All Your Kosher Certification Food & Beverage Industry Product Trends
Marketing & Branding Year End Wrap-Up

Is The Letter K Really a Trademark? Can They Do That? (Part 2)
November 2022
Part 2 of 2: Avoid These 9 Trademark Infringements with Kosher Certification A couple of weeks ago we told you about two thirds of the most important misuse scenarios using the OK Kosher Symbol.  Those are specific to when your ...
4 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

A photo of a classic British breakfast, consisting of soft boiled egg spread on toast, with a mug of English tea in a Union Jack mug, set against a darkened background. Representative of a meal that's eligible for Kosher Certification in the UK.

Considering Kosher Certification in the UK?
January 2023
How can the most widespread food claim in the USA benefit UK companies? By Rabbi Yehuda Pink MSc, Field Representative for OK Kosher Certification As a UK-based Field Representative for OK Kosher Certification, I often encounter people who labour under ...
5 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

A close-up photo of a piece of paper with "2022" printed on it.

OK Kosher 2022 Year-End Wrap-Up
December 2022
As we close the calendar year, we’re gifting you with a recap of Kosher in 2022. Valuing our Employees First off, a moment of gratitude.  This year, we all saw the economy take a downward turn, leading to mass layoffs ...
4 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Rubber stamped image on paper depicting the OK Kosher Certification Mark and a label stating "Registered Trademark"

Is The Letter K Really a Trademark? Can They Do That? (Part 1)
November 2022
Part 1 of 2: Avoid These 9 Trademark Infringements with Kosher Certification Kosher supervision and its associated kosher symbol, or certification mark are two distinct things.  That’s right.  Even the letter K itself becomes questionable when referring to a product’s ...
7 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Image of a palm tree with a waning moon in the background

What’s the Problem with Palm Oil?
July 2022
The Implications of Palm Oil: Exploring What’s Practical, Ethical, and Kosher. Food industry professionals aren’t the only ones talking about one of the world’s most common food commodities: palm oil.  It seems everyone from economists to the eco-conscious have taken ...
10 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Analytics chart depicting ROI in kosher certification

Kosher Certification? It’s Not Worth Your Investment, Without Checking These 5 Boxes.
June 2022
How to tell when there’s ROI in kosher certification, and when not to bother. Yep – you’re reading a post from a major, international kosher certifier here – that’s no secret.  This is our arena, and that’s precisely why you ...
6 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Why Maxwell House’s Ad Executive Pushed Kosher-For-Passover Certification
April 2022
How the Nashville Hotel Coffee became a Household Name via the Fabric of American Jewishness. There’s just no convincing you that Kosher-for-Passover certification is something your customers will care about if they’re, well…not Jewish.  Which, if you’re like most food ...
13 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Image of a scoop of collagen powder

We Won’t Approve Most Kosher Collagen (or Gelatin). Yes, Even When it Says it’s Kosher.
February 2022
You asked, and we delivered.  One of the most common questions we get from companies looking to get kosher certified is why we don’t approve certain ingredients. Even when they have kosher certification.  And perhaps you’ve found yourself here on ...
11 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Inspecting spinach for infestation - a reason you may need kosher certification for your brand..

Why Do I Need Kosher Certification for My Brand?
January 2022
Check out the top 5 reasons you wouldn’t expect to need kosher certification for your company. When compiling a portfolio of certifications, you need to predict and provide what your customers are already looking for.  But it can be daunting ...
7 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

A graphically interesting shot of pretzels layed out on a red surface.

