FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curious about what kosher really means?
Whether you’re a lifelong kosher observer or simply looking for food that aligns with your dietary or lifestyle preferences, we’re here to help. Kosher Michigan believes that kosher food should be accessible, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Here, we answer some of the most common questions people have about kosher products, certification, and how it all works.
What does “kosher” mean?
“Kosher” refers to foods that comply with Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. These laws dictate permissible foods and their preparation methods. Kosher certification ensures that a product meets these standards.
Does kosher food taste better or is it healthier?
While kosher certification doesn’t guarantee better taste or health benefits, many consumers associate kosher products with higher cleanliness and quality standards due to the rigorous inspection processes involved.
Why do Jewish people keep kosher?
Not all Jewish people observe the kosher laws. There are also levels of observance among Jewish people from different cultural backgrounds, geographic locations, and religious denominations. Similarly, Jewish people may cite different reasons why they keep kosher. Generally, Jewish people observe kosher laws because these laws have the weight of biblical commandments from God. Some Jewish people may observe these laws because it is part of their heritage, or due to communal or familial expectations.
Why do non-Jewish consumers buy kosher products?
Approximately 80% of kosher consumers are not Jewish. Reasons include dietary restrictions (e.g., lactose intolerance, vegetarianism), perceived quality assurance, and religious practices like halal, which often align with kosher standards.
Are Orthodox rabbis the only ones who can certify foods as kosher?
Orthodox rabbis have long had a monopoly on the certification and supervision of kosher food, however, this is no longer the case. Throughout the United States, rabbis of other religious denominations are certifying kosher food products, stores, and restaurants at a growing rate. The largest kosher certification company remains the Union of Orthodox Rabbis, but there is much competition in the kosher certification world. In 2008, Rabbi Jason Miller founded the Kosher Michigan certification agency and it has grown in the ensuing years throughout North America and into India and the Middle East. As an ordained Conservative rabbi, Miller maintains that the Orthodox establishment of Judaism does not have a right to a monopoly on kosher certification. Kosher certification should be trusted and determined on a case by case basis, not simply by identification in any one denomination of Judaism.
Why are there so many kosher symbols?
A kosher symbol on a food product (or other kitchen and household products) indicates that the product is certified as kosher by an agency. The symbol indicates which agency certifies the product. Throughout the world, there are hundreds of kosher certification companies, and thus, hundreds of symbols. To know which symbols to trust for your community, contact your local rabbinic authority.
How can I identify kosher products?
Look for a kosher certification symbol, known as a hechsher, on product packaging. Kosher Michigan’s symbol is the “KM” seal. These symbols indicate that a product has been inspected and approved by a kosher certifying agency.
Are vegan or vegetarian products automatically kosher?
Not necessarily. Even plant-based products can be processed on equipment that handles non-kosher items or contain additives that aren’t kosher. Certification ensures all aspects of production meet kosher standards.