Is Sour Patch Big Kids peg bag Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a candy is Kosher, we look for hidden animal products or processing aids. For the Sour Patch Big Kids peg bag, the ingredients list is surprisingly straightforward from a Kosher perspective. The base consists of SUGAR, INVERT SUGAR, and CORN SYRUP. These are all plant-derived sweeteners and are inherently Kosher.

The texture comes from MODIFIED CORN STARCH. Unlike some gelatin-based candies, corn starch is a vegetable product, eliminating the risk of non-Kosher beef or pork gelatin. The tartness is provided by TARTARIC ACID and CITRIC ACID. While citric acid is usually derived from fermentation of corn or sugar, tartaric acid is naturally sourced from fruits like grapes, making it safe for consumption.

Finally, we must address the coloring agents: YELLOW 6, RED 40, YELLOW 5, and BLUE 1. These are certified synthetic colors. While some consumers avoid them for health reasons (potential hyperactivity in children), they are chemically synthesized and do not contain animal products, meaning they do not violate Kosher restrictions. There are no flags found on this label.

Nutritional Value

While the Kosher status is a green light, the nutritional profile is a different story. The Sour Patch Big Kids peg bag is essentially a concentrated dose of sugar. A standard serving contains a significant amount of calories derived almost entirely from carbohydrates, specifically added sugars like SUGAR and CORN SYRUP.

There is zero fat and no protein, which means this candy provides no satiety. It fits into a diet only as an occasional treat. If you are monitoring your glycemic index or managing diabetes, this product is not suitable due to the rapid spike in blood sugar it will cause. It is strictly a 'sometimes' food, regardless of its Kosher certification.