Is Blackberry Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is kosher, we look beyond the main fruit and scrutinize the additives. In the case of this Blackberry product, the ingredient list is surprisingly straightforward, which works in its favor regarding kosher certification.

The primary ingredient is, of course, blackberries. As a raw fruit, blackberries are inherently kosher. The potential issues usually arise with the sweeteners and gelling agents. Here, the sweeteners are high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. Both are derived from corn, a plant-based source, making them inherently kosher and pareve (neither meat nor dairy). Unlike sugar, which can sometimes be processed with bone char (a non-kosher filter) depending on the source, corn syrup avoids this controversy entirely.

The functional ingredients are fruit pectin and citric acid. Fruit pectin is a natural thickener extracted from citrus fruits; it is completely plant-based and kosher. Citric acid is typically derived from the fermentation of corn or sugar, both of which are acceptable. There are no hidden animal-based enzymes or dairy derivatives listed, which are common flags in other fruit preserves.

Nutritional Value

While this product passes the kosher test, it is important to look at the nutritional profile from a food science perspective. The dominant nutritional factor here is sugar. Between the high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, this product is a significant source of added sugars.

For those managing their caloric intake or monitoring blood sugar levels, this product should be treated as a treat rather than a health food. It provides the caloric density of a sweet without the fiber benefits of eating a whole, fresh blackberry. If you are on a diet that restricts simple sugars, this specific product might not fit your nutritional limits, even though it fits your kosher limits.