Definition of Kosher Food

Kosher food is based on the laws of the Jewish religion. Eaten mainly by Orthodox Jews, kosher foods concern certain outlawed meats, how animals are slaughtered and forbids the mixing of meat and milk at a meal. Kosher law also extends to the type of utensils used at a meal.


The restrictions of a kosher diet are outlined by the Torah. Animals that chew their cud and have cloven hooves are considered kosher. For example, it is permitted to eat beef, but not pork.


Fish and seafood with removable scales is considered kosher. While most shellfish is not kosher, fish must be prepared by a kosher fishmonger to be suitable for the diet.

Milk and Meat

It is forbidden to eat milk and meat together at the same meal. It is all right to mix dairy and fish.


Jewish laws state that for meat to be kosher, the animal must be killed with no pain. The set of guidelines under which an animal is killed is called the "shechita."


A consumer can identify if a food is kosher by either a K or the word "pareve" on its packaging.