Is Turmeric 1000mg Plus Black Pepper Extract Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is kosher, we have to look beyond the primary active ingredients and scrutinize the inactive ingredients and the source of the capsule itself. For this specific product, the ingredients list tells a nuanced story.

The active ingredients are Turmeric and Black Pepper Extract. Both of these are roots/fruits and are inherently kosher. The issue arises with the capsule material. The ingredient list specifies Gelatin as a primary component. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually obtained from cows or pigs.

If the gelatin is derived from pork, it is not kosher at all. If it is derived from non-kosher slaughtered beef, it is also not kosher. Even if the gelatin were sourced from a kosher-slaughtered cow, the capsule would need a reliable certification to be considered kosher by most standards. Because the label simply says 'Gelatin' without a specific kosher certification symbol (like a 'U' in a circle or a 'K' with a star), we must flag this as a potential violation of kosher laws. The Vegetable Stearic Acid is generally considered safe and kosher, acting as a flow agent, but it does not negate the gelatin issue.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Turmeric 1000mg Plus Black Pepper Extract is a low-impact supplement regarding macronutrients. Because this is a concentrated extract in a capsule form, it contains virtually no calories, fat, sugar, or carbohydrates per serving. It is designed solely to deliver the curcuminoids and piperine to your system.

There are no 'bad' nutritional elements here like high fructose corn syrup or trans fats. The health value lies entirely in the anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric and the bioavailability enhancement provided by the black pepper extract. It fits easily into almost any diet, including keto, paleo, and low-carb, provided you are comfortable with the gelatin source.