Is Sticks Pretzels Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack is Kosher, we look for specific red flags: animal fats, dairy derivatives, and non-Kosher alcohol used in flavorings. Fortunately, the ingredient profile for Sticks Pretzels is relatively clean from a Kosher perspective.

The base of the snack is enriched flour and vital wheat gluten. Both are plant-based and inherently Kosher. The sweetening agent, tapioca malt syrup, is derived from tapioca and malt extract. While malt extract can sometimes be a concern if derived from beer production, in this context, it is used as a processing aid for sweetness and texture and is plant-derived.

The fats used are soybean oil and sunflower oil. These are vegetable oils and are acceptable. The only processing aid listed is soy lecithin, which is a standard emulsifier derived from soybeans. There are no traces of dairy, meat, or shellfish, making the product Pareve (neutral).

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Sticks Pretzels function as a standard refined carbohydrate snack. The primary ingredient is enriched flour, meaning the bran and germ have been removed, leaving mostly starch. This results in a snack that provides quick energy but lacks significant fiber or protein.

The tapioca malt syrup adds a touch of sweetness, contributing to the total sugar content. While not a health food, it is lower in fat compared to potato chips due to the frying in soybean oil. For those monitoring caloric intake, portion control is key, as the salt content (salt is a primary ingredient) can contribute to water retention.