Is CHICKEN & APPLE SMOKED CHICKEN SAUSAGE Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like CHICKEN & APPLE SMOKED CHICKEN SAUSAGE for kosher certification, we must look beyond the headline flavors. The ingredient list reveals a hidden culprit that is strictly forbidden in a kosher diet.

The primary ingredient, organic chicken, is inherently kosher if slaughtered correctly, though this specific brand lacks certification. However, the deal-breaker is the natural pork casing. In the food industry, natural casings are the intestines of animals, used to encase the sausage meat. Because these casings are derived from pigs, the product is non-kosher regardless of the chicken content. Even if the chicken were slaughtered according to Jewish law, the contact with pork casing renders the final product non-kosher.

Additionally, the organic spices and celery powder are generally acceptable, but without a reliable certification like a 'U' in a circle or an 'OK', we cannot guarantee they haven't been processed on equipment shared with non-kosher items. However, the pork casing is the definitive reason for the negative verdict.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this sausage is relatively balanced for a processed meat product. It relies on organic chicken for lean protein and organic dried apples and organic apple juice concentrate for flavor, which contributes to the sugar content.

A typical serving contains moderate calories (usually around 100-120) with a decent amount of protein (roughly 9-11g). The fat content is kept in check by using chicken rather than pork or beef. However, the apple juice concentrate adds a touch of added sugar, which is something to watch if you are strictly monitoring your carbohydrate intake. It fits well into a high-protein, lower-carb diet, but the sodium content (from sea salt) can be significant.