Is cider kosher?
Cider is not automatically kosher. Kosher agencies say hard cider needs reliable kosher certification, because added ingredients and equipment shared with non-kosher products can raise concerns. To know whether a cider is kosher, look for a recognised kosher symbol (hechsher) on the can or bottle, or check the certifying agency's list.
Updated
Key facts
- Certification needed. OK Kosher says "Hard cider and hard lemonade always require a reliable hechsher due to the kashrus concerns of added ingredients and the possibility of shared equipment with non-kosher products." [1]
- Same view from the cRc. "Hard Cider requires certification due to kashrus concerns relating to added ingredients and shared equipment with non-kosher products." [2]
- What cider is. OK Kosher describes hard cider as "a fermented alcoholic beverage, like wine, made by fermenting apple juice". [1]
How can I tell if a cider is kosher?
- Look for the symbol. A kosher cider carries the mark of a certifying agency on the label; some certifications apply only when the symbol appears on the container. [2]
- Check the agency's list. The cRc publishes a list of certified hard ciders by brand and flavour, with the symbol to look for. [2]
- Watch the flavour. Certification can be per product, so one flavour may be certified and another not. [2]
- Ask the maker. Small cideries may not be certified even if their ingredients are simple.
Which ingredients can cause concern?
The agencies point to added ingredients and shared equipment rather than apples. [1] [2] Ciders may contain sweeteners, flavourings, fruit or processing aids; see does cider contain sweeteners and is cider vegan, which covers animal-derived fining agents. Flavoured ciders are explained in the glossary entry for fruit cider. For gluten, see is cider gluten free.
Related answers: is cider vegan · is cider gluten free
Find it on Cider Radar
- Scan a cider label in Cider Radar to find the maker and their details, then check the maker's own information on certification.
- Guide: what is cider? · Glossary: hard cider
- Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
Which hard ciders are kosher?
Those certified by a kosher agency. The cRc publishes a list of hard ciders that are certified when they bear a specific symbol, such as OU, Star-K or KSA, and notes that some are certified only when the symbol is printed on the container. [2]
Why would apple cider not be kosher?
Apples themselves raise no issue, but OK Kosher says hard cider needs a hechsher "due to the kashrus concerns of added ingredients and the possibility of shared equipment with non-kosher products". [1]
Sources
- Hard Cider & Hard Lemonade — OK Kosher Certification
- Hard Cider — cRc Kosher (Chicago Rabbinical Council)