Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just satisfy a sweet tooth, searching for kosher candy shouldn’t be a problem! Kosher candy is manufactured and prepared according to Jewish dietary laws.
If you are an individual that wants to indulge in a delicious kosher-certified sweet licorice treat or if you are a business looking to purchase the best kosher candy in bulk, this guide will help you sort through the best options available to you.
What Does Kosher Candy Mean?
Before we dive into kosher candy, let’s get a handle on what “kosher” is. It’s a Hebrew word that essentially means “fit” or “proper”, and it’s all about some food laws that Jewish people observe. These laws, which you can read in the Torah (that’s their holy book), are designed to promote purity, health, and a sense of being spiritually good.
Kosher dietary regulations control everything from which animals are permissible to consume to cooking and food preparation equipment. For processed foods and candy, kosher certification guarantees that ingredients and processes meet these stringent dietary regulations.
Several organizations provide kosher certification, allowing consumers to be assured that a product meets these regulations.
What Makes Candy Kosher?
For candy to be kosher, several important factors must be taken into account:
1. Ingredients
The largest thing to keep in mind when thinking about whether or not a candy is kosher is ingredients. All ingredients must adhere to kosher food laws. For instance, an animal product such as gelatin must be derived from kosher animals—essentially the ones that chew their cud and have split hooves, i.e., cows and sheep.
Additionally, all additives that are not kosher are completely out of the question.
2. Dairy and Meat Separation
So, according to kosher laws, you have to keep dairy and meat separate. That includes candy. You can’t have dairy candy when you’re having meat. To make it easier for people to keep these laws, companies label their foods as “dairy,” “meat,” or “pareve” (which means it’s neither dairy nor meat).
3. Manufacturing Process
Other than ingredients, even the process of making candies counts. Equipment and facilities employed should be absolutely free from any non-kosher contamination. If a firm manufactures both kosher and non-kosher products, segregation and sanitation processes should be implemented to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Kosher Certification
The easiest way to tell if a candy is kosher is to check the packaging for a kosher certification mark. These marks are from credible kosher certifying agencies and signal that the product has been tested out and marked as kosher under the guidelines.
Kosher Candy Certification Organizations
Some of the largest agencies inspect food items such as candies to kosherize them. Some of the largest kosher certification agencies include:
Orthodox Union (OU): With one of the most common recognizable certifications, the OU mark shows a tiny “U” nested within a circle “O.”
Star-K: The Star-K is easily identifiable by the star and “K” together.
Kof-K: Easy and simple to recognize, the Kof-K stamps denote strict kosher dietary observance.
Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc): Found all over the Midwestern states, the cRc logo can be identified by a “C” in a circular frame.
Kosher Supervision of America (KSA): The KSA certification assures the product has passed the scrutiny of this extremely well-established agency.
These organizations work in conjunction with the manufacturers to ensure that the products are adhering to kosher standards strictly. If you notice one of these symbols on a candy packaging, you are certain that the product adheres to kosher food laws.
The Most Popular Kosher Candy Choices
There are tons of great kosher candy brands and products with all sorts of tastes and textures. Whether you’re marking the High Holy Days or just indulging a sweet tooth, there’s no shortage of tasty kosher-certified confections.
From classic chocolates to chewy gummies and fizzy treats, these are top kosher candies that belong on your list.
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
The jelly beans by Jelly Belly are one of the most consumed kosher candies, and for good reason. From classic fruity to quirky, there are also all kinds of amazing flavors like buttered popcorn, toasted cotton, and sweet and sour.
Kosher (OU): Kosher certification by the Orthodox Union (OU), these beans are a hit for people who follow kosher dietary laws. Whether eaten straight from the bag or used in fun candy recipes, Jelly Belly jelly beans are a go-to for any kosher candy lover.
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars have been loved by chocolate fans for more than a century — it’s a true classic. Made with smooth, creamy bars, the treats are certified kosher and ideal for snacking on the go, melting into s’mores, or giving to friends and family during the holiday season.
Hershey’s has also been trusted in the confectionery world for their chocolate’s quality and rich flavor. If you want a classic bar or choose a variation such as Hershey’s with almonds, you can’t go wrong with this iconic kosher-certified chocolate.
Twizzlers
One of the most popular chewy licorice candies is Twizzlers, which is surprisingly kosher as well. These pliable, fruity snacks come in an assortment of flavors, such as strawberry and cherry, along with more unique options like chocolate or watermelon.
Twizzlers are ideal for snacking during a movie night, cramming in lunchboxes, or divvying up among friends. They’re low in fat and have a pleasing chew, so they make a great guilt-free indulgence.
Twizzlers Classic twists or pull-apart Twizzlers, it doesn’t matter — a must-have kosher candy.
Mike and Ike
If you’re a fan of fruity, chewy candies, there’s one name you know and love: Mike and Ike. These slim, chewy candies are bursting with flavor bite after bite. They come in many medleys, including original fruit, tropical, berry blast, and even sour flavors.
Mike and Ikes are certified kosher and made with real fruit juice. Whether you’re eating them alone or using them to decorate cakes and cupcakes, they’re an excellent addition to any kosher candy collection.
Tootsie Rolls and Pops
Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Pop also received Kosher certification, for the chocolate lovers in your life. Tootsie Rolls are chewy, chocolate-flavored candies that have existed since the late 1800s, and Tootsie Pops merge the two worlds — hard candy on the outside with a soft Tootsie Roll center.
