What Are the Rules of a Kosher Diet?

Jewish law or “kashruth” dictates what is considered kosher and how to keep kosher. The animal or mammals must chew the cud and have split hooves or scales and fins. Shellfish and pork products are not permitted. Animals are slaughtered in a very specific way. An animal’s blood must be drained before consuming . Fruits and vegetables are considered kosher, but if bugs or worms are present, the produce is not kosher and cannot be consumed. Kosher and non-kosher foods cannot be mixed. Meat and dairy cannot be cooked or eaten together. Grape products created by non-kosher kitchens are deemed non-kosher. Many households may keep kosher dishes, utensils, and knives separate from non-kosher items; some households may even have a separate sink and dishwasher for kosher and non-kosher foods.

Is Kosher Meat Healthier Than Non-Kosher?

Meat is considered kosher if the animal is deemed appropriate to consume and slaughtered and salted in a specific manner that adheres to Jewish dietary rules. According to the dietary law, mammals must chew their cud and have split hooves, such as cows, sheep, and poultry. When the animal is slaughtered, the process has to follow a specific ritual: The animals must be slaughtered one at a time by a trained expert, and then the meat is inspected for any damage or disease and salted to draw out blood and liquid. Kosher practices are meant to parallel the standards for food safety set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the products are as safe for consumption as non-kosher meat . As always, it’s best to follow the standards that apply to all foods; avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and other foods, and cook your meat to recommended levels.

Can Anyone Eat Kosher Meals?

A kosher kitchen or diet takes a lot of planning; certain foods must be prepared in a specific manner, and many foods are permitted, and many are restricted. There are even rules outlining how certain foods, such as meat and dairy, cannot be consumed together. However, anyone can eat and follow a kosher diet if they follow the dietary rules outlined.

Can I Use Table Salt in a Kosher Meal?

Table salt may be considered kosher if it is pure and does not contain additives. Look for a kosher symbol on the salt package or contact customer service if you are unsure. Kosher salt often refers to the larger crystal makeup of the salt, making it easier to pick up the salt. And the action of “koshering” meat with large salt crystals helps draw out the liquid and blood of the animal after slaughter.

Best Kosher Meal Delivery Services of 2023

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Maintaining a kosher diet can be challenging and requires some extra planning. Fortunately, a kosher meal delivery service can help mitigate and alleviate the time it takes to menu plan for the week, shop for groceries, prep, cook, and clean. And thanks to the variety and convenience of kosher meal companies with flexible options, your family can adhere to your kosher diet without the guesswork. From prepared ready-to-heat kosher meals to gourmet dinners to groceries, there is a kosher meal delivery service that fits your needs. Learn more about why the following companies made our list for those who want to keep kosher while saving time in the kitchen.

Best Kosher Meal Delivery Services of 2023

Best Gourmet: JChef
Best Prepared Meals: KosherBox
Best for Singles: Kosher Diet Delivery
Best for Families: Thrive Market
Best for Groceries: Glatt Kosher Store
Best Non-Certified Kosher: Home Chef

Best Gourmet : JChef

JChef

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Key Specs

Starting Price: $15 per serving
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

For the kosher home chef, enjoy composing a gourmet meal in your kitchen with JChef’s meal kit with easy-to-follow recipes that boast a worldly bend. And thanks to a Shabbat box for 12 people, your traditional weekly dinner just got a bit easier.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Flexible and easy-to-plan future shipments
Overnight delivery
Certified kosher by KM Kosher Miami
Gourmet dinners ready in under 30 minutes

Cons

Shipping is not free

Overview

Each week, select your ideal meals from a rotating, seasonal menu. Choose a classic box with four or six servings, a family box with eight or 12 servings, or a Shabbat box with six or 12 servings. Recipes and food arrive preportioned alongside photographic recipe cards, and your kosher meal will come together in 30 minutes or less. Customers can even contact customer service to request that family-favorite meals be added to their shipment.

Best Prepared Meals : KosherBox

Kosher Box

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Key Specs

Starting Price: $14.95 per serving
Delivery Area: 50 states
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

KosherBox designs single-serving, fully prepared certified-kosher meals, and ships worldwide, so you can enjoy kosher meals no matter where you live or plan on traveling.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Curated boxes and gifts
Ships globally
À la carte and monthly subscription options
Certified Glatt Kosher

Cons

$99 minimum for free shipping

Overview

Whether you desire kosher snacks, desserts, entrées, or special holiday meals, KosherBox can deliver (literally, all around the world). Build your ideal shipment from a wide assortment of à la carte meals, sides, and gift boxes, or subscribe to a monthly rotating KosherBox snack box filled with noshes and treats. Additionally, have all of your Shabbat needs taken care of with the Shabbat box, which includes a full Shabbat meal, utensils, candles, and a silver kiddush cup.

