Is India Relish Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing to see what is actually in the jar. India Relish is essentially a spiced cucumber pickle. The base is simple: CUCUMBERS, WATER, and VINEGAR. The vinegar acts as a preservative and provides the signature tang.

The primary sweetening agent is HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. While this is kosher, it is a highly processed sweetener. To maintain texture and prevent the cucumbers from becoming mushy, the manufacturer uses CALCIUM CHLORIDE (a firming agent) and XANTHAN GUM (a thickener).

The distinct flavor comes from a blend of SPICES, CELERY SEED, and CURRY POWDER. The yellow color is derived from FD&C YELLOW # 5 (Tartrazine), an artificial dye. POLYSORBATE 80 is included as an emulsifier to ensure the spices and oils mix evenly with the water base. None of these ingredients are derived from animal sources, making the product inherently kosher.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, India Relish is a low-calorie condiment, with a serving size (1 tbsp) containing roughly 5 to 10 calories. It contains virtually no fat and negligible protein. The primary nutritional concern is the sugar content derived from HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. While the amount per serving is small, it adds empty calories to the diet.

The sodium content is moderate, typical for pickled products, due to the added SALT and preservative SODIUM BENZOATE. For those monitoring sodium intake, this should be accounted for. It does not fit the criteria of a 'health food' due to the presence of artificial colors and preservatives, but it is acceptable as an occasional flavor enhancer.