Kosher Diet – Everything You Need to Know About Rules, History, and Certifications

Kosher Diet: Everything You Need to Know About Rules, History and Certifications

The Kosher diet is not just a simple way of eating, but a true tradition with millennia-old roots. For millions of Jews around the world, it is a way of living their faith every day and turning the act of eating into a sacred gesture. Beyond the religious component, Kosher has become over time a standard of food quality and safety respected also by non-Jewish consumers, which gives it universal relevance.

What Kosher means and where the term comes from

The word Kosher comes from Hebrew and means “pure”, “proper” or “fit for consumption”. It designates foods and drinks that comply with Jewish religious rules, known as Kashrut. These rules define both which foods are permitted and how they must be prepared and consumed.

The first references to Kosher foods appear in the Torah, the fundamental sacred texts of Judaism, written roughly between 1200–500 BCE. These writings are therefore more than 2,500–3,000 years old, and the dietary laws described there have survived intact to this day. The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy in the Old Testament contain the clearest rules on which animals are permitted, how meat must be slaughtered and how dairy and grains must be consumed.

Why the Kosher diet is more than just a food choice

For Jews, following the Kosher diet is not optional, but a fundamental part of religious life. Eating foods that comply with Kashrut is considered an act of faith and a way of remaining connected to the tradition of their ancestors.

At the same time, many non-Jewish consumers choose Kosher for its strict standards of hygiene, traceability and quality control. In practice, what started as a religious requirement has become a mark of trust for consumers worldwide.

The fundamental rules of Kashrut

• Separation of meat and dairy – no meat product may be mixed with milk, cheese or other dairy products.
• Pure and impure animals – only ruminants with split hooves (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats) and fish with fins and scales are permitted. Pork and shellfish are strictly forbidden.
• Ritual slaughter (Shechita) – animals must be slaughtered by a shohet, a qualified Jewish slaughterer, who follows strict rules to minimise suffering.
• Complete removal of blood – consumption of blood is forbidden, so the meat must be drained and salted in a specific way.

The historical evolution of the Kosher diet

Over the millennia, Jews have lived in many regions of the world – from the Near East to Europe, America and Asia. In the diaspora, Kosher rules became a means of preserving cultural and religious identity.

Even when historical circumstances were difficult, Jews continued to observe these dietary laws, which shows the strength of the tradition. Today, in the age of globalisation, Kosher foods are available in supermarkets, restaurants and online shops all over the world.

Types of Kosher and the differences between them

Although all Kosher products respect the basic principles of Kashrut, there are differences depending on the level of stringency.

• Standard Kosher – complies with the general rules.
• Glatt Kosher – applies stricter norms, especially in checking the internal organs of animals.
• Kosher for Passover – during the Jewish Passover, foods containing yeast or fermented grains are completely avoided.

Who certifies Kosher products and why it matters

Today, Kosher products cannot be recognised solely based on the producer’s statement. They must be verified and approved by rabbinical certification bodies. Some of the most well-known include:

• OU (Orthodox Union) – the largest Kosher certification organisation in the world.
• OK Kosher Certification – an internationally recognised symbol.
• KOF-K – one of the oldest certification authorities in the USA.
• Star-K – provides certification for restaurants and catering services.
• CRC (Chicago Rabbinical Council) – well-known in North America.
• COR and MK (Canada) – respected authorities in the Canadian community.
• Kehilla Kosher and Badatz (Israel) – extremely strict, highly respected in orthodox communities.

DeliciuDeCiocolata.ro – Kosher pioneer in Romania

In Romania, interest in Kosher products started to grow only after the year 2000. This is where DeliciuDeCiocolata.ro comes in, the first online shop launched in 2008, specialised in professional products, ingredients and tools for pastry shops, restaurants and cafés.

This online store was the first in Romania to introduce the classification of products according to the Kosher diet, helping consumers make correct and informed choices.

Today, DeliciuDeCiocolata.ro remains a reference not only through its wide range of real chocolate and premium ingredients, but also through its complete selection of products and tools for pastry chefs, bakeries, restaurants and home users, as well as through its educational and innovative role in bringing transparency to the Romanian food market.

Frequently asked questions about the Kosher diet

What does a Kosher product mean?

A food that complies with Kashrut rules regarding ingredients, processing and certification.

How old are the Kosher rules?

They are over 2,500–3,000 years old and appear in the Torah, in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

Can anyone follow a Kosher diet?

Yes, it is not reserved only for Jews. Many people choose it for the quality of the products.

What are the most well-known Kosher symbols?

OU, OK, Star-K, KOF-K, COR, Badatz.

Is the Kosher diet healthier?

Not necessarily, but the strict rules on hygiene and slaughter provide additional safety.

Are there Kosher products in Romania?

Yes, and DeliciuDeCiocolata.ro is the first store that has classified and promoted them.

Conclusion

The Kosher diet is one of the oldest dietary traditions in the world, with a history of more than three millennia. It continues to be a spiritual reference point for Jews and a mark of quality for all consumers.

In Romania, DeliciuDeCiocolata.ro has played a decisive role in promoting Kosher products, being the first online shop to introduce their classification and to provide clear information to customers.

Thus, Kosher remains not only a religious diet, but also an expression of respect for tradition, health and transparency.