More Plant-Based Brands are Going Kosher (and Vice Versa). Here’s Why.
December 2021
What’s all the hype with classifying foods as plant-based?  From meat replacements, to vegan cheeses and everything non-animal in between, ‘plant-based’ has become a staple household term by now.  Even products with no likeness to anything of animal origin seem ...
8 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Two professionals reviewing onboarding documents and data for kosher onboarding

Kosher Onboarding Success and How to Make it Yours.
November 2021
Raw material, ingredient and product data submission. Onboarding is one of those buzzwords in the business world, and refers to what we used to call “setup.”  But to its credit, the term really speaks to the effort and care we ...
12 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Person's Hand Filling in a Quiz Paper

Self-Assessment Quiz: Is Kosher Certification Right for Our Company?
September 2021
With so many certifications out there, it can be confusing to decide which ones matter most. The choice of whether or not to become kosher certified takes into account several considerations. Take our self-assessment quiz to understand whether your company ...
1 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Checking Logs on an Unannounced Visit

Why Are Kosher Inspection Visits Unannounced?
August 2021
When it comes to kosher inspections, there’s a connection between the element of surprise and regulatory integrity. One distinct feature of kosher certification is the unannounced visit.  For the biggest names in food production, third party audits are a matter ...
11 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Pistachios with a Clean Label

Millennials Seek Clean Labels, and Lean Further into Kosher Certification.
July 2021
The world’s largest consumer base holds transparency as top priority, keeping both these standard sets in high demand.  Can they help your brand too? In 2020, Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996, according to one definition[i]) have surpassed Baby ...
6 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Marketing Kosher Certification

So You’ve Got Kosher Certification. Now What?
March 2021
Marketing Kosher: Leverage it to Get the Brand Recognition You Want. The OK Kosher trademarked logo is a very strong marketing tool.  So much so, that many make the mistake of thinking a product with the OK symbol will automatically ...
5 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Coronavirus COVID-19 Masks

Resources to Support Your Kosher Program During COVID-19 and Beyond
August 2020
The Coronavirus pandemic certainly has had a full spectrum of effects on many people.  We sincerely hope that you’re all faring well.  Knowing how crucial kosher certification is to manufacturers and consumers alike, we’re making efforts to adapt to the ...
2 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

CBD is Leading in Kosher Product Trends for 2020

Kosher Product Trends for 2020
January 2020
As another successful year at OK Kosher comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the close to 200 newly certified companies, hundreds of Private Labels and added manufacturing sites for existing clients now part of the OK Kosher family!  And ...
2 min read. Read More

Ilana Klein

Advantages to consider in growing your kosher program

3 Advantages to Consider for Your OK Kosher Programs
December 2019
As your partners in kosher certification, OK Kosher appreciates the deep commitment that you have invested in your program with.  We want to honor that and continue to help you grow.  Here are three advantages to consider in maintaining your ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Sticker For New Brands with a Private Label for Kosher Applications

Kosher Private Label Applications – Now Automated.
September 2018
Kosher Private Label Applications – Now Automated. For your kosher convenience. At OK Kosher, we provide thousands of food and beverage companies with quality services for their kosher certification needs.  To that end, we’ve recently automated the OK Kosher private ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Large, Digital, Gold Numbers Changing from 2017 to 2018

QuicKosher January 2018
January 2018
Dear OK Kosher Client, We hope you are having a great start to 2018! For OK Kosher, 2017 has been another year of continued improvement and growth in all areas.  We are happy to share with you that we have hired additional ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Four Red Blocks With Numbers Changing From 2017 to 2018

Kosher in 2016, Looking Ahead to 2017 and Beyond
December 2016
OK Kosher Certification recognizes that this is a busy time of year, as you deal with the demands of closing 2016 on a high and driving to achieve all of your targets. 2017 is around the corner and brings another ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Someone Looking at the FDA Nutritional Label on a Food Product in a Store

Can the FDA’s label changes be an opportunity for your brand?
September 2016
Dear OK Kosher Customer, As you may know, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has taken a major step by requiring updated nutritional information for most packaged foods sold in the United States. This new regulation means that most ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher Best Practices

Best Practices in Kosher Compliance
September 2015
Kosher Best Practices to Thrive in Certification Customers often ask for kosher best practices, wondering what it takes to run effective kosher programs in between visits.  Therefore, we want to outline some basics to get your company up and running with ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher Contact Person

