How an Atlanta Rabbi Helped Coca-Cola Become Kosher for Passover
In 1935, Rabbi Tobias Geffen of Atlanta made a landmark contribution to both religious practice and consumer product accessibility by helping make Coca-Cola kosher for Passover—a development that not only addressed religious dietary laws but showcased how a global FMCG brand could adapt to meet consumer needs in diverse markets.
At the time, Coca-Cola contained two problematic ingredients for observant Jews: a mystery “Merchandise 7X” flavoring and a sweetener sourced from corn syrup—prohibited during Passover by Ashkenazi Jewish tradition. Despite the Coca-Cola formula being one of the industry’s most closely guarded secrets, the company made an unprecedented move by disclosing the full ingredient list to Rabbi Geffen under strict confidentiality.
Rabbi Geffen’s review identified glycerin derived from non-kosher animal fat as a key concern. After consultations with religious authorities worldwide, he issued a teshuva (responsa) affirming that Coca-Cola could be made kosher, provided its glycerin was vegetable-sourced and its Passover version avoided corn-based sweeteners.
In response, Coca-Cola reformulated its product using cane sugar for Passover and adapted the glycerin source, enabling Orthodox Jews to enjoy the beverage without compromising their faith. The decision elevated the brand’s position among Jewish communities and set a precedent within the FMCG sector for religious sensitivity and formulation transparency.
To this day, Coca-Cola produces a special kosher-for-Passover version during the annual holiday, differentiated by a yellow cap and marked with certification from the Orthodox Union. This seasonal SKU has not only become a staple for observant consumers but also garners mainstream demand for its cane sugar formulation, viewed by some as offering superior taste.
The collaboration between Rabbi Geffen and Coca-Cola offers a compelling case study in how large-scale FMCG players can tailor product offerings to align with cultural and religious consumer needs—an approach that fosters brand loyalty while opening avenues for inclusion and market expansion.
The success of kosher Coca-Cola underscores the importance of transparency, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity in product development—key values for FMCG brands operating in diverse and globalized markets.