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Brachot List

You can use this list of common foods to determine the correct brachot (blessings) on the foods you eat. Provided by the rabbis of OU Kosher, the largest American kosher certification agency. Click here to learn more about the meaning behind brachot and the text of the brachot.

FoodBracha RishonaBracha Achrona Comments
Baked Goods  Back to Top ^^
EclairMezonotAl Hamichya 
Angel Food CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Apple CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Apple StrudelMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than apple, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the apple. To say an Al Hamichya one must eat a kezayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the apple, the dough becomes subordinate to the apple and only Ha’eitz.
BagelHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
BrowniesMezonotAl Hamichya 
Bun (Bread)HamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Bun (Cake)MezonotAl Hamichya 
Butter CookiesMezonotAl Hamichya 
CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
CheesecakeMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than cheese, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the cheese. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the cheese, the dough becomes subordinate to the cheese and only Shehakol need be said.
Cherry Pie or CakeMezonotAl HamichyaTo say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes).
Chocolate ÉclairMezonotAl Hamichya 
Chocolate CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Coffee CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
CookiesMezonotAl Hamichya 
Corn BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Corn Muffin (no wheat)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Corn Muffin (with wheat)MezonotAl Hamichya 
Cracked Wheat BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
CrackersMezonotAl Hamichya 
CupcakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Date BreadMezonotAl Hamichya 
Devil’s Food CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
DoughnutMezonotAl Hamichya 
English MuffinHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Ezekiel BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
French BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
French ToastHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Fruit CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Garlic BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
GingerbreadMezonotAl Hamichya 
Graham CrackersMezonotAl Hamichya 
Granola BarHa’adamaBorei NefashotShulchan Aruch writes that there is stringency to try avoid eating a k’zayit of the five grains when they are ha-adamah, but if one did they say Borei Nefashot.
Griddle CakesMezonotAl Hamichya 
HamantaschenMezonotAl Hamichya 
Honey CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Italian BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
KnishMezonotAl Hamichya 
Kugel – made from potatoes or vegetablesHa’adamaBorei NefashotAs per Rav Belsky, OU posek (halacha authority) bracha rishona is ha-adamah even if made from potato flour, since today most potatoes are processed into flakes and flour. (See Mishnah Berurah 202:42-44.)
Kugel – made from riceMezonotAl Hamichya 
Kugel – made from challah or lokshenMezonotAl Hamichya 
MacaronShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MacaroonShehakolBorei NefashotUnless made with flour of one of the five grains, in which case Mezonot is required.
MatzoHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Melba ToastHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Mezonot Bread or RollHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Mince PieMezonotAl Hamichya 
MuffinMezonotAl Hamichya 
NapoleonMezonotAl Hamichya 
Onion Bread or RollHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Onion CrackersMezonotAl Hamichya 
PastryMezonotAl Hamichya 
Peach PieMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than peaches, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the peaches. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a kezayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the peaches, the dough becomes subordinate to the peaches and only Ha’eitz need be said.
PieMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than pie filling, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the pie filling. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a kezayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the pie filling, the dough becomes subordinate to the filling and only Ha’eitz need be said.
Pie CrustMezonotAl Hamichya 
Plum PieMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than plums, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the plums. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a kezayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the plums, the dough becomes subordinate to the plums and only Ha’eitz need be said.
Pound CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
PretzelsMezonotAl Hamichya 
Pumpernickel BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Pumpkin PieMezonotAl Hamichya 
Raisin BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Raisin CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Rice KugelMezonotAl Hamichya 
RollHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Rye BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Sandwich (bread)HamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Soft PretzelsHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Sponge CakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Strawberry ShortcakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
StrudelMezonotAl Hamichya 
Toast (bread)Hamotzi  
TortillaShehakolBorei NefashotSince it is made of maize flour.
WaffleMezonotAl Hamichya 
Wheat BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Wheat CakesMezonotAl Hamichya 
White BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Whole Wheat BreadHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
WrapsHamotziBirkat HamazonIf one were to eat a plain wrap (unfilled) then it would be mezonos. Because it is not the way people eat this, this is a chisaron in the tzuras hapas. But if one were to eat a filled wrap with tuna or cheese etc… then the proper bracha would be Hamotzi.
ZwiebackHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Beverages  Back to Top ^^
Alcoholic Beverages (except grape wine)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
AleShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Apple Juice/CiderShehakolBorei Nefashot 
BeerShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Blackberry BrandyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
BourbonShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Blackberry BrandyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
BrandyShehakolBorei NefashotEven though it is made from wine, since it is distilled, it becomes Shehakol.
ButtermilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Carbonated SodaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Carbonated WaterShehakolBorei Nefashot 
ChampagneHagafenAl Hagafen 
Chocolate MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CiderShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CocktailShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CocoaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CoffeeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CognacShehakolBorei NefashotEven though it is made from wine, since it is distilled, it becomes Shehakol.
ColaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cranberry JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Ginger AleShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Grape Juice/ WineHagafenAl Hagafen 
Grapefruit JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Hot ChocolateShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Iced CoffeeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Iced MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Iced TeaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Lemon JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LemonadeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Lime JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LimeadeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LiqueurShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Orange JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Pineapple JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Prune JuiceShehakolBorei NefashotSince most plums are no longer grown for the purpose of making juice the bracha is Shehakol.
Raisin WineHagafenAl Hagafen 
Root BeerShehakolBorei Nefashot 
ScotchShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SeltzerShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Soda (all flavors)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Soda WaterShehakolBorei Nefashot 
TeaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Tomato JuiceShehakolBorei Nefashot 
WaterShehakolBorei Nefashot 
WhiskeyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Wine (grape)HagafenAl Hagafen 
Fruit & Nuts  Back to Top ^^
AlmondHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
AppleHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
ApricotHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
AvocadoHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
BananaHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
BlackberryHa’eitzBorei Nefashot(See Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 85). See OU Guide for Checking Fruits and Vegetables page 45.
BlueberryHa’eitzBorei NefashotSee OU Guide for Checking Fruits and Vegetables page 46.
CantaloupeHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CashewHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
CherryHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
ChestnutHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
ClementineHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
CoconutHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
CranberryHa’adamahBorei NefashotThey grow from small bushes in a bog.
CurrantHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
DateHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
EtrogHa’eitzBorei NefashotIf prepared in a tasty manner, since otherwise it is not fit for consumption.
FigHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
GooseberryHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
GrapeHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
GrapefruitHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
GuavaHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
HazelnutHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Honeydew MelonHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
KiwiHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
MangoHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
MelonHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
NectarineHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
OrangeHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Orange Peel (even if candied)ShehakolBorei Nefashot(See Mishna Berura 202:39, Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 33b)
PapayaHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PeachHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PeanutHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PearHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PecanHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Peel (of Fruits)ShehakolBorei NefashotIf part of fruit is attached to peel Ha’eitz is made.
PersimmonHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PineappleHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PistachioHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PlumHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
PomegranateHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
PruneHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Pumpkin SeedHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
QuinceHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
RaisinHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
RaspberryHa’eitzBorei NefashotSee OU Guide for Checking Fruits and Vegetables page 47.
RhubarbHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Strawberry (both wild and cultivated)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot(See Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 86). See OU Guide for Checking Fruits and Vegetables page 48.
TangerineHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
WalnutHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
WatermelonHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Desserts & Snacks  Back to Top ^^
Almonds Sugar CoatedHa’eitzBorei NefashotSince the sugar coating is subordinate to the almond, even if the amount of sugar is greater than the volume of the almond (Eliyahu Raba 204:17; P’ri Megadim, Mechaber 202:13).
Apple SauceShehakolBorei NefashotShehakol is to be said if the apples are totally pureed. This applies mostly to commercially available canned or bottled apple sauce. However, Ha’eitz applies for homemade applesauce where the applesauce is chunky.
Baked AppleHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Banana Split – For the bananaHa’adamahBorei NefashotBoth brachot must be said because neither part of the food is subordinate to the other.
Banana Split – For the ice creamShehakolBorei NefashotBoth brachot must be said because neither part of the food is subordinate to the other.
Boston Cream PieMezonotAl Hamichya 
Candy (hard)ShehakolBorei NefashotBorei Nefashot is only said if one eats a k’zayit within a kdei achillat pras (2-9 minutes) which usually is not the case.
ChocolateShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chocolate Cream PieMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the flour is made of any of the Five Principal Species. Al Hamichya is only said if a k’zayit of flour was consumed within a kdei achillat pras (2-9 minutes).
