Faqs

Q. I'd like to buy K-cups to go into the Keurig coffee maker. Do they need a hechsher? There are hazelnut kinds and different teas as well.


A. [The pods (also known as capsules and other names) are single-serve package of coffee grinds, tea leaves, or other powdered drinks. They are put into a specially designed coffee maker which pour water through the pod (which contains its own filter), thereby producing a single cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.]

The "rules" for these pods is the same as if the coffee or tea was not in the pod - if the powder is pure (regular or decaf), unflavored coffee or tea, the pod may be used, even if it does not bear kosher certification, but any flavored item (as many of the teas and some of the coffees are) requires hashgacha.

Even if the pod is kosher, one should not use it in a coffee maker that is also used for non-kosher products - such as in an office environment - without first consulting with your Rabbi.