The following is a guest post from Rabbi Moshe Elefant, the chief operating officer of OU Kosher. He oversees the certification and monthly inspection of 13,000 plants in 105 countries. Opinions are the author’s own.
The market for flavored beer made with ingredients beyond the traditional malted grain, hops, yeast, and water has been growing rapidly. Sales of flavored beers have been on the rise in recent years, with market analysts expecting this trend to continue.
However, this trend presents challenges for consumers with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies. As more consumers seek animal-free and allergen-free options, the vegan and allergen-free food markets are projected to double in the next decade.
One example of nontraditional 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 give the beer a savory or spicy flavor, often enhanced by lime juice or hot sauce. However, these ingredients can pose challenges for those with seafood allergies, vegans, and vegetarians.
Lactose, or milk sugar, has also become a common ingredient in beer, particularly in milk stouts and hazy IPAs. While lactose imparts a sweet taste to these beverages, it presents challenges for vegans, consumers with allergies, or lactose sensitivities.
Aware of the increasing number of unexpected ingredients in beer, consumers are becoming more discerning in their choices. One approach that can help breweries appeal to consumers with dietary restrictions is kosher certification, which aligns with the needs of vegans, vegetarians, and those with food allergies or sensitivities.
Kosher certification ensures that products meet specific dietary laws, including bans on certain foods like pork and shellfish, guidelines for animal slaughter, and restrictions on mixing meat and dairy. These standards often overlap with the requirements of consumers with special dietary needs, providing assurance that products do not contain ingredients they are seeking to avoid.
For example, kosher-certified products clearly indicate if they contain dairy or meat, or if they are labeled as “parve” meaning they contain neither. These labels cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those with dairy or shellfish allergies.
Kosher products also exclude insect-based ingredients, which can be beneficial for vegans and vegetarians. Studies show that kosher-certified products tend to sell 20% more than non-certified products, appealing to a wide audience beyond the observant Jewish population.
The growing complexity of beer recipes and the increasing demand for clear labeling have led breweries to seek kosher certification. Over 1,000 beers and breweries already have kosher certification, with flavored beers like Cherry Doppelschwarz and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat ale among the offerings.
The kosher certification process is straightforward for beers using kosher and vegan-friendly ingredients, although some flavorings may need to be replaced to meet certification requirements. With a growing number of animal-free substitute ingredients available, food manufacturers can easily find suitable options in kosher-certified databases.
As the craft beer market continues to innovate, clear labeling and certification are becoming increasingly important for consumers. Providing transparency about ingredients and catering to diverse dietary requirements will enable consumers to enjoy both traditional and flavored beers with confidence.