Chocolate FudgeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Coconut Cream PieMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the flour is made of any of the Five Principal Species. Al Hamichya is only said if a k’zayit of flour was consumed within a kdei achillat pras (2-9 minutes).
Corn ChipsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cotton CandyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CustardShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Custard PieMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the flour is made of any of the Five Principal Species. Al Hamichya is only said if a k’zayit of flour was consumed within a kdei achillat pras (2-9 minutes).
Gelatin-type dessertShehakolBorei Nefashot 
GumShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Gum DropsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
HalavahShehakolBorei Nefashot 
HoneyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Ice CreamShehakolBorei NefashotEven if ice cream is eaten on a cone, only Shehakol is necessary, since the cone is eaten only because of the ice cream and is clearly subordinate to it. Its purpose is actually not so much to be eaten as to hold the ice cream and to prevent the hands from becoming soiled (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 212b; Mishnah Berurah 212:5, Kaf Hachaim 15). However, if you specifically use a sugar cone because you enjoy eating it, Mezonot must also be said before eating the cone.
IcesShehakolBorei Nefashot 
JamShehakolBorei Nefashot 
JellyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
KetchupShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Licorice ExtractShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Licorice Root (natural)ShehakolBorei NefashotShehakol should be said (see Chayei Adam 51:15; Mishnah Berurah 202:76).
Licorice StickShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MarshmallowShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MarzipanShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MilkshakeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MintsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
NapoleonMezonotAl Hamichya 
Peanut Butter and Jelly SandwichHamotziBirkat Hamazon 
Peanut Butter Creamy or ChunkyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
PieMezonotAl HamichyaAs with all cakes, the dough is considered the primary ingredient and only Mezonot is necessary (Mishnah Berurah 212:1), even if there is less dough than pie filling, and even if the cake is eaten mainly because of the pie filling. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of cake within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot. On the other hand, if there is merely a thin strip of dough, which is intended just to help you handle all the pie filling, the dough becomes subordinate to the filling and only Ha’eitz need be said.
PopcornHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Potato ChipsHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PringlesHa’adamahBorei NefashotAs per Rav Belsky, since today most potatoes are processed into flakes and flour. (See Mishnah Berurah 202:42-44)
PuddingShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Rice PuddingMezonotBorei Nefashot 
Rock CandyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SherbetShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Stewed PrunesHa’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Strawberry ShortcakeMezonotAl Hamichya 
StrudelMezonotAl Hamichya 
SugarShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SundaeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SyrupShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Dairy Foods  Back to Top ^^
American CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
ButtermilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cheese BlintzesMezonotAl Hamichya 
Chocolate MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cottage CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cream CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cream with FruitSee CommentBorei NefashotIf the fruit is the main part – Ha’eitz . If the cream is the main part – Shehakol.
CustardShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Farmer CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Ice CreamShehakolBorei NefashotEven if ice cream is eaten in a cone, only Shehakol is necessary, since the cone is eaten only because of the ice cream and is clearly subordinate to it. Its purpose is actually not so much to be eaten as to hold the ice cream and to prevent the hands from becoming soiled (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 212b; Mishnah Berurah 212:5; Kaf Hachaim 15). However, if you specifically use a sugar cone because you enjoy eating it, Mezonot must also be said before eating the cone.
Macaroni and CheeseMezonotAl Hamichya 
Malted MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MilkshakeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Pizza (Meal)HamotziBirkat HamazonIt is Pat Haba’ah B’kisnin. If two slices are eaten without other foods this would constitute a Keviat Seudah for an obligation of Birkat Hamazon. If pizza is eaten with other foods, such as french fries and salad, whatever amount of bread a person would usually eat at a similar meal with other foods would constitute Keviat Seudah of pizza even if less than two slices are eaten.
Pizza (Snack)MezonotAl Hamichya 
ShamenetShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Skim MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Sour Cream or MilkShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Sweet CreamShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Swiss CheeseShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Welsh RarebitShehakolBorei NefashotBy itself. When eaten together with toast – Hamotzi is said followed by Birkat Hamazon.
