New York - Kosher Industry Deals with Obesity Concerns

New York - There has been a noticeable increase in the availability of kosher fat-free and sugar-free foods in both retail and foodservice, food industry sources say.

Kosher restaurants in Brooklyn routinely offer fat-free items on the menu, ranging from muffins to tuna salads. Retailers say that consumers are buying more sugar-free and fat-free salad dressings, sauces, pastries, ice cream, and even breads.
Some food industry sources say that kosher consumers are buying into the growing national health concerns over obesity.

One physician parent said: “It is important for the kosher food industry to pay heed to this major health concern in our midst.” In the past 3 years, the number of kosher products targeting the health concerns of kosher consumers has risen dramatically at the annual Kosherfest.

This year’s Kosherfest 2006 takes place November 14-15 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.