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.