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    30 Jun KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

    Posted at 15:19h in by
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    KOSHER MARSHMALLOWS
    What makes marshmallows a kashrus concern?
    The ingredient in question is gelatin, which gives marshmallows their
    signature soft, spongy texture by absorbing up to ten times its own
    weight in water. Standard gelatin is derived from animal hides and
    bones, and when it comes from a non-kosher animal or one not properly shechted, it is not
    kosher, even in small amounts.
    What are kosher marshmallows made of?
    Kosher marshmallows are made with one of three alternatives to standard gelatin: certified
    kosher bovine gelatin from a properly shechted animal, fish gelatin from a kosher species
    produced under rabbinical supervision, or pectin, a fully plant-based binder that replicates
    the marshmallow texture.
    Is bovine gelatin pareve?
    Cowhide is technically inedible, which means it isn’t classified as fleishigs under halacha –
    and since gelatin is an extract of the hide rather than the hide itself, the prohibition against
    cooking it with milk doesn’t apply to the final product. Rav Moshe Feinstein ruled that
    bovine gelatin from a properly shechted kosher animal can be considered pareve.
    The source animal must still be kosher. Even if cowhide begins as inedible, once it’s
    processed into gelatin it becomes a food product – and takes on the kosher status of its
    source. If the animal wasn’t shechted properly, the gelatin isn’t kosher; processing doesn’t
    erase its origin.
    Can one roast marshmallows made with fish gelatin on the same skewer as a hot dog?
    Rabbi Belsky said that mixing fish gelatin with meat should be avoided. Therefore, roasting
    marshmallows made with fish gelatin on the same skewer that was used for meat is not

    recommended.
    It’s best to use a different skewer or hold the skewer in the flame for a few seconds between
    uses to clean it entirely.
    What should you look for when buying kosher marshmallows?
    The determining factor isn’t just the ingredient list – it’s how the product is made, what
    equipment was used, and whether proper supervision was in place throughout.
    Always look for a trusted hechsher like the OU. If the symbol reads “OU Fish,” the
    marshmallows are perfectly kosher but should not be served with meat.