India, Jan. 6 -- Winter meals often focus on foods that help maintain steady energy during shorter days and slower routines. Protein becomes especially important during this season, and vegetarian households frequently turn to paneer or soya chunks to meet daily needs. Comparing soya vs paneer helps clarify which option suits winter eating habits built around balance, affordability, and nutrition.

Soya chunks are made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of soybean oil extraction. Soybeans originated in East Asia over 3,000 years ago and were valued for their protein content long before modern food processing. Soya chunks entered Indian kitchens in the late 20th century as a plant-based protein option that could be stored easily and coo...