# Is kosher Coca-Cola different from the usual type? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 30, 2009, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326 "2009-03-30T16:37:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![The\_Scrivener](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@The\_Scrivener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Scrivener)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/21 "2009-03-30T20:05:48Z")
It’s not just Coca-Cola that does this. Here in north-central NJ, I found kosher generic store-brand cola in two-liter bottles, with different-colored caps, at the local ShopRite. _Huge_ taste difference. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/22 "2009-03-30T20:25:58Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Why is Coke so popular during Passover (as the gentleman in the OP explained)? Is it the only sweet mass-market drink that bothers to be Kosher For Passover? \ Pepsi is coming out with [Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback](http://www.bevreview.com/2009/02/26/official-facts-about-pepsi-throwback-mountain-dew-throwback/), beginning April 20 and lasting only until mid-June. Both products will be made sugar and not HFCS. However, neither will be Kosher. \ ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/23 "2009-03-30T20:53:33Z")
> [@](#): > > (There’s an urban legend that Passover Coke DOES (or at least MIGHT) contain corn syrup. This arose from the fact that the ingredients list on the label says “sugar and/or corn syrup”. But that is simply to allow the same ingredients label to be used all year.) I keep hearing and reading that kosher Coke for passover contains sugar, so I always look for it, because I like sugar-sweetened Coke. I have not succeeded in finding it. When I look at the sodas in the “kosher” section of the store, they invariably say they are sweeytened with “High Fructose Corn Syrup” (and it’s not weaseled with "Sugar OR High fructose Corn Syrup). Yes, I am looking in the kosher section. And it;s not just Coke – it’s Mr. Pibb sodas, too. And I’ve looked year-round. I know that they’re stricter at this time of year, and so can probably get away with HFCS at other times, but it looks as if they’re going at it year-round with the HFCS. I’ll look again this year, but I’m not holding my sugar-loving breath. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/24 "2009-03-30T21:00:18Z")
Already answered, but here’s a li’l sidenote: [Why can’t you put cornstarch in your Passover cheesecake? - The Straight Dope](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1440/why-cant-you-put-cornstarch-in-your-passover-cheesecake) ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/25 "2009-03-30T21:25:37Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > So, if I wanted to buy kosher-for-Passover Diet Coke, and I generally buy 12-packs of cans, what should I look for on the packaging? If the thing that makes regular Coke kosher for Passover is the sweetener, then what’s different about Diet Coke that it’s not already kosher for Passover? There’s no HFCS in Diet Coke, is there? **Dex** , I read the column and I am now even more confused. Matzah is made from wheat, right, but it’s ok because it’s not leavened? But corn tortillas aren’t leavened either, so why aren’t they ok? And Coca-Cola certainly doesn’t have any leavening in it, regardless of whether it’s got corn in it. ---
**Author:** ![Donovan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@Donovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donovan)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/26 "2009-03-30T21:42:22Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I wonder about this. My understanding was the natural sugar was already cheaper than HFCS these days. Plus, Mexico has a huge corn and sugar industry; I wonder why the dollar exchange would make a difference? Perhaps because they can export sugar much more profitably? I have no cite at all on this, but I thought I read somewhere/was told that Mexico had an added tax on soft drinks with HFCS as a protectionist measure for sugar growers (a tax the US is fighting or has already had overturned in negotiations through WTO\*) can’t cite it, don’t even know where I heard it, so take that for what it is… \*which, if the latter, could also be a reason for inroads of HFCS into Mexican drinks - in fact it might be in that context I heard/misheard this found something referring to this: [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/U.S.+sugar+industry+continues+trade+negotiations+with+Mexico+over](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/U.S.+sugar+industry+continues+trade+negotiations+with+Mexico+over)…-a0130045605 ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/27 "2009-03-30T22:19:26Z")
This thread made me go and check a can of [Canadian] Coca-Cola from my fridge. The ingredients start off with “Carbonated water, sugar/glucose-fructose…” Does that mean that our Coke has been tainted with HFCS, too? Or is that how other non-HFCS versions of Coke are labeled? [/hijack] ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/28 "2009-03-31T00:37:07Z")
> [@iamthewalrus\_3](#): > > **Dex** , I read the column and I am now even more confused. Matzah is made from wheat, right, but it’s ok because it’s not leavened? But corn tortillas aren’t leavened either, so why aren’t they ok? And Coca-Cola certainly doesn’t have any leavening in it, regardless of whether it’s got corn in it. The original biblical prohibition was against leaven. The rabbis during rabbinic times (say, 100 BCE to 400 CE) set rules for exactly what that meant, since any water added to wheat is liable to cause some rising. They defined the grains and the definition of unleavened. Then, around the 1100s or thereabouts, the rabbis in Germany were concerned that certain other elements might get confused with forbidden grains. Hence, they included other foods (like rice) as forbidden, as well. So, for Jews from northern Europe, there is a tradition of not eating these other foods. Corn tortillas could, I presume, be acceptable to traditional Jews if they were made under strict supervision. They’re still a bit fluffy, and most unleavened bread (matzah) is much more cracker-like. Taco shells would be more like it than tortillas (unless I’m getting them confused.) To add to the confusion, the way-back-when matzah was probably much like pita bread. However, that’s no so nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/29 "2009-03-31T00:51:26Z")
Whether or not something is kosher doesn’t just have to do with its ingredients, it also has to be blessed by a rabbi. Is kosher-for-Passover food blessed differently than non-Passover kosher food, say with a different prayer? (And in my experience, Coke isn’t in as great demand as Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray.) ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/30 "2009-03-31T01:10:39Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Whether or not something is kosher doesn’t just have to do with its ingredients, it also has to be blessed by a rabbi. This is not true. Do you think observant Jews get a rabbi to come over for every single meal to bless everything they eat? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/31 "2009-03-31T02:33:25Z")
