Have you ever eaten kosher food? That's food which conforms to the Jewish dietary regulations of kashrut. These regulations forbid consuming pork or shellfish of any kind, for example. Meat from other animals, such as cows and lamb, are OK provided
restrictions1 are met. But they must be
slaughtered2 according to set guidelines. All kosher rulings are
overseen3 by trained rabbis from a kosher certification agency. They inspect, uphold and grant rights to label a food kosher. Ordinarily, kosher food is associated with the Jewish faith, but it's becoming very popular among non-Jews too.
According to the Jewish telegraphic agency, as of 2018 there were approximately 7.5 million Jews in the United States. But, according to a study by the
Quartz4 business news website, 41% of all packaged
foodstuffs5 there are
certified6 kosher. In fact, the global kosher food market is predicted to rise to $60 billion in annual sales by 2025 - according to PR Newswire, a press release distribution network.
Why might this be? One reason is the possible perception that kosher food is cleaner or healthier. Another is the guarantee that certain allergens, such as shellfish, will definitely not be permitted. And its
protocols7 mean anyone seeking to avoid certain animal-based ingredients, such as gelatine, can do so.
"It appeals to a more health-conscious consumer", says Menachem Lubinsky, CEO of Lubicom. They're the organiser of "Kosherfest", a two-day event that advertises itself as 'the world's largest and most attended kosher-certified products trade show'. In 2019, at its 31st event in New
Jersey8, attendance was up from the previous year by 800, and 300 new products were on display. In addition, non-Jewish-owned companies from places such as Pakistan, South Korea and Italy were in attendance.
So keep your eyes peeled for an authorised kosher
trademark9 the next time you're food shopping. Based on their popularity to date, it might not be long before we're all eating a little something kosher.