New York - Report: Tootsie Roll, Gatorade To Get Major Kosher Certification |
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New York - Although there is yet to be a formal announcement, sources told KosherToday that Tootsie Roll and Gatorade will be the next icon food brands to acquire a major kosher symbol.
For kosher consumers, such news has become less frequent than in the 90’s and early 2000’s when many major brands made the move. They included Nabisco’s Oreos, Keebler, Entenmann’s and other national brands that kosher consumers had considered “forbidden fruits.” More recent members of the club include Topp’s Bazooka and Jelly Belly.
Tootsie Roll, a Chicago-based company, has grown to become one of the country’s largest candy companies, with operations throughout North America and with distribution channels in more than 75 countries. Gatorade is a brand of flavored non-carbonated sports drinks manufactured by the Quaker Oats Company, now a division of PepsiCo.
Pepsi’s competitor PowerAde, owned by the Coca-Cola Co., has OU certification. Kosher sources explain that news of a major brand going kosher is rare these days “since most of them already have a major kosher symbol.” One certification agency told Kosher Today: “We are rapidly approaching the day when every major US food brand that can be kosher certified will be kosher.”
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1
Oct 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is great news for the dentists that cater to the frum Yidden.
2
Oct 14, 2009 at 12:47 PM Yosef Says:Report as Inappropriate
Now Yidden can do the gatorade dunk .
3
Oct 14, 2009 at 12:55 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Clarification: Bazooka is mentioned in the article above. The FAQ on Topps' website says clearly "Is Bazooka bubble gum kosher? No, unfortunately it is not certified Kosher at this time." While there may be exceptions (i.e. Israeli Bazooka), regular Bazooka is not kosher.
4
Oct 14, 2009 at 12:50 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Just what we need, more kosher junk food.
5
Oct 14, 2009 at 12:37 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it.
6
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:07 PM Aryeh Says:Report as Inappropriate
Actually this is great news since whenever Powerade is not available, this provides a national option when dealing with hydration in hot weather.
7
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:20 PM mashgiach !! Says:Report as Inappropriate
there are no gums kosher accept the heimisha companies !! and they say thats also not kosher lechatchila !!
8
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:29 PM dov Says:Report as Inappropriate
tootsie rolls are traif? i didnt know that
9
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:28 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
go back to the shtetl....there is no more galach with a big tzelem...in 2009 we are in a big world were one is judged by good deeds, values and torah....a mold is meaning less in todays age.
10
Oct 14, 2009 at 02:14 PM mr613 Says:Report as Inappropriate
Great they will see their revenue increase at least 30%, why every major food brand doesn’t follow is beyond me. Would you want to cut out such a significant market share / buying power as the Kosher consumer? It just makes perfect business sense.
11
Oct 14, 2009 at 02:09 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
#5, actually a lot of our parents did! eat tootsie rolls, they thought it was kosher, ask your parents or grandparents.
12
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:01 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Great they will see their revenue increase at least 30%, why every major food brand doesn’t follow is beyond me. Would you want to cut out such a significant market share / buying power as the Kosher consumer? It just makes perfect business sense. ”
Many major brands are very reluctant as to share ingredient secrets with a Baal Machshir.
13
Oct 14, 2009 at 02:42 PM gum chewer Says:Report as Inappropriate
mashgiach !! (comment 7) :
"there are no gums kosher accept the heimisha companies !! and they say thats also not kosher lechatchila !!'
please explain what you are talking about. the heimishe companies not kosher? and maybe you will start seeing an OU on american bazooka! calm down
14
Oct 14, 2009 at 02:03 PM chosid Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
Did our parents also eat sushi, which you now see in every kosher pizza shop? Or is that also ossur according to hilchos shtuyos?
15
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:54 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Just what we need, more kosher junk food. ”
While a tootsie roll is considered as junk food, gatorade is Not.
Gatorade is good so that one does not become dehydrated. Also it's good if one is constipated, Gatorade replaces the electolites that is lost.
