Q: What is kosher certification?
Kosher certification is a process by which an independent agency — like EarthKosher — inspects a
food manufacturer’s ingredients, suppliers, and production facilities to verify compliance with Jewish
dietary laws (kashrut). Products that pass inspection are awarded the right to display a kosher symbol
(hechsher) on their packaging.
Q: How much does kosher certification cost?
The cost of kosher certification varies depending on the size of your operation, the number of products,
and the complexity of your ingredients and manufacturing process. EarthKosher is known for affordable
pricing — contact us for a free quote tailored to your company. There are no hidden fees; we provide
transparent, upfront pricing.
Q: How long does it take to get kosher certified?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your products and how quickly you can provide
documentation. For straightforward products, EarthKosher can typically complete the process in a
matter of weeks. We are known for our fast turnaround and responsive communication throughout the
process.
Q: Is EarthKosher an Orthodox kosher certification agency?
Yes, definitively. EarthKosher is an Orthodox kosher certification agency. Our Rav Hamachshir
(Kashrus Administrator) is Rabbi Sholom H. Adler, who served as Director of Industrial Kashrus for the
Kashruth Council of Canada (COR) for 12 years and served on the AKO Executive Committee.
Q: Is EarthKosher accepted by retailers and other certification agencies?
Yes. EarthKosher is a Recommended Kosher Symbol by the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), COR
(Kashruth Council of Canada), and Scroll K. We are also a member of AKO (Association of Kashrus
Organizations), the professional body for kosher certifiers. Our symbol is accepted by major retailers
including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Thrive Market.
Q: What types of products can be kosher certified?
Almost any food or beverage product can be certified kosher, including packaged foods, beverages,
dietary supplements, food ingredients, flavours, and food-contact packaging. EarthKosher specialises in
the natural products industry and has certified products across categories including snacks, oils,
beverages, sweeteners, spices, and organic ingredients.
Q: What is the difference between kosher Meat, Dairy, and Pareve?
Kosher law divides food into three categories: Meat (fleishig) — products containing or processed with
meat; Dairy (milchig) — products containing or processed with dairy; and Pareve — products that
contain neither meat nor dairy (e.g. fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, grains). Pareve certification is highly
valuable because it allows products to be eaten with both meat and dairy meals.
Q: What does the kosher certification process involve?
EarthKosher’s certification process has three key components: (1) Documentation review — we
examine all ingredients, suppliers, and manufacturing processes; (2) On-site inspection — a trained
mashgiach (kosher inspector) visits your facility; (3) Certification and ongoing maintenance — once
approved, we issue your certificate and conduct periodic follow-up inspections to maintain compliance.
Q: Do I need to change my recipes or ingredients to get certified?
Not necessarily. Many products are already fully compliant or require only minor adjustments — such as
switching one or two ingredients to kosher-certified versions. We assess your current formulations and
give you a clear picture of what, if anything, needs to change before we begin the formal process.
Q: Why should my company get kosher certified?
Kosher certification opens your products to an estimated 13+ million kosher consumers in the US alone,
plus millions more worldwide. Beyond the Jewish community, many consumers — including those who
are halal-observant, lactose-intolerant, vegetarian, or simply quality-conscious — specifically seek
kosher certified products. Major retailers actively prefer kosher-certified products because they are
easier to sell across diverse customer bases.
Q: How many consumers look for kosher certification?
Studies estimate that over 13 million Americans actively seek out kosher products, and fewer than 20%
of kosher product buyers are Jewish. The broader appeal includes Muslim consumers (who accept
kosher as an alternative to halal in many cases), vegetarians (who rely on kosher dairy/meat
separation), and health-conscious shoppers who associate kosher with higher quality standards.
Q: Does EarthKosher certify companies outside the United States?
Yes. EarthKosher certifies companies in 40+ countries including Canada, Brazil, China, India, Italy,
Mexico, the Philippines, and many more. We have experience managing international supply chains
and work with companies of all sizes globally.
Q: What is the AKO and why does membership matter?
The AKO (Association of Kashrus Organizations) is the professional body for kosher certification
agencies. Membership signals that an agency meets established professional standards and is
recognised by the broader kosher certification community. EarthKosher is an AKO member, which
means our certification is cross-recognised by other major agencies.
Q: Can small or startup businesses get kosher certified?
Absolutely. EarthKosher was founded with a specific commitment to helping small businesses and
startups. We offer flexible, affordable pricing and walk new companies through every step of the
process in plain language. Many of our clients started as small businesses and have grown significantly
after obtaining certification.
Q: What is a mashgiach?
A mashgiach is a trained kosher inspector who visits food manufacturing facilities to verify that
production complies with kosher law. EarthKosher arranges mashgiach visits as part of the certification
and ongoing compliance process.
Q: What is a hechsher?
A hechsher is the kosher symbol that appears on certified product packaging. It indicates that the
product has been inspected and certified by a recognised kosher agency. EarthKosher’s hechsher is the
EK symbol, which is accepted by major retailers and recognised by other leading certification agencies.
Q: Can kosher certification help with halal markets?
In many cases, yes. Kosher certification — particularly pareve certification — is accepted as an
equivalent to halal by many Muslim consumers and organisations for non-meat products. This means
kosher certification can effectively double your addressable market by reaching both Jewish and Muslim
consumers simultaneously.
Q: What industries does EarthKosher specialise in?
EarthKosher specialises in the natural and organic products industry. We have extensive experience
certifying natural food brands, organic ingredient suppliers, health food products, and specialty food
manufacturers. Clients have included companies whose products are sold at Whole Foods, Trader
Joe’s, Thrive Market, Walmart, and Costco (Kirkland).
Q: How do I get started with EarthKosher?
The easiest way to get started is to request a free quote on our website or call us at (888) 312-3559.
One of our team members will review your products and provide a clear, no-obligation cost and timeline
estimate. Most companies are surprised by how affordable and straightforward the process is.
Q: What happens if an ingredient I use is not kosher certified?
We will identify non-compliant ingredients during the documentation review stage and provide guidance
on finding kosher-certified alternatives. In many cases, kosher versions of common ingredients are
widely available and similarly priced. We work with you to resolve any issues before the formal
certification process begins.
Q: How is kosher certification different from organic or non-GMO certification?
Kosher certification verifies compliance with Jewish dietary laws — covering ingredients, processing
equipment, and manufacturing procedures. Organic and non-GMO certifications address agricultural
practices and genetic modification. These certifications are independent of each other, and many
companies hold multiple certifications simultaneously to appeal to the broadest possible consumer
base.
Q: Is EarthKosher’s certification accepted at Whole Foods, Costco, or Walmart?
Yes. EarthKosher-certified products are sold at major retailers including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco
(Kirkland brand), and Thrive Market, among others. Our certification is widely recognised and accepted
by retail buyers across the natural and conventional grocery sectors.
