Is Creamy Tzatziki-Style Dressing Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed sauce is kosher, we look for the usual suspects: meat derivatives, non-kosher seafood, or specific enzymes. In this Creamy Tzatziki-Style Dressing, the primary binder is Water and Canola Oil, both of which are inherently kosher and pareve. The flavor profile comes from Cucumber, Garlic, and Onion, which are all vegetable-based and pose no kosher concerns.

The 'creaminess' comes from a combination of Egg Yolks and dairy components. Egg Yolks are kosher provided they are free of blood spots, which is standard in industrial food processing. The dairy element is introduced via Greek Style Yogurt Powder (derived from Milk Protein Concentrate and Skim Milk Powder) and Lactic Acid. Since these are dairy, the product is subject to kosher milk laws, but there is no indication of meat mixing, so it is permissible.

Finally, the stabilizers and preservatives are safe. Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum are plant-derived thickeners. Maltodextrin is often a concern if derived from beer flavorings, but in this context, it is used as a starch thickener and is considered kosher. There are no hidden animal enzymes or wine derivatives listed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this dressing is moderate in calories but high in fat relative to its serving size. A standard serving usually contains between 60 to 80 calories, primarily from the Canola Oil. While canola is a healthier monounsaturated fat, the total fat content contributes roughly 7-8 grams per serving.

Sugar content is relatively low compared to sweet dressings, but the presence of Cultured Dextrose and Maltodextrin means it contains fast-absorbing carbohydrates. The sodium level is driven by Salt and Sodium Lactate, so it should be consumed in moderation if you are watching blood pressure. It fits a standard diet but is not a 'low-fat' food.