16
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:52 PM Toras Moshe Emes Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
News Flash... Corned beef, herring and pumpernikel were originally goyishe foods too... they still are. You should give them up if you eat them. Do you drink Coca Cola? That was invented by a goy. Do you smoke? Drive a car? Take a train? Fly a plane? Use a telephone? Read a newspaper? Invented by goyim, goyim, goyim, goyim, goyim and goyim.
Chill out
17
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:45 PM Expatriate Owl Says:Report as Inappropriate
Great news for the Future Frum Fatsos of America!!
18
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:17 PM Blue tooth Says:Report as Inappropriate
Junk food was banned in the Public Schools, so they kasher it and businees will be great. See 'comments' how everyone got meshuga just reading about Tutsi Rolls. I guess the sugar to you guys.
19
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:16 PM YITZCHOK Says:Report as Inappropriate
It is very interesting to note that the original producer of tootsie roll was and early resident of Boro Park who lived on 49th street near 16th ave. He died in his late nineties in the early 60's. His name was Rubin and was a memeber in Beth E-l.
20
Oct 14, 2009 at 04:15 PM Lawyer Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Did our parents also eat sushi, which you now see in every kosher pizza shop? Or is that also ossur according to hilchos shtuyos? ”
Forget the sushi, how about pizza? That was unknown in Europe.
(True story: the son of a well-known gadol ba Torah who was born in Europe but later moved to America once asked his father what beracha he should make on pizza. The answer: "What's pizza?")
21
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:49 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It is very interesting to note that the original producer of tootsie roll was and early resident of Boro Park who lived on 49th street near 16th ave. He died in his late nineties in the early 60's. His name was Rubin and was a memeber in Beth E-l. ”
I didn't know tootsie rolls had such chashuvidika yichus.
22
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:24 PM You're Kidding RIGHT?? Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
Now THAT'S funny. "goiyseshe food". Okay, Ham and Cheese, SURE!. Bacon, definately! But candy and a soft drink "goiyeshe"? Give me a break.
23
Oct 14, 2009 at 03:23 PM Chaim S Says:Report as Inappropriate
I'm waiting for Snickers to become cholov yisroel. Throw in cholov yisroel Baby Ruth and I promise you olam haboh.
24
Oct 14, 2009 at 04:38 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Forget the sushi, how about pizza? That was unknown in Europe.
(True story: the son of a well-known gadol ba Torah who was born in Europe but later moved to America once asked his father what beracha he should make on pizza. The answer: "What's pizza?") ”
So what are you saying, that sometimes gadol ba Torah's don't know the answer?
25
Oct 14, 2009 at 01:37 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
your parents didn't eat half the food out there, starting w/ sushi...... so maybe u should limit your food to fruits veggies and bread?
26
Oct 14, 2009 at 04:44 PM Lawyer Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ So what are you saying, that sometimes gadol ba Torah's don't know the answer? ”
No I am saying he was unfamiliar with pizza. He could (and probably did) do research on the matter. (Like Rav Moshe Feinstein, who writes in a teshuva on the kashurs of eggs in America that he had extensive discussion with egg farmers about their practices in raising chickens for eggs.)
27
Oct 14, 2009 at 04:48 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
The only thing that is goyishe food is chazar and basar v'chalav. There is nothign wrong iwth tootsie rolls or gaterade.
28
Oct 14, 2009 at 06:18 PM Long Island Bubby Says:Report as Inappropriate
Gatorade becoming kosher is wonderful news !! My kids, living in Israel, need electrolyte drinks during hot weather so as not to dehydrate. I have had a heck of a time finding kosher powdered mixes to take to Israel (bottles are easy to find, but too heavy to transport), but the Gatorade mix is in every store !!! Most pregnant women (American) in Israel drink this stuff like water !!
29
Oct 14, 2009 at 04:57 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It is very interesting to note that the original producer of tootsie roll was and early resident of Boro Park who lived on 49th street near 16th ave. He died in his late nineties in the early 60's. His name was Rubin and was a memeber in Beth E-l. ”
You are partially correct; here is the history of Tootsie Rolls from Wikipedia.
