Consumer Kosher Articles
Aldi Products
Price points for private-label products found in brick-and-mortar stores are often at a discount. Through niche brand creation, consumer trust and easy accessibility, their popularity is growing. Aldi leads the North American market in terms of the number of private-label store products sold and the number of OU kosher-certified products available. In a recent article, […]
The Nomenclature of the Turkey
Is there a possible connection between Christopher Columbus and the Hebrew term for Turkey? From a linguistic and historical point of view, a connection can be drawn. In the Megillah, we know that Achashverosh ruled from Hodu until Kush. Hodu was India. When Christopher Columbus reached the shores, he thought he discovered India. Therefore, turkey […]
The Savory Mushroom
Umami, the “fifth” taste with a savory disposition and meaty-like texture, gives mushrooms their flavor. Discovered in Japan in 1908 and classified as an original taste in 1985, it’s also found in vegetables like tomatoes, as well as in other foods such as parmesan cheese and meat. Since umami foods have such a pronounced and […]
A 7-Eleven Shopping Extravaganza
I had the great fortune to engage in a 7-Eleven journey with my family to enjoy Slurpees and take advantage of select OU kosher-certified 7-Eleven products. The OU Slurpee list gives all the details necessary to know what is permissible to drink. The varied selection of products was invigorating to see. Whether you’re staying […]
Food and Fertility
Challah bakes and the blessing of children are highlights of the Jewish High Holidays but exist year-round. As Gila Block, a chocolate lover and executive director of Yesh Tikva (“There is Hope”), an organization that supports and comforts those going through the infertility struggle, explained to me: food is all about G-d’s creation process, and […]
An Eruv Tavshilin Q&A
Q: What is the reason for Eruv Tavshilin? A: When the second or eighth day of yom tov falls on Shabbat, or if Shabbat falls immediately after yom tov, it is rabbinically forbidden to cook or prepare on yom tov for Shabbat. When executed properly, an Eruv Tavshilin allows one to prepare food for Shabbat on yom tov. Interestingly, there is no Torah prohibition to […]
Pas Yisroel List For 5785 – 2024
Updated September 26, 2024 – Elul 5784 The Tur (Orach Chaim, Siman 603), based upon the Talmud Yerushalmi, cites the custom for Jews to be stringent during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva to eat exclusively ‘Pas Yisroel’ bread. Even those Jews who generally do not exclusively eat ‘Pas Yisroel’ are encouraged to accept this practice during […]
The Pistachio Chocolate Bar
Known as the Dubai bar, this pistachio-creamed milk chocolate bar is gripping the country. Easy to make, this shredded phyllo dough mixed with pistachio paste encased in milk chocolate, achieves a marked taste. Israeli-based, 7th Heaven, certified kosher by the OU, produces a dairy-free option. In terms of health, both chocolate and pistachios are filled […]
Crispy Rice Sushi Squares
Crispy rice is trending and can give your made-at-home sushi a new taste and crunch. Rabbi Chaim Goldberg, the OU fish expert, explains the kosher parameters of buying salmon in this video, and for other fish, here. In this way, you can spice up your favorite fish to be enjoyed on a crispy fried rice square. […]
Back-to-School Snack Bars
As children return to school, parents are seeking wholesome snacks to serve. Snack bars for children are a convenient option as they are manageable in size. Two OU kosher-certified companies, Kind and MadeGood, offer flavorful, nutritious and allergen-free snack bars. Their names speak to their respective values, to create a “kinder” society and “make good” […]