Does Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains milk (whole milk powder) and soy (soy lecithin). It does not contain gluten ingredients, but the facility processes wheat, so cross-contamination is possible.

Is Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries good for weight loss?

No, these are high in calories and sugar. They should be eaten sparingly if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries?

These are commonly available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and specialty liquor stores, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries safe for kids?

While the alcohol content is negligible due to the extract, the high sugar content makes them a treat for children. Always check for allergen warnings regarding nuts.

Is Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries Kosher?

Yes, Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries are considered kosher. While the inclusion of whiskey extract might raise eyebrows, the processing methods render the final product permissible. Here is a detailed breakdown of why these chocolates pass kosher standards and what that means for your diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a confection is kosher, we look at the source of every ingredient and how they interact. For these Whiskey Old Fashioned Cherries, the verdict is a clear yes, but the reasoning is nuanced. The primary components are milk chocolate and dried cherries. The chocolate contains whole milk powder, making it dairy, but standard dairy production is inherently kosher provided no non-kosher additives are used. The cherries are preserved with sunflower oil, a plant-based fat that is universally acceptable.

The most complex ingredient is the natural bourbon whiskey extract. In strict kosher law, alcohol derived from wine or grapes requires special certification. However, bourbon is distilled from grains (usually corn). According to the Orthodox Union (OU) and other major kosher authorities, whiskey and bourbon are kosher provided they have not been aged in wine casks. The use of a natural bourbon whiskey extract implies the flavor is derived from the spirit itself, which is kosher. Furthermore, the confectioners glaze (shellac) is a natural resin and is permitted, though strict vegans often avoid it.

Finally, we must address the allergen warning: May contain wheat, tree nuts, peanuts. This is a voluntary advisory for cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility. While this poses a risk for those with severe allergies, it does not affect the kosher status of the ingredients themselves, provided the facility is under kosher supervision and cleans equipment appropriately for Passover or specific dietary runs.

Nutritional Value

While these cherries are kosher, they are definitely a treat to be consumed in moderation. The primary ingredients driving the calorie count are sugar and cocoa butter. Cocoa butter is a saturated fat, and while it gives chocolate its melt-in-your-mouth texture, it contributes significantly to the fat content. The dried cherries add a small amount of fiber and natural fruit sugars, but they are often coated in oil to prevent sticking, adding trace fats.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, this product is likely high on the glycemic index. The combination of added sugar in the chocolate, the sugar coating the cherries, and the concentrated fruit sugars means a small serving can pack a lot of calories. It fits into a balanced diet only as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.