In 1896 its founder Leo Hirshfield, an Austrian immigrant to the United States, started his candy business in a small shop located in New York City.[1] He decided he wanted a chocolate-tasting candy that would not melt in the heat, and that would be an economical artificial alternative to traditional chocolates.[citation needed] He named the candy after the nickname of his daughter, Clara "Tootsie" Hirshfield.[1] By 1905, production moved to a five-story factory. In 1917 the name of the company was changed to The Sweets Company of America. The business became a listed company in 1922. In 1931 the Tootsie Pop — a hard-candy lollipop with Tootsie Roll filling — was invented, and quickly became popular with Dust Bowl refugees during the Depression era because of its low price. During World War II, Tootsie Rolls became a standard part of American soldiers' field rations, due to the hardiness of the candy under a variety of environmental conditions.[1]
In 1935 the company was in serious difficulty. Its principal supplier of paper boxes, Joseph Rubin & Sons of Brooklyn — concerned about the possible loss of an important customer — became interested in the possibility of acquiring control. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but Bernard D. Rubin acquired a list of shareholders and approached them in person in order to purchase their shares. The Rubins eventually achieved control and agreed that Bernard would run the company as president. Bernard D. Rubin was able to steadily increase sales and restore profits, changing the formula of the Tootsie Roll and increasing its size, moving from Manhattan to a much larger plant in Hoboken, N.J., and guiding the company successfully through the difficult war years when vital raw materials were in short supply. When he died in 1948 he had increased the sales volume twelvefold. After his death his brother William B. Rubin became president and remained president until 1962. In 1966 the company adopted its current name of Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.
30
Oct 14, 2009 at 06:45 PM On The Other Hand Says:Report as Inappropriate
In reply to #5:
Actually, when the Torah says to walk in the way of Hashem, it means that we listen to what he says simply because he says it. Therefore, by going ahead and eating these foods when they are certified, it indicates that the ONLY reason you refrained from eating them before was simply out of keeping with the Halachos. There were no other motives.
Just something to be aware of.
31
Oct 14, 2009 at 05:19 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ your parents didn't eat half the food out there, starting w/ sushi...... so maybe u should limit your food to fruits veggies and bread?
”
To follow my family's minhag dating back to 17th century Poland, we only eat potatoes, sour milk and beets during the week, and skinny chickens on shabbos.
32
Oct 14, 2009 at 07:01 PM faigela Says:Report as Inappropriate
I can't wait to taste gatorade if the gedolem say its mutar to eat it then who can argue
33
Oct 14, 2009 at 08:50 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
hey any time there is more kosher its obviously better since more yidden will be eating kosher. especialy all those that don't know any better will be michshal less often. however there is a famous chassidishe expression ' nisht ats vus meer meg ton darf men ton'. self control is up to the individual.
34
Oct 14, 2009 at 09:24 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
There is the ramban on kdoshim teyou shloh thia naval brshhus hatorha not everything that is muter can you do since if you do you are a navul birshus hatora
35
Oct 14, 2009 at 08:30 PM let down Says:Report as Inappropriate
My research says that only certain products manufactured by Tootsie Roll will get a hashgacha and Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Roll Pops are NOT gettig hashgacha!!! Chaval al d'ovdon v'lo mishkachan
36
Oct 14, 2009 at 08:14 PM DAVGAR Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Great they will see their revenue increase at least 30%, why every major food brand doesn’t follow is beyond me. Would you want to cut out such a significant market share / buying power as the Kosher consumer? It just makes perfect business sense. ”
Do you really beleive that the miniscule percentage of strict kashrus observant people in this country having the ability to purchase Gatorade, for example will result in a 30% increase in revenue ? When on Hashems green earth did you get that statistic ?
37
Oct 14, 2009 at 08:12 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The gemara in chullin says if you want to taste chazir taste you can eat a certain fish and then lists other similar machalos assuros that have a kosher substitute. Why should we be better than the gemorah.
38
Oct 14, 2009 at 07:57 PM sorry to break it to you.. Says:Report as Inappropriate
I remember how delicious Tootsie rolls and Tootsie Roll pops were from very young Boro Park days. But before we start celebrating in the streets, kosher certification does not mean cholov yisroel. Now that would be cause to celebrate.
