Is Genoa Salami, Provolone Cheese & Breadsticks Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is kosher, we must look at each component individually. In the case of this snack pack, the verdict is a hard no, but for different reasons depending on the ingredient.

The most obvious violation is the Genoa Salami. The ingredients list explicitly states PORK as the first and primary meat. According to Kosher dietary laws (Kashrut), pork is a non-kosher animal and is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, even if the meat were beef, Genoa salami is traditionally made with WINE, which must be kosher-certified to be used in food. Since this product contains pork, it is automatically non-kosher regardless of other ingredients.

The Provolone Cheese presents a different issue. The ingredients—PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES—are generally acceptable. However, for cheese to be kosher, it requires strict rabbinical supervision from the milking of the animal through the cheese-making process. Because this product does not display a reliable kosher symbol (like an 'OU' or 'Kof-K'), the enzymes and rennet used cannot be verified as kosher. Therefore, the cheese is considered non-kosher.

Finally, the Breadsticks are the most benign component. The ingredients include UNBLEACHED ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, and DRIED BREWERS YEAST. While brewers yeast can sometimes be a concern if derived from beer production, in this context, it is likely used as a flavoring agent. However, because the yeast is not certified kosher, and the product is manufactured on equipment that processes the non-kosher salami and cheese, the entire package is subject to cross-contamination and cannot be considered kosher.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this snack pack is high in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a dense energy source but not an ideal choice for those monitoring their intake. A single serving contains a significant amount of saturated fat derived from the pork salami and provolone cheese.

The sodium content is particularly high, largely due to the curing process of the salami (sea salt, sodium nitrate) and the salt content in the cheese and breadsticks. This exceeds the recommended daily limit for many individuals on a heart-healthy diet. Additionally, the breadsticks contain corn and malt syrup, contributing a small amount of added sugar. While the sugar content isn't massive, it is unnecessary added sugar. If you are looking for a high-protein snack, this fits the bill, but the trade-off is high saturated fat and sodium levels.