The guest post below is contributed by Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who serves as the chief operating officer of OU Kosher. In his role, he supervises the certification and monthly inspection of 13,000 facilities in 105 countries. All opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author.
Flavored beer, made with ingredients beyond the traditional malted grain, hops, yeast, and water, has been experiencing rapid growth in the market. Sales of flavored beers have been on the rise in recent years, with market analysts predicting this trend to continue.
However, this increasing trend poses challenges for various consumer segments with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with allergies. Many consumers now expect their food and beverages to be free of animal-derived ingredients and common allergens. Projections indicate that both the vegan market and the allergen-free food market are set to double in the next decade.
An example of the unconventional ingredients being added to beer is clamato, a drink made from dried clam broth and tomato juice concentrate. Mexican-inspired drinks like micheladas or cheladas may include clamato to enhance the beer’s flavor with savory or spicy notes, often combined with lime juice or hot sauce. These ingredients can pose challenges for individuals with seafood allergies, vegans, and vegetarians.
Another increasingly common ingredient in beer is lactose, or milk sugar, which is found in beverages like milk stouts and hazy IPAs. Lactose is used to impart a sweet taste to the beer as it does not ferment when exposed to yeast. However, the use of lactose can be problematic for many consumer segments, including vegans and individuals with lactose allergies.
Consumers are becoming more discerning and concerned about the unexpected ingredients found in beer. To address the needs of consumers with dietary restrictions, kosher certification can be a valuable asset for beer manufacturers, breweries, and brands. Kosher dietary laws prohibit certain foods like pork and shellfish, provide guidelines for animal slaughter, and forbid the mixing of meat and dairy products.
Kosher certification aligns with the requirements of consumers with special dietary needs, providing assurance that a product does not contain specific ingredients they are trying to avoid. Labeling of kosher-certified products clearly indicates whether they contain dairy products or any type of meat product allowed, such as beef or poultry. Products that do not contain meat or dairy are labeled as “parve,” making them suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with dairy or shellfish allergies.
Kosher products are also prohibited from containing insect-based ingredients, which can be used in dyes and other components. This aspect of kosher certification is beneficial for vegans and vegetarians. Sales of kosher-certified products tend to be 20% higher on average compared to non-certified products, appealing to a broad audience of consumers. The kosher food market is growing steadily, driven by the demand for clear labeling from health-conscious consumers and those seeking plant-based options.
With the increasing complexity of beer recipes and consumer demand, breweries and beer manufacturers are seeking kosher certification. Currently, nearly 1,000 beers and breweries hold kosher certification, including popular flavored beers like Cherry Doppelschwarz from the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat ale.
The kosher certification process is straightforward for beers using kosher and vegan-friendly ingredients, as they can typically be certified without altering the manufacturing process. In some cases, manufacturers may need to substitute flavorings to achieve kosher certification, as all ingredients must be kosher for the product to be certified.
As the demand for animal-free products grows, there are more substitutes available for ingredients like clam broth and lactose. Food manufacturers can easily identify these substitute ingredients in the global database of kosher-certified ingredients maintained by the Orthodox Union.
The increasing use of lactose and other flavorings in beer production highlights the need for clear labeling and certification. As the craft beer market continues to evolve, consumers from diverse groups require transparency to ensure that each beer meets their dietary needs. This allows them to enjoy both traditional and flavored beers confidently.