Kosher Trends
Natural Sweeteners
Ingredion and Cargill, both OU kosher-certified, are reshaping the natural sweetener market. Through advanced technologies, Ingredion is extracting key components from the stevia plant while maintaining its viability. Cargill is using precise fermentation to increase stevia production. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia, with an inherent sweet taste and no calories, comes from plants. Another popular natural […]
3D Food Printing
In conjunction with AI, 3D printing is changing the food landscape. Algorithms calculate the best tastes, textures and nutritional profiles, and those components are inserted into a 3D printer that delivers a perfect product. Once created, it’s easily replicated. 3D food printing factories already exist, and it’s being widely used in the alternative protein market. […]
Store-Brand Products
Price points for private-label products found in brick-and-mortar stores often come in at a discount. Because manufacturers can produce private-label products in bulk, negotiate with established suppliers and streamline operations, these products enjoy reduced costs. Through niche brand creation, consumer trust and easy accessibility, store brands are growing in popularity. Aldi leads the North American […]
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 […]
Whole Foods 2025 Trend Forecast and Matching OU Kosher Products
Whole Foods Market has unveiled its 2025 food trend predictions, spotlighting global flavors, sustainable practices, and nutrient-rich innovations. These trends harmonize with the growing range of OU kosher-certified products, underscoring how kosher certification aligns with modern consumer demands. This alignment offers food manufacturers opportunities to innovate while expanding into diverse markets such as halal, vegan, […]
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 […]
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. […]