Best for Singles : Kosher Diet Delivery

Kosher Diet Delivery

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Key Specs

Starting Price: $14.31 per serving
Delivery Area: New York metropolitan area
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

For busy adults looking for convenient, nutritious, and prepared meals, Kosher Diet Delivery supplies just that with fresh meals arriving daily. Meals are certified kosher, and every customer works one-on-one with an experienced nutritionist.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Registered nutritionists on call
One-on-one coaching
Includes all daily meals fresh each morning

Cons

Program is only available on a daily, preset basis
Delivers to tri-state area only

Overview

If you’re looking to lose weight or want to feel healthier, Kosher Diet Delivery creates a curated experience. Plan on a detailed enrollment process to identify health and nutrition goals with your personal nutritionist, who will produce a tailored plan. The plan features daily meals for seven, 14, 31, and 62 days that arrive fresh at your door daily by 6 a.m. Meals arrive fully prepared and ready to heat in the microwave in two minutes. Diets include low-FODMAP, diabetes-friendly, and meals for PCOS and fructose malabsorption support.

Best for Families : Thrive Market

Thrive Market

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Key Specs

Starting Price: Membership starts at $5 a month; prices vary by item
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh and frozen

Why You Should Try It

Feed your family easily thanks to Thrive Market’s certified kosher search feature, which makes grocery shopping and meal planning a piece of cake (kosher, of course). Plus, many items are offered at a discount, so your wallet will be happy, too.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Price matching
Carbon-neutral shipping
Free gift with first order

Cons

Membership fee

Overview

With a minimum monthly or yearly membership fee, gain access to thousands of groceries—including plenty of certified kosher items—delivered weekly, every other week, or once a month. Kosher groceries encompass nearly 2,000 items, including breakfasts, baby food, snacks, grains, sweets, and more. Search for kosher items using the search filter tool, build your desired cart, and get ready for your groceries to arrive straight to your doorstep.

Best for Groceries : Glatt Kosher Store

Glatt Kosher Store

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Key Specs

Starting Price: Prices vary by item
Delivery Area: 50 states
Products Arrive: Fresh and frozen

Why You Should Try It

From kosher holiday feasts to a kosher bakery, meat, dairy, and produce, Glatt Kosher Store delivers a plethora of kosher groceries directly to your door, so you don’t have to schlep to the store.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Vast selection of kosher groceries
Free recipe ideas on website
Order on your terms

Cons

Shipping costs can be high

Overview

Interested in having all of your kosher groceries delivered straight to your home? Enter Glatt Kosher Store, an online grocery store that has specialized in sourcing certified kosher groceries and food for over 15 years. Create an account, fill your cart, and input your shipping and credit card information for a quick 24- to 48-hour shipping turnaround time. Order as often and as frequently as you wish whenever you need groceries. The ease and convenience of Glatt Kosher Store make it a cinch to feed your family for all occasions.

Best Non-Certified Kosher : Home Chef

Home Chef

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Key Specs

Starting Price: $8.99 per serving
Delivery Area: 48 states
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

If you have flexibility in your kosher diet, then Home Chef may be a good option. While the service doesn’t create certified kosher meals, you can put together a meal plan thanks to a variety of preferences and meal choices, including plenty of vegetarian options.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Easily customize recipes
Meal kits and prepared entrée options
Intuitive and useful app

Cons

Not certified kosher
Lots of packaging

Overview

For those looking for a “kosher-style” meal plan without following a strict kosher diet, then Home Chef’s traditional meal plan may be enticing. Home Chef offers gourmet meal kits with fresh, preportioned ingredients that arrive alongside step-by-step recipe instructions for speedy meal preparation. In addition to meal kits, select from plenty of prepared, ready-to-heat meals for both microwave and oven cooking to make getting dinner on the table a snap. Take a quick quiz to create a customized meal plan for your household, with options to customize, swap, and even bulk up on proteins. And with larger serving sizes and family-friendly meals available, Home Chef is a great option for families.

Final Thoughts

JChef is our selection for the best gourmet kosher meal delivery service. The subscription meal kit service is flexible, so you can plot and plan exactly when you need your kosher meals. And with options for a variety of boxes—plus large serving sizes–JChef can accommodate plenty of lifestyles and households. But with the variety available, you don’t want to overlook other great options. If you’re in the New York metro area, Kosher Diet Delivery can be an excellent option for fresh, daily kosher meals. And if you have a family to feed and want to save yourself a trip to the store, you may want to consider a service like Thrive Market. The choices on this list provide plenty of options for keeping kosher without sacrificing quality or convenience.

