NEW YORK — The decision by the Orthodox Union (OU) to certify products that include kitniyot will have an immediate impact on grocery shelves this Passover season. Kitniyot, which is a category of food that contains legumes, corn, peas, soy, rice and lentils, is consumed by Jews of Sephardic descent while Ashkenazic Jews meticulously avoid the products. The kitniyot items will be amongst some 300 new food products that will be introduced for Passover (eve of April 14 through April 22). Manischewitz was one of the first to take advantage of the new OU designation, which will be indicated on packages with an OU-P – Kitniyot. Manischewitz named its line of kitniyot products Kitni, including canned corn and chickpeas, popcorn and rice cakes, peanut butter, tahini, lentils and rice mix, and Mediterranean rice mix. Kitni products can be found in Metro New York, Chicago, California, Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas and Canada.
In its annual review of new kosher-for-Passover items, KosherToday found some new condiments, oils and mixes for Passover. Kedem is introducing Blanchard & Blanchard Creamy Ranch Dressing (Pareve), Blanchard & Blanchard Non-Pareil Capers (All Natural, Imported) and Blanchard & Blanchard Sun Dried Tomatoes (All Natural, Imported). In addition to its kitniyot products, Manischewitz is introducing Chicken Broth, natural and gluten-free. Osem is out with their Homestyle Potato Pancake Mix.
There are new additions for breakfast and desserts. Paskesz introduces two gluten free Cracker Flats, Crispits (Original, Onion, Garlic and Everything) and Crackets (Original, Onion, Garlic and Everything). Also from Paskesz are Soft Crunch Honey Granola Style Bars in Honey/Almond and Chocolate Drizzle Bars (gluten free and Pareve). Kedem’s new additions include Crispy-O’s Gluten Free Frosted Cereal (Imported from Israel) and Kosherific Passover Veggie Crust Cheeseypies (only 45 calories and 1g of fat per serving), all natural, Cholov Yisroel, and Non-Gebrokts.
Manischewitz’s new offerings include Coconut Crisp Cookies and Pistachio Orange Macaroons (gluten-free), Almond Pecan Granola and Matzo Granola Cereal. New from the Mishpacha line of snacks from Manischewitz is Almond Macaroons, complimenting the other Mishpacha Macaroon assortment, which includes Chocolate Chip, Chocolate and Coconut (gluten free). Lieber’s has a full line of macaroons from Almonds, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Covered Coconut, Double Chocolate Chip and Honey, to name but a few. Elegante & Dodilly Chocolatier has introduced a full line of Kosher for Pesach Pareve (Non-Gebrokts) sweet and savory French Macaroons, which come in sandwiches and ice cream sandwiches in a variety of flavors including chocolate, nutty, mint and fruity. Savory flavors include salt & pepper, oregano, roasted pepper, chili and more! Elegante & Dodilly Chocolatier will also introduce Gourmet Artisan Chocolates, Pancakes & French Toast and Muffins (Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Carrot, Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip and Plain).
In the fish category, Benz’s introduces their Smoked Nova. In the sweets department for both adults and kids are a number of new products for all the snackers out there. Klein’s Kosher Ice Cream introduces Rainbow Bullets (non-dairy) and the Gold Bar Strawberry Swirl in a 3-pack. Kedem introduces Harrison’s Sweet Shoppe all natural sodas (Cola, Lemon/Lime, Cream and Orange) and Shefa Sweet Goodies Chocolate Candy (Cholov Yisroel Milk Chocolate, Bittersweet Chocolate, White Chocolate, Milk/White Chocolate, Imported from Israel, Certified Gluten Free). Osem has added a large size to Bissli Onion (portion of proceeds from the sale of each bag will go to support JNF’s indoor recreation center in Sderot, Israel). Lieber’s is adding Gluten Free Confetti Cookies (also in vanilla and lemon flavor).
Elegante & Dodilly Chocolatier will also be introducing a line of frozen desserts: Sushi Ice Cream rolls in flavors including Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Vanilla, and Neapolitan and Cake Pops that are decorated in a variety of sprinkles and nuts, and Mousses in the following flavors: Chocolate, Hazelnut, Strawberry and Lemon.
The matzo category always seems to be growing. This year, Kedem rolls out Yehuda Matzos Chocolately Coated Matzos w/Coconut, Yehuda Matzos Chocolately Coated Matzos w/Sprinkles, Yehuda Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Crackers (All Natural, Certified Gluten Free), Yehuda Gluten Free Soup Crackers (All Natural, Certified Gluten Free) and Yehuda Crumb Cake, all imported from Israel. Speaking of Israel, Osem is adding matzo balls as a Homestyle Matzah Ball mix.
In addition to foods, many new novelty items will be on sale in time for the holiday. They include Davida Apron’s “new” Matzahman Doll (a Kosherfest winner). “A Seder is not a Seder without the Matzahman Doll!” Rite Lite Ltd. introduces an elegant melamine Seder plate. It is washable, affordable and will enhance the Seder table.
By Eda Kram Editor, New Product Showcase & Staff Reporters, Kosher News