Making the Most of Your Annual Visit
May 2015
As part of OK Kosher’s efforts to assure the highest quality standards and achieve the maximum level of service, our leadership team has developed a set of principles and framework to achieve quality assurance. A primary goal and guiding principle ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Tips and Insights for Smarter Kosher Decisions
March 2015
The eight-day festival of Passover is fast approaching. This year Passover is April 3-11. It commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. For more info on Passover and its implications for kosher standards, please refer to ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Bottles On A Factory Line With the OK Kosher Manual for Manufacturing Facilities

OK Kosher Releases Innovative Updated Plant Manual
July 2014
The OK has revised its comprehensive “how to” manual for kosher certified facilities.   OK Kosher believes that communication is essential to the effective development of a kosher program. To this end, the purpose of this manual is to direct you, ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Kosher's Award for Best of Brooklyn 2014 in Kosher Foods

OK Kosher Selected for Best of Brooklyn 2014 Award
April 2014
Brooklyn Award Program Honors the Achievement   BROOKLYN April 23, 2014 OK Kosher Certification has been selected for the 2014 Best of Brooklyn Award in the Kosher Food Products category by the Brooklyn Award Program.   Each year, the Brooklyn ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Bowl of Fermented Red Carmine Powder for Kosher Food Creation

Fermented Red – A Game Changer?
February 2014
Courtesy of Chr. Hansen   Ed. Note: Carmine, a popular red colorant, is not kosher due to the prohibition of insect derived foods. A synthetic version is a major contribution to kosher food production.   The ability to produce natural ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Black & White Wooden Welcome Sign with Cursive Font

Welcome to the New QuicKosher!
January 2014
Update: As of June 2021, our blog is Kosher Certainly! 2013 was a year of continued growth at the OK, with hundreds of newly certified customers and ongoing service to our current customer base. This year we are revamping QuicKosher ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

The Advantages of Letting Consumers Know Your Product is Kosher
November 2013
The economy is tight, expenses are always growing, and now, more than ever, every dollar counts. Every company has a budget – ingredients, packaging, staff, advertising, certifications – and each category is assigned a dollar amount, for many companies an ...
1 min read. Read More

Rabbi Eli Lando

Adding a New Ingredient to Your List of Approved Ingredients
September 2013
New ingredients are added to your list of approved ingredients by submitting a New Ingredient Application. There are two ways to submit the application – by faxing or emailing the application and kosher letter to the OK office, or by ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Four Yoplait Kosher Certified Greek Yogurts in Different Flavors

Yoplait Greek Yogurts Now Kosher Certified by OK Kosher
September 2013
Yoplait Greek 100, Liberté Greek and Liberté Méditerranée are now OK Kosher Certified. Greek 100, Yoplait’s hottest product in decades, appeals to health conscious consumers and those who enjoy its thick texture.   The recently released blended Yoplait Greek 100 ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Launches New Website
September 2013
We are pleased to announce that our new website has officially launched. We have completely redesigned our layout with simplicity, ease of use, and a strong focus on kosher information. The new website features three distinct sections, targeting the kosher ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher Group System of Ingredient Receiving

Kosher 101: What are the Kosher Groups?
June 2013
Kosher groups are a way of classifying different types of kosher ingredients. A Group 1 ingredient does not require a kosher certificate or kosher symbol. A Group 2 ingredient requires a kosher certificate, but no kosher symbol printed on the ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Angelic Bakehouse Kosher Certified Sprouted Seven Grain Bread

Sprouting a Successful Future
June 2013
GMO-­‐FREE GRAINS, NATIONAL KOSHER CERTIFICATION AND NEW NAME POSITION CYBROS THE SPROUTED BAKEHOUSE FOR CONTINUED GROWTH Cybros the Sprouted Bakehouse, a leading producer of fresh sprouted grain breads, today announced that it will use only non-­genetically modified grains, natural sunflower ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Terressentia Fine Beverages Goes Kosher
June 2013
Terressentia, maker of unique, locally produced flavored alcoholic beverages, recently entered into a kosher certification agreement with OK Kosher Certification. The newly kosher certified products, under the brand name Local Choice, include Vodka, Strawberry Kiwi Flavored Vodka, Espresso Flavored Vodka, ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Holds Annual Rabbinic Conference
December 2012
Recently, the OK held its annual Mashgiach Conference at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, NY. Over 150 OK personnel and mashgichim were in attendance, including many from around the world.   Highlight of the Conference The OK honored two ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Digital Depiction of A Management System Such As DigitalKosher That Is "Fast, Efficient, Secure, Global, Paperless

