Is Medium the original! restaurant style salsa Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food like Medium the original! restaurant style salsa is Kosher, we must look beyond the obvious vegetables. The primary ingredients—tomatoes, roasted jalapeno peppers, onion, and cilantro—are inherently Kosher (Pareve). The scrutiny usually falls on the additives, specifically the distilled vinegar, sugar, and natural flavor.

First, the distilled vinegar is a common point of confusion. In Kosher law, vinegar must be derived from a Kosher source to be acceptable. Distilled vinegar is processed to the point where the original source is removed, and since this salsa is not meat-based, the vinegar is considered Kosher. Second, the sugar used here is not specified as bone char filtered, but in the context of modern mass-market salsas, white sugar is generally accepted, especially when the product carries a reliable Kosher certification (which this brand typically does).

Finally, the natural flavor and spice are the most ambiguous terms in food science. However, in a vegetable-based salsa, these are almost exclusively plant-derived. There is no indication of meat stocks, dairy derivatives (like casein), or wine, which are the primary culprits for making a vegetable product non-Kosher. The absence of these ingredients confirms the verdict.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Medium the original! restaurant style salsa is an excellent addition to a health-conscious diet. It is exceptionally low in calories, with most servings containing fewer than 10 calories per two tablespoons. It contains virtually no fat, making it a guilt-free topping for eggs, tacos, or chips.

The sodium content is moderate, hovering around 130-150mg per serving, which is standard for a preserved vegetable product. The sugar content is negligible (less than 1g), which is a significant advantage over many jarred pasta sauces or sweet salsas. Because it is primarily composed of water-rich vegetables, it provides hydration and vitamins (specifically Vitamin C from the tomatoes and peppers) without spiking insulin levels. It fits well into low-carb, Keto, and Weight Watchers plans.