Compare the Best Kosher Meal Delivery Services

Company	Starting Price	Delivery Area	Products Arrive	Customers Can Choose Delivery Date?	Free Shipping?
JChef Best Gourmet	$15 per serving	48 states	Fresh	No	No
KosherBox Best Prepared Meals	$14.95 per serving	50 states	Fresh	No	No
Kosher Diet Delivery Best for Singles	$14.31 per serving	NY metropolitan area	Fresh	Yes	No
Thrive Market Best for Families	Membership starts at $5 per month, prices vary by item	48 states	Fresh and frozen	Yes	No
Glatt Kosher Store Best for Groceries	Prices vary by item	50 states	Fresh and frozen	No	No
Home Chef Best Non-Certified Kosher	$8.99 per serving	48 states	Fresh	No	No

Guide to Choosing the Best Kosher Meal Delivery Service

We’ve rounded up a list of factors to consider to help you find the best kosher meal delivery service for your household.

Factors to Consider

Price/Cost Per Meal: Identifying a budget can help you narrow in on a kosher meal company that aligns with your wallet. In general, count on spending about $14 per serving.
Number of Meals Per Delivery: Kosher meal services vary in the number of meals and plans the companies offer.
Flexibility: Many kosher meal companies offer plenty of flexibility when maintaining a subscription and selecting meal preferences.
Menu Selection: Kosher meal delivery companies tend to offer family favorites and standbys or a rotational menu each week.
Nutrition Goals/Dietary Restrictions: Some kosher meal delivery services can accommodate certain dietary restrictions, such as low-FODMAP and gluten-free foods.

What Does Kosher Mean?

Many Jewish and even secular families maintain a kosher diet and household for a variety of reasons. Keeping kosher or maintaining a kosher home is a historic practice of Jewish law, dictating how certain foods can be eaten (or restricted), and outlining how specific foods must be prepared to be deemed safe to consume. It is one of the tenets of the Jewish faith dating back thousands of years. There are very specific guidelines for preparing and serving meat, dairy, and pareve (foods that are not meat or dairy, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Rules of a Kosher Diet?
- Jewish law or “kashruth” dictates what is considered kosher and how to keep kosher.
- The animal or mammals must chew the cud and have split hooves or scales and fins.
- Shellfish and pork products are not permitted.
- Animals are slaughtered in a very specific way.
- An animal’s blood must be drained before consuming .
- Fruits and vegetables are considered kosher, but if bugs or worms are present, the produce is not kosher and cannot be consumed.
- Kosher and non-kosher foods cannot be mixed.
- Meat and dairy cannot be cooked or eaten together.
- Grape products created by non-kosher kitchens are deemed non-kosher.
- Many households may keep kosher dishes, utensils, and knives separate from non-kosher items; some households may even have a separate sink and dishwasher for kosher and non-kosher foods.
Is Kosher Meat Healthier Than Non-Kosher?

Meat is considered kosher if the animal is deemed appropriate to consume and slaughtered and salted in a specific manner that adheres to Jewish dietary rules. According to the dietary law, mammals must chew their cud and have split hooves, such as cows, sheep, and poultry.When the animal is slaughtered, the process has to follow a specific ritual: The animals must be slaughtered one at a time by a trained expert, and then the meat is inspected for any damage or disease and salted to draw out blood and liquid. Kosher practices are meant to parallel the standards for food safety set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the products are as safe for consumption as non-kosher meat. As always, it’s best to follow the standards that apply to all foods; avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and other foods, and cook your meat to recommended levels.
Can Anyone Eat Kosher Meals?

A kosher kitchen or diet takes a lot of planning; certain foods must be prepared in a specific manner, and many foods are permitted, and many are restricted. There are even rules outlining how certain foods, such as meat and dairy, cannot be consumed together. However, anyone can eat and follow a kosher diet if they follow the dietary rules outlined.
Can I Use Table Salt in a Kosher Meal?

Table salt may be considered kosher if it is pure and does not contain additives. Look for a kosher symbol on the salt package or contact customer service if you are unsure. Kosher salt often refers to the larger crystal makeup of the salt, making it easier to pick up the salt. And the action of “koshering” meat with large salt crystals helps draw out the liquid and blood of the animal after slaughter.

Methodology

Our team of The Spruce Eats researchers independently reviewed kosher meal delivery services. Researchers looked at myriad factors, including a variety of delivery offerings, kosher product types, pricing, sustainability initiatives, shipping fees and time lines, delivery areas, and customer service. After careful review, we identified which kosher meal delivery services earned a spot on our list.