There's a Kosher App for That

As someone who not only keeps kosher, but also works as a mashgiach (kosher supervisor), I often find myself away from the computer and searching for kosher food options. There are two good iPhone apps that help users locate the closest kosher options, whether it's a box of cereal or an Italian restaurant you're looking for .

RustyBrick's kosher app links to the largest kosher database on the web at the Shamash site. With over 2,000 restaurants in the database, the Jewish Kosher App for the iPhone or iPod Touch looks up the nearest kosher place to eat from your current location, using the iPhone's GPS features. (If GPS or localization isn't on or available, a location or name can be typed in.) Additionally, a kosher symbols database is available to quickly look up what kosher symbols are backed by which organizations or rabbi. As a bonus feature, all of the food blessings and prayers in Hebrew are included in this app so one can give proper thanks before and following the meal.

Another new iPhone app to help the kosher eater locate food is called My Grocery Master. It allows users to browse and search a database of over 100,000 Kosher, gluten-free and lactose-free items across the United States, meeting the user’s lifestyle and dietary requirements. Created by Nosh Maven LLC, My Grocery Master enables people following kosher diets to find acceptable food near their location.

Simply type in your zip code, search a food product and "My Grocery Master" will scan its database of the top 100 grocery store chains in the country to identify the nearest store that carries the desired items.

Additionally, the app will provide convenient driving directions from your location to the selected grocery store.

Whether you’re on the road, visiting a friend, or cooking a meal at home that requires a certain product, people following kosher diets can now find comfort in knowing their food needs are at their fingertips.

Features include:

• Database of over 100,000 products for Kosher, gluten-free and lactose-free diets
• Over 360 name brands
• Future updates to include searches for Vegan, Organic and diabetic suitable diets
• Search by category, brand of product name
• Frequent, FREE updates with new products and brands
• Includes most Top 100 grocery store chains in the country and the leading online grocery stores
• One-touch link to the “My Grocery Master” website providing recipes and more information
• No connectivity required unless you utilize the one-touch website links
• Save searches for easy future access
• Driving directions to store included

The app is priced at a $4.99 annual fee, which is a small price to pay in the kosher marketplace.