Silk almond milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a healthier option. However, for those who keep kosher, the question arises: is Silk almond milk parve?
The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. In this article, we will explore the complexities of kosher certification and equipment usage in food production, and how it relates to Silk almond milk.
So, if you’re curious about the kosher status of this popular non-dairy milk, read on!
Is Silk Almond Milk Parve?
Silk almond milk is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU) with a dairy-free (OU-D) designation. This means that the product has been processed on equipment that may have also been used for dairy products.
According to Jewish dietary laws, pareve products made with heat on dairy equipment may be eaten after meat, but not with meat. However, to be a true dairy equipment (DE) product, the equipment must be properly cleaned of residue after dairy production, and that level of cleanliness is sometimes difficult to maintain and guarantee.
While Silk almond milk is labeled OU-D, its true status at the present time is DE (Dairy Equipment). This means that it may be eaten after meat, but not with meat. Some kashrus agencies use a DE symbol, but the OU has chosen not to use a DE designation because it may be confusing to the kosher consumer.
It’s important to note that it is possible for the manufacturer to reformulate this product and add a true dairy ingredient. In this case, the OUD kosher symbol will remain the same, and consumers will not be able to know if the product contains dairy ingredients. Therefore, it’s recommended to call the OU office every 3 months to reconfirm the DE status of this product.
Understanding Kosher Certification
Kosher certification is a system of verification and labeling that ensures products comply with strict kosher policies. This system was originally created for spiritual purposes, but over the years it has evolved into a helpful guide for many people who follow special diets. When a product is kosher certified, all ingredients in the product and the process of producing the product must comply with kosher policies.
There are two kosher dietary laws that are particularly relevant to dairy-free consumers. The first is that kosher pareve products must not contain milk, meat, nor any of their derivatives. In other words, kosher pareve products are dairy-free and meat-free, at least by ingredients. The second law is that meat and meat derivatives may never be mixed with milk or milk derivatives. Separate equipment for the preparation and storage of meat-based and dairy-based foods must be used. This means that kosher meat must be dairy-free.
Products that are kosher certified will bear a kosher symbol. A plain symbol is usually an indication that the product is certified kosher pareve. A symbol with the word “Pareve,” “Parev,” or “Parve” near it (yes, all spellings are used!), is confirmation of that certification. However, products with other lettering can also be dairy-free by ingredients.
It’s important to note that the OU does not designate items as dairy equipment because they don’t trust that people are smart enough to know the rules for DE. Therefore, they automatically put the dairy designation on anything that’s dairy equipment.
When a product is labeled OU-D, it means that it has been processed on equipment that may have also been used for dairy products. This does not necessarily mean that the product contains dairy components, but it does mean that it has been in contact with dairy equipment.
What Makes A Food Parve?
The term “parve” refers to a food item that contains neither dairy nor meat ingredients and was not processed with heat on dairy or meat equipment. Parve foods are neutral and may be eaten with both meat and dairy foods.
When it comes to kosher certification, the “D” designation on a product label indicates that the product contains dairy ingredients or was processed on equipment that was also used for dairy products. On the other hand, the “Pareve,” “Parev,” or “Parve” designation indicates that the product is dairy-free and meat-free by ingredients.
It’s important to note that some products may be labeled as pareve even though they were processed on dairy equipment, which means they are DE (Dairy Equipment) products. DE products may be eaten after meat, but not with meat. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the equipment used for DE products must be properly cleaned of residue after dairy production, and that level of cleanliness is sometimes difficult to guarantee.
The Production Process Of Silk Almond Milk
Silk almond milk is made from three types of almonds that are grown by Mother Nature and picked at the peak of ripeness. The production process for Silk almond milk involves several steps.
First, the almonds are soaked in water to soften them. Then, the almonds are blended with water to create a smooth and creamy mixture. The mixture is then strained to remove any almond solids, leaving behind a smooth, creamy liquid.
Next, the liquid is heated to a high temperature to ensure that it is free from any harmful bacteria. This process is called pasteurization and commercial sterilization, and it is required by federal regulations.
After pasteurization, the almond milk is homogenized to ensure a consistent texture and flavor. Finally, the milk is packaged in aseptic containers that allow it to be shelf-stable without refrigeration until it is opened.
Silk almond milk is free from dairy, soy, lactose, gluten, casein, egg, carrageenan, and MSG. It also contains Vitamin D to help support strong bones and 50% more calcium than dairy milk.
Silk Almond Milk’s Kosher Certifications
Silk almond milk is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU) with a dairy-free (OU-D) designation. This means that the product has been processed on equipment that may have also been used for dairy products.
The OU-D certification indicates that Silk almond milk is pareve, which means it does not contain any meat or dairy ingredients. Pareve products made with heat on dairy equipment may be eaten after meat, but not with meat.
However, it’s important to note that while Silk almond milk is labeled OU-D, its true status at the present time is DE (Dairy Equipment). This means that it may be eaten after meat, but not with meat. Some kashrus agencies use a DE symbol to indicate this status, but the OU has chosen not to use a DE designation because it may be confusing to the kosher consumer.
It’s also important to be aware that the manufacturer could reformulate the product and add a true dairy ingredient without changing the OUD kosher symbol. This means that consumers would not know if the product contains dairy ingredients. Therefore, it’s recommended to call the OU office every 3 months to reconfirm the DE status of this product.
Potential Cross-Contamination With Non-Parve Ingredients
Silk almond milk is processed on equipment that may have also been used for dairy products. This means that there is a potential for cross-contamination with non-parve ingredients, such as casein, which is derived from milk and considered a dairy ingredient.
While Silk follows strict allergen-cleanup procedures to ensure that products made on shared equipment are dairy-free, it’s important to note that companies do not always completely clean off their machinery after running dairy products on them. Additionally, companies may ask to re-formulate their ingredients, which means that even if a product does not contain any dairy ingredients today, it does not mean that it will stay the same tomorrow.
Consumers with severe allergies should always consult a doctor before introducing a new food. It’s also recommended to check for any additional warnings or information on the product label or contact the manufacturer directly for more information.
