For some Jews, keeping kosher is an essential aspect of their daily lives. And even though Kosher dietary laws (called “kashrut”) have been a cornerstone of Jewish tradition, there can still be misconceptions and misunderstandings about how we prepare and consume our food when it comes to keeping kosher. Whether for religious reasons or personal choice, keeping kosher remains a significant aspect of many people’s lives. We found the top 10 myths on the internet surrounding kosher dietary laws and set out to debunk them to give you the straight facts.

Myth 1: A Rabbi Must Bless The Food To Make It Kosher

The Real Story: This is a widely circulating myth on the internet but it’s important to remember that there is no blessing anyone can say to make a food magically kosher. A rabbi will inspect and supervise that foods at a restaurant or food processing plant are adhering to the laws of kashrut, but there is no blessing involved (people online may be confusing this with the blessing said before meals, but this blessing is not what makes the food kosher as the food must already meet the requirements of kashrut to be considered kosher). Furthermore, rabbis can have varying interpretations of kashrut laws. Some may be more lenient in certain areas, while others may be more strict in their interpretations. 

Myth 2: All Jewish People Keep Kosher

The Real Story: Not all Jewish people keep kosher and moreover, keeping kosher is not only for religious Jews. The level of kosher observance varies among Jews who practice, with some strictly adhering to the laws and others following a more lenient approach. It varies from person to person and family to family. And while Orthodox Jews are generally more observant of kosher laws, there are also varying levels of strictness within Orthodoxy. Some may follow a higher level of kashrut known as “mehadrin” or “glatt kosher,” (see here for our glossary of helpful kosher terms) while others may observe a more standard level of kashrut.

Myth 3: Kosher Food Is Expensive  

The Real Story: While some specialty kosher products can be more expensive due to the extra certification costs or labeling, many everyday foods are comparable in price to their non-kosher counterparts. The availability of kosher products has increased in recent years, so stores such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and neighborhood grocery stores carry kosher products, and this has also led to more competitive pricing so it’s less expensive to buy kosher-certified foods than it once was.

Myth 4: Kosher Wine Must Be Red

The Real Story: Kosher wine is not limited to being red or only being of specific varietals. There are kosher white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The key factor is the process of winemaking, which involves making sure no non-kosher additives or equipment are used in producing the wine. Much like the myth that kosher food is expensive, the kosher wine market has grown and there are a ton of options to suit not only your palate but your pocketbook as well.

Myth 5: All Kosher Food Is Healthy

The Real Story: Kosher food can range from extremely healthy to less healthy, just like any other type of cuisine, and there are kosher “junk foods” too (Oreos, M&Ms, and Pringles are just a few examples). The kosher label simply indicates that the food passes the test of kashrut regarding ingredients, preparation, and serving. It doesn’t mean that the food is low in fat, calories, or sugar.

Myth 6: All Foods Need Kosher Certification

The Real Story: While some products, like meat and wine, require strict kosher certification, not all foods need certification. Some examples include fruits, vegetables, and grains, which are naturally kosher. Processed and packaged foods often require certification to ensure they adhere to kosher laws, however, there are some well-known, reputable brands that people rely on that are considered kosher without the specific certification.

Myth 7: Kosher Food Is Only For Jewish People 

The Real Story: While kosher dietary laws do indeed originate from Judaism, many people—Jewish or not—choose to eat kosher food. Some reasons include better quality, cleanliness, or ethical considerations; or because it’s easier for kosher friends and family to eat in their home when hosting.

Myth 8: Kosher Laws Have Never Changed 

The Real Story: Kosher laws have actually changed through the years, due to the changes in food production, distribution, and availability. Modern kosher certification agencies (of which there are many; see the next myth) work to keep up with these changes and accommodate new products, technologies, and dietary practices while maintaining the core principles of kashrut.

Myth 9: Kosher Certification Is A Universal Process

The Real Story: Not all kosher certifications meet the same stringent standards. There are trusted and well-established certification agencies, such as the Orthodox Union (OU), STAR-K, or OK Kosher, which are known for their rigorous supervision and reliability. A kosher symbol on a food product or kitchen or household product indicates that the item is certified as kosher by an agency. The symbol indicates which agency certifies the product. There are hundreds of kosher certification companies, and that means hundreds of symbols. Our video series, OU & You, can help with questions regarding kosher certification and keeping kosher. 

Myth 10: Dairy And Meat Can Never Mix In The Kitchen And Two Separate Kitchens Are Required To Keep Kosher

The Real Story: Dairy and meat cannot be cooked or eaten together, but keeping kosher doesn’t mean that you need a separate kitchen for dairy and meat. You do need separate utensils, dishes, and cooking equipment for dairy and meat dishes, and carefully clean everything in between uses to avoid cross-contamination. Some people also wait a specified amount of time between consuming dairy and meat products. 

With the advance in technology, vegan meats and cheeses, as long as they are kosher, can be mixed together on your plate if you choose to do so (example: burger with vegan cheese or soy sausage on pizza). 

Kosher Myths Debunked

The 10 myths addressed here will hopefully shed some light on common misconceptions surrounding the observance of kosher dietary laws and provide a deeper understanding of its intricacies. Keeping kosher remains an essential aspect of Jewish life and there is importance in not only understanding and respecting these traditions, but by learning what’s myth vs. fact, we can help others better understand these traditions tied to our culture.