By Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Chief Operating Officer of OU Kosher 

Harnessing Data for Kosher Certification: The Future of Food Manufacturing

Key Takeaways:

• Data-driven certification enables agility and market growth: Advanced ingredient databases now let manufacturers instantly verify or update kosher status, helping them adapt recipes quickly to meet evolving consumer preferences — like vegan, vegetarian, and clean-label trends — while maintaining compliance.
• Kosher certification broadens appeal to health-focused consumers: Once niche, kosher labeling now attracts a wider audience — including those avoiding meat, dairy, allergens, or synthetic additives — driving an average 20% sales lift over non-certified products.
• Real-time ingredient data supports resilience amid supply and regulatory shifts: With global supply chains, tariff fluctuations, and new health regulations reshaping ingredient sourcing, access to constantly updated kosher ingredient data helps manufacturers pivot efficiently while preserving certification and consumer trust.

Data is playing an increasingly central role in food manufacturing, enabling efficiency, quality control, and adherence to dietary standards. With a plethora of ingredients in packaged foods, manufacturers rely on advanced data analytics to manage costs and supply.

The rise of ingredient data is particularly beneficial for companies pursuing kosher certification, appealing to a demographic that includes vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies or intolerances. Kosher products, on average, see a 20% increase in sales compared to non-certified alternatives.

Though kosher certification originated over a century ago to support those following Judaic dietary laws, its principles align with the needs of a broader audience, including over 12 million consumers in the U.S. who buy kosher-certified products annually. Clear labeling into categories such as meat, dairy, and parve is particularly beneficial for those avoiding meat or dairy for dietary or health reasons.

Digital Transformation in Ingredient Information

To achieve kosher certification, all ingredients must comply with kosher guidelines. This means no mixing of meat and dairy, and the exclusion of forbidden items like pork and certain seafood. If any single ingredient loses its certification, the entire product does too. Conversely, when an ingredient gains certification, it opens new avenues for manufacturers seeking certified alternatives.

Tracking ingredient status has become significantly easier thanks to advanced technology. For instance, the Orthodox Union offers a constantly updated database of kosher-certified ingredients accessible to manufacturers. This ensures that any changes in ingredient status are communicated in real-time.

Helping Companies Pivot

The swift flow of information allows companies to modify recipes to engage health-conscious consumers while maintaining kosher certification. A notable example is Oreo cookies, which eliminated lard in the 1990s to cater to health trends and subsequently earned kosher certification, opening new sales avenues.

With better access to data, manufacturers can make rapid adjustments to their ingredient lists. In recent news, Skittles successfully obtained kosher certification through multiple ingredient adjustments facilitated by readily available information.

Keeping Up with Regulatory Uncertainty

Recent months have highlighted the vital role of data in kosher certification as manufacturers face uncertainties in ingredient supply chains due to fluctuating tariffs. Many brands are adjusting to these changes by exploring alternative ingredients that remain kosher certified, allowing them to plan effectively.

Additionally, the push towards natural ingredients, as certain synthetic dyes face regulatory scrutiny, has made the role of kosher certification agencies even more crucial. These databases provide suitable replacements for companies wishing to avoid animal or insect-derived alternatives while catering to ethically motivated consumers.

As kosher certification continues to emerge as an essential strategy for appealing to health-conscious consumers, manufacturers will increasingly rely on data provided by kosher certification agencies to maintain their status in a rapidly evolving market.

Rabbi Moshe Elefant is the Chief Operating Officer of OU Kosher. As an industry expert, Rabbi Elefant oversees the certification and monthly inspection of 13,000 plants in 105 countries.