כַּשְׁרוּת
Kosher Guide
A searchable everyday reference. Always defer to your local rabbi for halachic decisions.
Beef
KosherMust be shechted; check for hechsher.
Lamb
KosherGoat
KosherVenison (deer)
KosherRarely available with proper shechita.
Chicken
KosherTurkey
KosherDuck
KosherGoose
KosherPork / bacon / ham
Not kosherPigs do not chew cud.
Rabbit / hare
Not kosherCamel
Not kosherHorse
Not kosherBirds of prey (eagle, owl, hawk)
Not kosherGelatin (animal)
Check labelPork-derived is forbidden; kosher fish/beef gelatin available.
Salmon
KosherHas fins and scales — parve.
Tuna
KosherCod
KosherTilapia
KosherHerring
KosherCarp
KosherSardines
KosherTrout
KosherAnchovies
KosherShrimp / prawns
Not kosherLobster
Not kosherCrab
Not kosherOysters / mussels / clams
Not kosherSquid / octopus
Not kosherCatfish
Not kosherNo scales.
Eel
Not kosherShark
Not kosherSturgeon / caviar
Not kosherDisputed; mainstream halacha forbids.
Swordfish
Check labelDisputed among authorities.
Cow's milk
KosherSome require chalav Yisrael.
Yogurt
KosherCheck additives like gelatin.
Hard cheese
Check labelRequires reliable hechsher (rennet issue).
Cottage cheese
KosherButter
KosherIce cream (commercial)
Check labelConfirm hechsher and emulsifiers.
Whey protein
Check labelApples, pears, oranges
KosherAll fresh fruits are kosher; wash to avoid bugs.
Bananas
KosherBerries (strawberries, raspberries)
Check labelWash carefully — bug infestation concern.
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
Check labelMust be inspected for insects.
Broccoli & cauliflower
Check labelBug check required.
Carrots, onions, potatoes
KosherTomatoes, cucumbers, peppers
KosherAvocado
KosherMushrooms
KosherDates, figs, dried fruit
Check labelOpen and inspect for insects.
Grapes (fresh)
KosherWine / grape juice
Check labelMust be kosher-certified (mevushal often preferred).
Bread (commercial)
Check labelNeed hechsher; pas Yisrael preferred by some.
Pasta (egg or plain)
Check labelRice, quinoa, oats
KosherAvoid on Pesach unless certified (kitniyot).
Matzah
KosherUse 'kosher for Passover' on Pesach.
Flour
KosherBagels (commercial)
Check labelChocolate (plain)
Check labelHechsher needed; may be dairy.
Marshmallows
Check labelOften pork gelatin; kosher versions exist.
Gummies / jelly candies
Check labelGelatin issue.
Potato chips (plain)
Check labelFlavorings may not be kosher.
Pretzels
Check labelHoney
KosherGranola bars
Check labelCoffee (plain)
KosherTea (plain)
KosherSoda
Check labelMost major brands are kosher; check label.
Beer (plain)
KosherFlavored beers need hechsher.
Whiskey, vodka (plain)
KosherAged in non-kosher casks may be questioned.
Liqueurs
Check labelOften need hechsher (dairy/cream).
Locusts (specific species)
Check labelYemenite tradition only; most communities forbid.
All other insects
Not kosherFrogs, snails, reptiles
Not kosherWaiting times after meat
Custom varies by community.
1 hour
Dutch
3 hours
German
6 hours
Most Ashkenazi
6 hours
Chabad / Sephardi