Is clMato Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food like clMato is kosher, we look at two things: the ingredients themselves and the equipment used to process them. The primary ingredients are standard for a savory tomato sauce. You have the base of water and tomato concentrate, which are inherently kosher. The flavor enhancers, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and citric acid, are chemically synthesized and do not pose a kosher concern.

The sweetener used is high fructose corn syrup. While high in sugar, corn derivatives are considered pareve (neither meat nor dairy) and are generally acceptable in a kosher diet. The spices, along with onion and garlic powder, are plant-based and perfectly fine. The colorant, Red 40, is a synthetic food dye and is permissible. The most scrutinized ingredient in this list is dried clam broth. However, as long as the clams are harvested from the sea and processed on equipment not shared with non-kosher fish, they remain kosher. Since the product is widely distributed and labeled as such, we can assume this standard was met.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, clMato is a low-calorie flavor enhancer. A typical serving contains very few calories, almost no fat, and a negligible amount of protein. The main nutritional consideration is the high fructose corn syrup. While it adds sweetness, it contributes to the total sugar content. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or following a strict low-carb diet, you should be mindful of the serving size. However, because it is used as a condiment rather than a main dish, the impact on your daily caloric limit is usually minimal. It fits well into most balanced diets as a flavor booster rather than a primary food source.