Kosher 101: What is a Kosher Formula?
December 2012
A kosher formula is the recipe for a specific product we certify certified. Each ingredient is listed, along with its kosher certificate, and the method of production is noted. We do not require the amounts of each ingredient used and ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Sweet Tammy’s Wins Kosherfest Award
December 2012
With a slogan of “Our ovens are always warm, and you are always welcome,” its no wonder that Sweet Tammy’s is known for its mouthwatering, kosher and dairy-free baked goods. They were recently recognized for their dedication to superb taste ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Visits Kellogg Company For Innovative Kosher Education Seminar
December 2012
On November 27, Rabbi Chaim Fogelman and Rabbi Yankel Wilschanski represented OK Kosher Certification at Kellogg Company’s headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan for an innovative kosher education seminar. Kellogg is always looking for ways to improve its kosher program and ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

HomeFree Wins About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award For Best Allergy Friendly Sweets
April 2012
Windham, NH (PRWEB) HomeFree, LLC recently announced that HomeFree cookies have been selected as the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award winner for best allergy friendly sweets. Now in its fifth year, the About.com Readers’ Choice Awards honor the best products, ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher 101: Kosher Equipment
April 2012
In addition to the requirement that all ingredients (including anti-foam and other production aids) used to make a kosher product must be certified kosher, the equipment used to produce the product must meet kosher requirements as well. As previously discussed, ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

What Can the OK Do For You? Digital Kosher Tip #1
April 2012
DigitalKosher has added another layer of flexibility for customers that wish to create their own custom kosher certificates online. In addition to the ability to create a certificate with all your items on it, you can also click to “Create ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Exter BV: Pure Taste From the Authentic Kitchen
January 2012
Savor the authentic taste of traditional cuisine. The flavor of food of days gone by. That’s the essence of Exter. The pure flavor of traditional food made from ingredients sourced from nature and the farm. Food cooked like your grandmother ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Kosher Certification Held Its 13th International Annual Mashgiach Conference
January 2012
On Monday, 2 Kislev (November 28), OK Kosher Certification held its 13th annual International Mashgiach Conference in Chovevei Torah in Brooklyn, NY. Over 150 OK personnel and rabbis were in attendance, including rabbis from Japan, India, Greece, Israel, Poland, Germany, ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Post® Cereals and OK Kosher Certification – Providing the Best to the Kosher Consumer
January 2012
One of the greatest accomplishments of the kosher food industry was making mainstream products in the commercial cereal market kosher. When I think of breakfast cereal, the iconic Post® logo immediately comes to mind – that ubiquitous red oval logo ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Serving Your Company into 2012 and Beyond
January 2012
As we begin the new year of 2012, we at OK Kosher Certification would like to thank you for another exciting year.  We are proud to serve your kosher programs and take great pleasure in the many new projects we ...
1 min read. Read More

Rabbi Eli Lando

OK Kosher Releases 2nd iPhone App
May 2011
The OK is always at the forefront of merging technology with kosher certification. From computerized product and ingredient data storage, to online access to thousands of kosher certificates, the OK takes pride in its high tech, user-friendly kosher database. Recently, ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