Whipped CreamShehakolBorei Nefashot 
YogurtShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Vegetables & Herbs  Back to Top ^^
ArbesHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
ArtichokeHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
AsparagusHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
AubergineHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Baked BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
BeetsHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
BroccoliHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Brussel SproutsHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CabbageHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CarrotsHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CauliflowerHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CeleryHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
ChickpeasHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
ChivesShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CinnamonHa’adamahBorei Nefashot(See Sefer Halacha 1:29a)
Cole SlawHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
CorianderShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Corn on the CobHa’adamahBorei NefashotIndian corn, or maize (i.e., the type that grows on the cob) is not one of the Five Principal Species.
CucumberHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Cucumber SaladHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Dill PickleHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
EdamameHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
EggplantHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
EscaroleHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
French Fried PotatoesHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
GarlicSee CommentBorei NefashotIf eaten raw or boiled- Shehakol. Fried in oil – Ha-adamah (Mishnah Berurah 205:7; Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim I:64).
GherkinHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Ginger, if raw or dry and candiedHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Green BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Green PepperHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Hearts of PalmHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Kidney BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Lentils (cooked)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
LettuceHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Lima BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
MaizeHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Mashed PotatoesHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
MushroomShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MustardShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Nahit (chickpeas)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Nutmeg (ripe)Ha’eitzBorei Nefashot 
OliveHa’eitzAl Ha’eitz 
Onion, only if friedHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Onion, rawSee commentBorei NefashotRed onions which are normally eaten raw – Ha-adamah. If the onion is normally fried to be eaten – Shehakol.
ParsleyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
ParsnipHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PeasHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PicklesHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
PotatoHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Potato BlintzesMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the ingredients include flour made with one or more of the Five Principal Species.
Potato KnishMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the ingredients include flour made with one or more of the Five Principal Species.
Potato Kugel (homemade)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Potato Kugel (made from potato flour)Ha’adamahBorei NefashotAs per Rav Belsky, since today most potatoes are processed into flakes and flour. (See Mishnah Berurah 202:42-44)
Potato Latkes (from potato flour)Ha’adamahBorei NefashotAs per Rav Belsky, since today most potatoes are processed into flakes and flour. (See Mishnah Berurah 202:42-44)
Potato Latkes (from real potatoes)Ha’adamahBorei NefashotIf a substantial amount of flour of the Five Principal Species is used, Mezonot is required.
Potato SaladHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Potatoes, InstantHa’adamahBorei NefashotAs per Rav Belsky, since today most potatoes are processed into flakes and flour. (See Mishnah Berurah 202:42-44)
Potatoes, MashedHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
RadishHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Salad, VegetableHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
SchavHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Soya BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
SpicesShehakolBorei NefashotNo bracha if inedible
SpinachHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
SproutsHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
SquashHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
String BeansHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Sweet PotatoHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
TomatoHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
TurnipHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Tzibeles (fried onions)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
TzimmesHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
YamHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Soups  Back to Top ^^
Barley SoupMezonotAl HamichyaTo say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of barley within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot.
Bean SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Borsht (with or without potato)Ha’adamah
 
Borei Nefashot 
BouillonShehakolBorei Nefashot 
BrothShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Cabbage SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Chicken Soup (plain)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chicken Soup (with kneidlach or noodles)Mezonot + ShehakolAl Hamichya & Borei Nefashot 
ConsomméShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Corn SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Fruit Soup (if made with fruit requiring Ha’adamah)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Fruit Soup (If made with fruit requiring Ha’eitz)Ha’eitzBorei Nefashot 
Lentil SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Mushroom and Barley SoupMezonotAl HamichyaTo say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of barley within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise, one says a Borei Nefashot.
Mushroom SoupShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Noodle SoupMezonotAl Hamichya 
Onion SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Pea SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Rice SoupMezonotBorei Nefashot 
Tomato Rice SoupSee CommentBorei NefashotIf the main intention is the rice then one would say Mezonot, if one’s main intention is the tomato, one would say Ha-adamah.
Tomato SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Vegetable SoupHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Meat, Fish, & Eggs  Back to Top ^^
BeefShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Beef StewShehakolBorei Nefashot 
BolognaShehakolBorei Nefashot 
CarpShehakolBorei Nefashot 
ChickenShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chicken FricasseeShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chicken SaladShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chili Con CarneShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Chopped LiverShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Corned BeefShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Derma (Stuffed Kishke)MezonotAl HamichyaSince the ingredients include flour made from one or more of the Five Principal Species.
