When you hear the term “kosher-style,” you might assume it means the food is kosher. After all, it sounds similar, right? But just like “New Buttery Flavor” doesn’t necessarily mean real butter, kosher-style is not de facto kosher. It’s often a marketing term used to describe foods that resemble traditional Jewish dishes but don’t necessarily adhere to the strict dietary laws of kashrut (kosher laws).
What Is Kosher-Style?
Kosher-style food refers to cuisine that mimics traditional Jewish foods but may not be prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. This could mean serving matzo ball soup made with non-kosher chicken, bagels with lox in a deli that also serves pork, or pastrami sandwiches stacked high on rye, right next to a menu offering cheeseburgers.
The term is often misleading because it suggests an association with kosher food without actually being kosher. Some common examples of kosher-style foods include:
- Bagels with cream cheese and lox (when sourced from non-kosher establishments)
- Hot dogs or pastrami that aren’t certified kosher
- Chicken soup made from non-kosher poultry
- Deli sandwiches that may contain non-kosher meat or be prepared in non-kosher kitchens or include cheese in the sandwich
Kosher-style food may look, smell, and taste like the Jewish foods many people associate with kosher cuisine, but in reality, it lacks kosher certification and does not follow Jewish dietary laws.
Kosher vs. Kosher-Style: The Key Differences
To understand why kosher-style is not kosher, let’s break down the fundamental differences:
| Aspect | Kosher Food | Kosher-Style Food |
| Supervision | Overseen by a certifying rabbi | No supervision, no guarantee of compliance |
| Ingredients | Only kosher-certified ingredients | May contain non-kosher ingredients |
| Meat & Dairy Rules | Meat and dairy are never mixed | May mix meat and dairy |
| Preparation | Must follow kosher slaughter and preparation laws | No adherence to kosher preparation rules |
| Restaurant/Deli Status | Certified kosher establishment | May serve both kosher and non-kosher food |
If a place or product lacks a legitimate kosher certification from a rabbinical authority, it cannot be considered kosher, no matter how traditional or Jewish it seems.
The History of Kosher-Style: A Cultural Evolution
The rise of kosher-style food in America is closely tied to Jewish immigration and assimilation. As Jewish communities settled in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, they opened delicatessens and restaurants that served familiar flavors from their homelands.
In the early to mid-20th century, Jewish delis became cultural hubs, but not all of them remained strictly kosher. Many began compromising on kashrut to attract a broader customer base, adding items like Reuben sandwiches (which mix meat and cheese) or serving meat without kosher certification.
Over time, kosher-style became a branding tool, signaling Jewish-inspired cuisine rather than adherence to Jewish dietary laws. Today, many delis and restaurants continue to use the term, especially in places where full kosher compliance is rare or not in demand.
Why Kosher-Style Is Confusing
For those unfamiliar with kashrut, the distinction between kosher and kosher-style can be unclear or misleading. Many people assume that if a restaurant advertises “kosher-style pastrami” or “kosher-style catering,” it must be kosher. However, unless there is a recognized kosher certification, there is no way to guarantee the food meets kosher standards.
This is especially relevant when dining out or purchasing prepared foods. Just because a place serves matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, or challah does not mean it’s kosher. Kosher observant individuals must always verify the kosher certification rather than relying on terminology like “kosher-style.â€
The Importance of Reliable Kosher Certification
For those who truly keep kosher, the only way to ensure food meets the required standards is through kosher certification. Certification ensures that:
- Ingredients are kosher and sourced from approved suppliers
- Meat is slaughtered according to Jewish law (shechita)
- Utensils and cooking methods follow kosher requirements
- No cross-contamination occurs with non-kosher food
The Bottom Line: Kosher-Style is NOT Kosher
If you see a place advertising kosher-style” food, be aware that it is not actually kosher. It may taste like traditional Jewish food, but without proper certification, there’s no guarantee that it follows kashrut.
At YeahThatsKosher, we take kosher certification seriously. Every business listed as “kosher”on our website, social media, or the KosherNearMe app has been certified by at least one Orthodox rabbi. We always encourage all kosher consumers to confirm the kosher certification of the businesses they are dining at or purchasing products from if they are ever unsure.