As Passover Nears, These Rabbis Are Getting Out Their Blowtorches
May 2011
*Originally published in The Wall Street Journal. We are told that Rabbi Chaim Fogelman, Director of Education and Editor-in-Chief of Kosher Spirit, is the second orthodox rabbi to ever grace its front cover. Working 24/6 to Get the Leavened Bread ...
5 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Kosher Meets with ConAgra CEO
January 2011
Late in August, Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, CEO of OK Kosher Supervision (also known as “Circle K Kosher”) presented ConAgra Foods CEO Gary Rodkin with a plaque recognizing more than four decades of collaboration between the two firms. But it ...
3 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Services, Features and Benefits – Part 3
January 2011
1. Ability for multiple personnel to access your kosher data online. You have control over adding or deleting authorized users to your DigitalKosher account. Allow specified personnel to add/remove data, including ingredients and formulas, as well as alter the viewing ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher 101: What is a kosher ingredient?
January 2011
A kosher ingredient is one that is certified by a reputable kosher certification agency and approved for use by the OK. Application for: Receiving: The receiving department must check all incoming ingredients for kosher products to ensure that they are ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Welcome, Rabbi Eli Lando!
January 2011
Rabbi Eli Lando recently joined the staff of the OK as Chief Customer Relations Officer. Rabbi Lando was born and raised in Israel where he received ordination as a rabbi.  Rabbi Lando is also a graduate of UBC Business Sauder ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

UAS Laboratories Joins Legion of Thousands of OK Kosher Certified Companies
July 2010
UAS Laboratories, Inc., “The Probiotic Company”, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is one of the latest additions to OK Kosher Certification’s legion of kosher certified companies. UAS specializes in production of probiotics and other supplements, including acidophilus, coenzyme Q-10, joint ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

New Product, New Formula Form Changes
June 2010
The OK has recently updated the Application for New Product or Formula and the form for Approved Ingredient in Stock with Expired Kosher Certificate. The best, most efficient way to submit information to the OK is through DigitalKosher. If you ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Kosher 101: What is Kosher Meat?
June 2010
A kosher meat product must be derived from a permissible animal that has both split hooves and chews its cud. Kosher animals are cows, sheep, goats, venison, chickens, turkeys, duck and geese. In addition, the meat must be slaughtered by ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Services, Features and Benefits – Part 2
June 2010
Online real-time access to your product list. Download your list as an Excel document and view all of the data behind certificates and products, including: labeler information, production location, kosher status and restrictions. All changes to products (i.e. name change, ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Picture of a Barcode with "OK Food Guide" Over Top

Important Information About the Kosher Food Guide
January 2010
One of the great features of the OK website is the Kosher Food Guide (KFG). This guide is continuously updated with newly certified products, providing you with maximum exposure to kosher consumers. Each time you submit an Application for New ...
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

A pareve (neutral) product is made from inherently kosher or kosher certified ingredients that are neither meat, nor dairy. Some examples of pareve ingredients are raw fruits & vegetables, flour, sugar, kosher fish, and eggs.

What Does Pareve Mean?
January 2010
A pareve (neutral) product is made from inherently kosher or kosher certified ingredients that are neither meat, nor dairy. Some examples of pareve ingredients are raw fruits & vegetables, flour, sugar, kosher fish, and eggs.
1 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Services, Features and Benefits – Part 1
January 2010
The free benefits of being associated with the OK (which are unparalleled in the industry) are geared to increase your bottom line. OK Kosher Certification is a globally recognized brand and registered trademark, relied on by millions of consumers around ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

NY Area Costco Stores Honored by OK Kosher
January 2010
Where can you find high-end food products, combined with top-notch kosher supervision and warehouse prices? Five Costco stores in the New York area provide this unique, niche product line, serving a large community of price-conscious and kosher-conscious consumers. For over ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

OK Kosher Certification – Three Generations at the Forefront of the Food Industry
September 2009
In 1935, today’s food industry – diversified corporations, complex production processes and international brands – was just beginning to take form, with the marketing strategies that have propelled the growth of its greatest companies. Among its target markets was the ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

The Oldest Diet is the Latest Trend…
September 2009
Every few years, nutritional discoveries provide the food industry with hot new trends – propelling sales and building brands positioned to capitalize. The latest? “Kosher,” reports an industry analyst, is “becoming the ‘new organic’ certification for consumers.” The hottest new ...
2 min read. Read More

Dina Fraenkel

Your Place for Fresh Reads on Kosher Certification.