DuckShehakolBorei Nefashot 
EggShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Egg SaladShehakolBorei Nefashot 
FishShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Fishcake, FishstickShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Frankfurter (without bun)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Gefilte FishShehakolBorei NefashotAlthough gefilte fish may be prepared with bread crumbs or matza flour, their purpose is just to hold the ground fish and other ingredients together. Thus, only Shehakol need be said. (See also Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 208b, and Mishnah Berurah 208:8).
Hamburger (without bun)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
HerringShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Hotdog (without bun)ShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Knish with MeatMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the ingredients include flour made with one of the Five Principal Species. However, to say an Al Hamichya one must eat a k’zayit of dough within a kdei achilat pras (2-9 minutes).
LambShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Lamb Chops, StewShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LiverShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LiverwurstShehakolBorei Nefashot 
LoxShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MeatShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MeatballsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
MeatloafShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Minced Meat PieShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Mushroom OmeletShehakolBorei Nefashot 
OmeletShehakolBorei Nefashot 
PastramiShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Pickled HerringShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Pot RoastShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Roast BeefShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SalamiShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SalmonShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SardinesShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Scrambled EggsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Smoked HerringShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Smoked SalmonShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Spanish OmeletShehakolBorei Nefashot 
SteakShehakolBorei Nefashot 
TongueShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Tuna FishShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Tuna Fish SaladShehakolBorei Nefashot 
TurkeyShehakolBorei Nefashot 
VealShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Veal CutletsShehakolBorei Nefashot 
WhitefishShehakolBorei Nefashot 
Grains & Grain Products  Back to Top ^^
Bran FlakesMezonotAl Hamichya 
Buckwheat (Kashe)Ha’adamahBorei NefashotBuckwheat is not a kind of wheat, nor is it even one of the Five Principal Species. It is a legume. Therefore, neither Mezonot nor Hamotzi can be said over a product of buckwheat unless one of the Five Principal Species, such as wheat flour, even only in part, has been added to it. Thus, if you eat buckwheat alone, only Ha-adamah is said (see Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 65).
Buckwheat Muffins (with Flour of Five Principal Species)MezonotAl HamichyaAl Hamichya if k’zayit of Five Principal Species flour eaten within a kdei achillat pras (2-9 minutes). Otherwise one says Borei Nefashot.
Buckwheat Muffins (without Flour of Five Principal Species)ShehakolBorei NefashotShehakol because buckwheat no longer has its original form.
Buckwheat PancakesMezonotAl Hamichya 
ChowmeinMezonotAl Hamichya 
Corn Grits (cooked)ShehakolBorei NefashotShehakol because the corn disintegrates and loses its shape. Does not contain wheat flour.
DumplingMezonotAl Hamichya 
FarfelMezonotAl Hamichya 
FarinaMezonotAl Hamichya 
Groats (see Buckwheat)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Kashe (see Buckwheat)Ha’adamahBorei Nefashot 
Kashe VarnishkesMezonotAl Hamichya 
KishkeMezonotAl HamichyaProvided the ingredients include flour made of any of the Five Principal Species.
KneidlachMezonotAl Hamichya 
KreplachMezonotAl Hamichya 
LokshenMezonotAl Hamichya 
MacaroniMezonotAl Hamichya 
Matza BallMezonotAl Hamichya 
Matza BreiMezonotAl HamichyaProvided that none of the pieces of matza is as large as a k’zayit (i.e., about one-third of a matza). If even one piece is that large, then Hamotzi is required.
Noodle PuddingMezonotAl Hamichya 
NoodlesMezonotAl Hamichya 
Noodles for PesachShehakolBorei NefashotSince they do not contain flour made from the Five Principal Species.
OatmealMezonotAl Hamichya 
PancakesMezonotAl Hamichya 
PastaMezonotAl Hamichya 
PorridgeMezonotAl Hamichya 
Puffed WheatHa’adamahBorei NefashotIggerot Moshe O.C. IV:45 says that either Haodamah or Mezonot may be recited.
QuinoaHa’adamahBorei Nefashot 
RiceMezonotBorei Nefashot 
SpaghettiMezonotAl Hamichya 
Adapted with permission from our partner OU Kosher.