Is Multigrain table crackers Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Kosher, we look for three main red flags: animal derivatives (like lard or gelatin), alcohol used in flavorings, and specific non-Kosher enzymes. The ingredient list for these Multigrain table crackers is surprisingly clean from a Kosher perspective.

The base of the cracker relies on Non GMO corn starch, Whole millet flour, and Whole rice flour. These are all grains and starches that are inherently Kosher, provided they are free from insect infestation (which is standard in commercial processing). The fats used are Blend vegetable fats and oils (palm fat, sunflower oil). This is crucial because many crackers use animal fats, but these strictly use vegetable sources.

For leavening, the product uses Ammonium bicarbonate and Baking soda. Ammonium bicarbonate is a chemical leavener that is vegetarian and Kosher, unlike some baking powders that might contain starch derived from questionable sources. The flavor profile comes from Natural rosemary flavor and Dried sourdough (buckwheat, quinoa). The sourdough is a fermentation product, but without the presence of alcohol in the ingredients list, it passes the Kosher test. Finally, Citric acid and Sea salt are mineral-based and pose no issues.

Nutritional Value

While these crackers pass the Kosher test, it is important to look at their nutritional profile. The presence of Rice syrup and Non GMO sugar beet syrup adds sweetness and acts as a binder, which increases the sugar content compared to a plain water cracker. Additionally, the Blend vegetable fats and oils contributes to the calorie density.

However, the inclusion of Flax seed flour and Sorghum flour adds dietary fiber and some Omega-3 fatty acids. For those monitoring their intake, these crackers are likely a moderate-calorie snack. They are free from cholesterol and low in sodium relative to other processed snacks, but the fat content means portion control is recommended for those on strict heart-healthy diets.