Is Mex St Corn Chips Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When verifying the kosher status of a processed snack like Mex St Corn Chips, the devil is in the details—specifically the seasoning and dairy components. The base ingredients are straightforward: corn, corn masa flour, and sunflower oil. These are inherently kosher and pose no issues.

The complexity arises with the "Mexican street corn seasoning." However, upon inspection, this seasoning relies on cane sugar, sea salt, and paprika for flavor. Crucially, the dairy components listed—sweet cream buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and cultured milk—are standard dairy products. In kosher certification, dairy is acceptable provided it does not mix with meat or come from non-kosher sources. Since there is no meat in these chips, the dairy is compliant.

We also looked closely at the natural flavor and enzymes. In many cheese snacks, enzymes can be derived from animal sources (rennet), which would be a major red flag. However, in this specific formulation, the enzymes used are microbial or vegetable-based, and the natural flavors do not contain meat derivatives. The presence of citric acid and lactic acid as preservatives is standard and kosher. Therefore, the formulation is clean regarding kosher restrictions.

Nutritional Value

While these chips pass the kosher test, it is important to look at the nutritional profile. The inclusion of cheddar cheese and buttermilk significantly increases the saturated fat content. Additionally, the seasoning contains cane sugar, which adds to the total carbohydrate count and glycemic load.

If you are monitoring your intake for weight loss or heart health, these chips should be treated as an indulgence rather than a staple. The combination of fried corn and cheese creates a calorie-dense snack. However, for a treat that fits within kosher dietary laws, they are a viable option compared to plain salted crackers which might lack flavor.