Is Chococherries Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a confection is kosher, we look at the source of every component, from the fruit center to the chocolate coating. For Chococherries, the verdict is positive because the ingredients are straightforward and plant-based, with the exception of the dairy component in the chocolate.

The core of the candy is the candied cherry. This consists of the cherry fruit itself, glucose syrup, fructose, and sugar. These are all plant-derived or processed sugars. The addition of citric acid and sulfites serves as a preservative and flavor enhancer; these are synthetic or mineral-based and pose no kosher issues. The liqueur component is the most critical point of investigation. However, the product contains less than 2% alcohol. In the eyes of most kosher certification bodies, such a trace amount is considered negligible (batel b'shishim) and does not render the food non-kosher, provided the liqueur itself is kosher (which fruit-based liqueurs typically are).

The dark chocolate coating is equally important. It contains cocoa mass and cocoa butter, which are derived directly from the cocoa bean and are inherently kosher. The potential flag in chocolate is always the emulsifier. Here, the product uses soy lecithin. Lecithin is a plant fat (usually from soy or sunflower) and is universally accepted as kosher. Finally, the presence of vanilla is noted; natural vanilla extract requires kosher alcohol, but in mass-produced confections, it is often synthetic or specifically sourced to meet kosher standards. There are no red flags in this ingredient profile.

Nutritional Value

While Chococherries are kosher, they are a candy and should be treated as such from a nutritional standpoint. The primary ingredients are sugar, fructose, and glucose syrup, meaning the sugar content is quite high. A single serving can contribute significantly to your daily sugar intake, which is something to monitor if you are managing blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet.

In terms of fat, the cocoa butter in the dark chocolate contributes to the total fat content. While cocoa butter is a natural plant fat, it is calorie-dense. When combined with the high sugar content, Chococherries are a high-calorie treat. They fit into a balanced diet as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack. If you are strictly counting calories or watching your sugar intake, portion control is key here.