39
Oct 14, 2009 at 07:39 PM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I can't wait to taste gatorade if the gedolem say its mutar to eat it then who can argue ”
I don't know what you're so impatient for. Gatorade is not supposed to taste good! It's a medicine, not something you drink for pleasure!
40
Oct 14, 2009 at 07:19 PM Tootsies Says:Report as Inappropriate
Are the Tootsie rolls going to be pareve? Or will they not be cholov yisroel?
41
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:06 AM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The gemara in chullin says if you want to taste chazir taste you can eat a certain fish and then lists other similar machalos assuros that have a kosher substitute. Why should we be better than the gemorah. ”
It's only the brain of the shibuto that is supposed to taste like chazir. I don't know whether it's true. I've had the flesh of the fish, but not the brain; it had an interesting texture, but (according to a professional taster) it tasted nothing like chazir. I don't know who got the brain.
There is another fish, the tambaqui, that is supposed to taste like pork, but I've never had it. I've seen it at an aquarium, but for some strange reason they wouldn't let me take one home! It is definitely NOT the one the gemoro meant, though; it's native to the Amazon, not to the Euphrates.
42
Oct 14, 2009 at 11:57 PM in de mir Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
you should know there were no bananas in derheim nu thats a goyish food with kiwi on top
43
Oct 14, 2009 at 11:57 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ go back to the shtetl....there is no more galach with a big tzelem...in 2009 we are in a big world were one is judged by good deeds, values and torah....a mold is meaning less in todays age. ”
Fyi, look up the Ramban on Kedoishem Thiyi were he speaks about being a "Nuvel bershis Hatorah"
44
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:46 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Actually this is great news since whenever Powerade is not available, this provides a national option when dealing with hydration in hot weather. ”
BZZZT! Incorrect. It will not be kosher all over the country. It will be kosher in the north east and then MAYBE if it goes well, it will expand.
45
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:45 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I used to reminisce about tootsie rolls all the time. My husband used to enjoy hearing me talking about it. He loves the name of it! He remembers when yeshivas had them in their school dispensers, as they used to have a k or something on them, they were kosher, but not cholov yisroel. But today we have chocolate flavored laffy taffys which are quite close, so for 25 cents you can imagine you are almost having a tootsie roll. And its pareve too!
46
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:44 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
That is among the most cockamamie things I have EVER heard. What "makes" something "goyish" or "yiddish??" If you believe that, you have to have mental issues.
47
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:43 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Clarification: Bazooka is mentioned in the article above. The FAQ on Topps' website says clearly "Is Bazooka bubble gum kosher? No, unfortunately it is not certified Kosher at this time." While there may be exceptions (i.e. Israeli Bazooka), regular Bazooka is not kosher. ”
Recently many Topps items became kosher under the OU. It is possible Bazooka is one of the items.
48
Oct 15, 2009 at 01:02 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ My research says that only certain products manufactured by Tootsie Roll will get a hashgacha and Tootsie Roll and Tootsie Roll Pops are NOT gettig hashgacha!!! Chaval al d'ovdon v'lo mishkachan ”
your research is incorrect. From the OU website.....
Tootsie Roll is dairy.
Dots Crows-Licorice Flavor is Pareve.
Dots-Fruit Flavor is Pareve
Dots-Tropical Flavor is Pareve
Dots-Yogurt Flavor is Pareve
49
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:54 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I'm waiting for Snickers to become cholov yisroel. Throw in cholov yisroel Baby Ruth and I promise you olam haboh. ”
It would never happen. Its not worth the effort for them to do it for such a tiny group of consumers. Besides if they would make it CY, each bar would be in the vicinity of $2!
50
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:51 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Many major brands are very reluctant as to share ingredient secrets with a Baal Machshir. ”
SHTUSIM!! They are very happy to give the info when they realize it will be helpful to their cause.
