What is Kosher Food? A Complete Guide to the Kosher Diet, Laws, and Certification If you’ve ever seen a product labeled with a K or OU symbol and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. These markings indicate that the food is Kosher prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. In recent years, Kosher food has gained popularity not only among observant Jews but also among health-conscious consumers, vegetarians, and those looking for more ethically produced products. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Kosher food, including what it is, how its certified, which foods are allowed or forbidden, and why people choose to follow a Kosher diet—even outside of religious reasons. What is Kosher Food? Kosher is a Hebrew word that means “fit” or “proper.” It refers to food that complies with the Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut), which originate from the Torah (the Jewish Bible). These rules have been practiced for thousands of years and govern: Which foods can be eaten How they must be prepared How they must be processed What foods can be eaten together In essence, Kosher food is not a style of cooking—like Mexican or Italian—it is more about how the food is handled, sourced, and combined.