From the Coke people 2 years ago: > [@](#): > > Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company about kosher products for Passover, Mr. xxxxxx. > > During Passover, dietary restrictions prohibit the consumption of certain grains, including corn (by some Orthodox groups). Therefore, we must use sucrose made from sugar cane instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). All of the ingredients and manufacturing processes must be scrutinized under rabbinic supervision to assure the Orthodox population that no forbidden ingredients have been used. > > We hope this information helps to answer your question. If you have additional questions or comments, please visit our website again. > > Quent > The Coca-Cola Company > Industry and Consumer Affairs ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/32 "2009-03-31T05:17:49Z")
iamthewalrus: > [@](#): > > If the thing that makes regular Coke kosher for Passover is the sweetener, then what’s different about Diet Coke that it’s not already kosher for Passover? There’s no HFCS in Diet Coke, is there? No, but the bottling facilitie used for both may be the same. So if anything that is not Kosher for Passover passes through those pipes it can render whatever comes next not Kosher for Passover as well (if not cleaned out in the proper manner). > [@](#): > > Dex, I read the column and I am now even more confused. Matzah is made from wheat, right, but it’s ok because it’s not leavened? But corn tortillas aren’t leavened either, so why aren’t they ok? And Coca-Cola certainly doesn’t have any leavening in it, regardless of whether it’s got corn in it. Corn will NEVER become leavened. The prohibition on corn products which was enacted by the Rabbis was in order to not become confused between the leavening species of grain (wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt) and the non-leavening, but somewhat similar-looking species (such as corn or rice). But obviously, if the prohibition on corn only applied to products which are leavened, there would be no prohibition at all, since corn doesn’t leaven. Matzah, on the other hand, is OK - because you know it was carefully monitored to make sure it didn’t leaven. The care taken with matzah makes it a near-certainty that it cannot be mistaken for any form of leavened baked goods. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/33 "2009-03-31T05:39:28Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > Matzah, on the other hand, is OK - because you know it was carefully monitored to make sure it didn’t leaven. The care taken with matzah makes it a near-certainty that it cannot be mistaken for any form of leavened baked goods. Exactly. The Passover-kosherness of matzoh comes not from its ingredients but from the laser-eyed scrutiny of the supervising rabbis, which intimidates the gluten in the flour. As my dad used to say, “If you had the rabbi looking at you like that you wouldn’t puff yourself up either.” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/34 "2009-03-31T06:13:48Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Whether or not something is kosher doesn’t just have to do with its ingredients, it also has to be blessed by a rabbi. Is kosher-for-Passover food blessed differently than non-Passover kosher food, say with a different prayer? Rabbis are simply trained professionals. They don’t have powers. There are virtually no Jewish rituals that \*require \*the presence of a rabbi - not even weddings or funerals. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/35 "2009-03-31T06:53:39Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Rabbis are simply trained professionals. They don’t have powers. > > There are virtually no Jewish rituals that require the presence of a rabbi - not even weddings or funerals. But AFAICT, we’re not talking about ceremonial rituals, we’re talking about kashrut certification. That **does** require the presence of a rabbi to inspect the materials and processes for conformity to the religious requirements. Yeah, it’s not really about the rabbi’s “powers” or prayers, but the rabbi’s role in supervising and confirming kosherness definitely is mandatory. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/36 "2009-03-31T07:31:12Z")
[Bazooka bubble gum](http://www.thisnext.com/item/57A403DB/08283337/ELITE-BAZOOKA-GUM-KOSHER-FOR) also comes in a cane sugar version for Passover. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/37 "2009-03-31T07:45:34Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > But AFAICT, we’re not talking about ceremonial rituals, we’re talking about kashrut certification. That **does** require the presence of a rabbi to inspect the materials and processes for conformity to the religious requirements. > > Yeah, it’s not really about the rabbi’s “powers” or prayers, but the rabbi’s role in supervising and confirming kosherness definitely is mandatory. Rabbis basically serve as judges and notaries, supervising and certifying processes and providing advice and expertise. While many people prefer that rabbis conduct various rituals, there is no prayer said by a rabbi that can’t also be said by a layman. In any event, there are no prayers involved in certifying Kashrut. Because manufacturers often cut corners and engage in less-than-ethical practices, rabbis are required for supervision, as they are considered objective (“answering to a higher power”) and knowledgeable. But a rabbi doesn’t make food Kosher any more than the FDA makes drugs safe to use. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/38 "2009-03-31T07:54:45Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Rabbis basically serve as judges and notaries, supervising and certifying processes and providing advice and expertise. […] > > In any event, there are no prayers involved in certifying Kashrut. Right. How is that different from what I said? I think you may still be arguing with **panache45** , who seemed to have the idea (which you and I agree is mistaken) that kashrut certification is a sort of ceremonial blessing process. Yes, I know that kashrut certification is about expert supervision and verification of procedural compliance rather than a ceremonial blessing process. My point is simply that you still gotta have a rabbi in that supervisory capacity. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/39 "2009-03-31T08:13:17Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > \ > > Pepsi is coming out with [Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback](http://www.bevreview.com/2009/02/26/official-facts-about-pepsi-throwback-mountain-dew-throwback/), beginning April 20 and lasting only until mid-June. Both products will be made sugar and not HFCS. > > However, neither will be Kosher. > > \ I am guessing either would be Kosher, just not maybe _Kosher for Passover_ for some groups. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2009, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326/40 "2009-03-31T09:18:52Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > Right. How is that different from what I said? Well, it isn’t. What we have here is a process of mutual clarification, which to the outside obsever may superficially resemble an argument. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kosher-coca-cola-different-from-the-usual-type/491326.md?page=3)