51
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:51 AM Kashrus Pro Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Great they will see their revenue increase at least 30%, why every major food brand doesn’t follow is beyond me. Would you want to cut out such a significant market share / buying power as the Kosher consumer? It just makes perfect business sense. ”
I doubt it will be 30% although they 'may' see an increase just not 30%. The brand is suffering due to the competition. They finally realized they should take advantage of the kosher market, if they can.
52
Oct 15, 2009 at 09:01 AM FVNMS Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
Our parents did not go on VIN either.
53
Oct 15, 2009 at 09:38 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I don't know what you're so impatient for. Gatorade is not supposed to taste good! It's a medicine, not something you drink for pleasure!
”
What a ridiculous comment!
54
Oct 15, 2009 at 09:40 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ It's only the brain of the shibuto that is supposed to taste like chazir. I don't know whether it's true. I've had the flesh of the fish, but not the brain; it had an interesting texture, but (according to a professional taster) it tasted nothing like chazir. I don't know who got the brain.
There is another fish, the tambaqui, that is supposed to taste like pork, but I've never had it. I've seen it at an aquarium, but for some strange reason they wouldn't let me take one home! It is definitely NOT the one the gemoro meant, though; it's native to the Amazon, not to the Euphrates. ”
It's interesting that you have such an obsessive interest in what fish tastes like chazeri.
55
Oct 15, 2009 at 12:49 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Many vegetarians, Hindus and also Muslims only eat with a heksher so that they know that there is no meat in the product. This is why it is worth while to make these product kosher - for all kinds of frummers, not just yidden.
56
Oct 15, 2009 at 01:46 PM formally Says:Report as Inappropriate
Gatorade is not medicine and they have many flavors to satisfy many palates.
Gatorade is not a drink like coke, it is mainly used for playing sports or whatever to give a quick energy and replaces some minerals that you lose when one sweats. They even have a low card one with I think a little more minerals
They are better ones out there but Gatorade is the most popular.
My guess is it was just a matter of cost for the kosher seal, since it was already probably kosher all the time.
57
Oct 15, 2009 at 01:31 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I don't know what you're so impatient for. Gatorade is not supposed to taste good! It's a medicine, not something you drink for pleasure!
”
Really, Gatoride is a medicine? That's news to the rest of the USA population!
58
Oct 15, 2009 at 02:37 PM #25 Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ To follow my family's minhag dating back to 17th century Poland, we only eat potatoes, sour milk and beets during the week, and skinny chickens on shabbos. ”
well then, hearty appetite! if u believe in being masochistic then no one is holding you back. hashem put food onto this world so that u should enjoy it. no one said that its more pious to limit your foods to almost nothing
59
Oct 16, 2009 at 09:17 AM I mean, seriously? Says:Report as Inappropriate
Boruch Hashem the frum community has completed all its necessary learning and done all the required maasim toivim possible that they can sit and debate the serious news about Tootsie Rolls getting a hashgacha and whether Gatorade is a medicine!
In less than 24 hours, at least sixty or seventy people wasted their time commenting on this and who knows how many other articles, pontificating about things they know nothing about.
Tootsie Rolls? Powerade? I mean, seriously? Does NO ONE have anything better to do with his/her time?
Please, ask your local Rabbi to join us in spending time on this shtus, and maybe a few Roshei Yeshivos could take time out from learning to join in.
If you stop for a minute and think of what you are doing, you will realize that THIS is the most harmful effect of the internet being so readily available, not the illicit websites.
It is apparently true that now that the internet is freely available, the Satan can finally afford take time off and to go on vacation.
60
Dec 13, 2009 at 09:27 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
why not? what is wrong with it?
61
Mar 04, 2010 at 10:02 PM Benny levy Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
Why if it does have a hashgacha we cant drink it. Our parents didnt have this hashgacha, and if they did they will definitely drink it because it is kosher just like any other product that is kosher
62
May 27, 2010 at 12:54 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is goiyeshe food and not the type of ochel that our parents ate so we shouldn't be getting our children to think this is mutar. Just because somthing has hashgacha doesn't mean we should be buying it. ”
thats ridiculous