Tootsie Pops feature a range of flavors, including cherry, grape, orange, and raspberry, making candy lovers everywhere question that age-old phrase, “How many licks?” With their signature chewy caramel center, Tootsie candies can be enjoyed with the chocolate-flavored rolls or with a lollipop wrapper, both representing classic nostalgia and kosher-friendly candy.
Paskesz Kosher Candies
Paskesz is one of the biggest names in kosher sweets, with a wide assortment of candies, chocolates, and gummies. They offer everything from traditional chocolate bars to marshmallow goodies and fruit-shaped gummies.
All of their candies comply with strict kosher requirements, making Paskesz a great choice for those who eat kosher. Paskesz is a safe choice if you prefer a brand that specializes in hard candies with quality kosher sweets.
It ships all sorts of confections, so it’s easy to find something for every candy lover in the family.
Elite Chocolate Bars (Israel)
Known as one of the most well-known kosher chocolate brands in the world, Elite is a household name in Israel and beyond. Famous for their rich texture and creaminess, Elite chocolate bars are available in a variety of flavors such as classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even nut or nougat variants.
Whether you savor them solo or melt them into sweet treats, Elite chocolates add the perfect touch of luxury to any gathering. These brands have gained significant popularity and are relied upon by chocolate lovers seeking quality chocolate that adheres to kosher standards.
Pop Rocks
Few candies inspire as much excitement. This fun, fizzy treat is a favorite among kids and adults alike for decades. Only available in certain varieties, Pop Rocks are certified kosher and pop in your mouth, so they can add an element of excitement to any candy stash.
They also come in a wide range of flavors, from strawberry and watermelon to cola and blue raspberry. Pop Rocks can add a sparkle to any kosher candy collection whether you’re eating them for the first time or reliving childhood memories.
Fruit Gems by Sunkist
Sunkist Fruit Gems are harvested using only the finest ingredients, so you can indulge in these delectable morsels without the guilt. These soft, chewy candies are made with real fruit juice and no artificial flavors and no artificial colors.
Certified kosher, Fruit Gems are available in a range of flavors, including orange, lemon, grapefruit, raspberry, and lime. They are a colorful, delicious, healthy dessert. These are so delicious they can be shared, eaten as a snack, or used as a topping for your favorite desserts, and they are perfect for those looking for a candy solution that is 100% natural and kosher-friendly!
Haribo Gummies (Kosher Line)
Gummy candy lovers don’t have to forgo delicious Haribo treats, not with the brand’s special kosher line. Haribo, famous for their gummy bears, now have several varieties of gummies made without gelatin from non-kosher sources and are certified kosher.
These chewy, fruity gummies come in classic shapes and flavors, including bears, worms, and cola bottles. If gummy candies are your thing, but you also need kosher, Haribo’s kosher collection means you can eat their famous chewy candies with no worries.
How to Choose Kosher Candy
Kosher candy considerations: Certification, ingredients and diet.
Check for Certification
Check for a trusted kosher certification on the food packaging.
Understand Ingredients
Certain confections, especially gummies and marshmallows, might contain non-kosher ingredients. gelatin unless they carry kosher certification.
Explore Specialty Brands
Brands like Paskesz and Elite make kosher-certified candy and other products offer a variety of choices.
Consider Dietary Needs
Kosher certifications will also often cover multiple dietary requirements, including vegetarian and halal certification.
Popular Uses for Kosher Candy
Kosher candy is not only for those who observe Jewish dietary laws. There are kosher candy list, many for all tastes, for example:
Gifting
For holidays like Hanukkah, Purim, and Rosh Hashanah, kosher candy can be an excellent gift.
Celebrations
Ideal for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and family gatherings, kosher candy allows everyone to indulge worry-free.
Everyday Treats
And for kosher-conscious shoppers and fruit candy enthusiasts alike, there’s nothing better than a shortlist or list of certified candies for everyday snacking.
Kosher Candy Needs and How MPS Can Help
At MPS, we offer the best kosher-certified candy solutions for retailers, event planners, and distributors, enabling you to serve a wider range of clients.
Extensive Product Range
From gummies to chocolates to hard candy, novelty, & more, we have kosher-certified sweets for every occasion. Perfectly kosher candy: We have both popular candy brands as well as specialty kosher candy.
Personalization & White Labeling
Take your market presence to another level with bespoke packages and label candy solutions. Whether you’re doing gift assortments for the holidays or branded treats for your store, we create customized packaging solutions to match your brand’s vision.
Pricing: Enquiry Form or Contact Producer
As a factory-direct source of candy, we can offer affordable pricing to meet your needs without sacrificing quality. We offer wholesale options catering to any quantity, ensuring that businesses and other organizations can conveniently purchase candy for resale, corporate events, or promotional offers.
Export & Other B2B Services
MPS has years of experience fulfilling international clients and excels at logistics and distribution for bulk kosher candy orders. Whether you are based in the UK, US or anywhere else around the world, we make it easy to find and stock your store with a range of kosher confectionery.
Align with MPS & get premium kosher-certified candy today! Call us for samples, quotes, and wholesale info.
Conclusion
Finding delicious kosher-certified candy has never been easier. From traditional chocolate bars to sticky gummies, there are many kinds to satisfy everyone’s craving.
Whether you are a consumer that wants to know about the best certified kosher candy out there or a business that wants to stock quality treats, this guide will give you all the information that you need.
So if you’re ready to wholesale and sell kosher candy now, contact us today!
