Kosher toothpaste is one of those everyday questions most people never think to ask until a label sends them looking. Toothpaste is not food, and rabbinic opinions differ on whether it needs certification at all, but it contains glycerin, flavourings and sweeteners, and a little is often swallowed, so many kosher households prefer to choose a certified tube. This guide focuses on three brands that are easy to find on Amazon and have documented kosher certification: Tom’s of Maine, Supersmile and Spry. Tom’s of Maine says its products have carried kosher certification since 1990, Supersmile’s line is listed with the OU, and Xlear’s Spry range appears in the OU’s product database. Below you will find the specific products we picked, what sets each brand apart, a short checklist for reading a toothpaste label, and answers to the questions we hear most. Certification can change between batches and pack sizes, so always confirm the symbol on the packaging you receive.
🦷 Tom’s of Maine Kosher Toothpaste
Natural toothpaste from a brand that has carried kosher certification since 1990
Tom’s of Maine is the most widely stocked of the three, and the company states that its products have carried kosher certification since 1990. We chose the Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening formula and the Wicked Fresh! anticavity toothpaste so there is an option whether or not you prefer fluoride. The brand says its formulas contain no animal ingredients, which is reassuring given how often glycerin comes up in kosher toothpaste discussions. The company describes most, rather than all, of its range as kosher, so check for the symbol on the exact tube or multipack you order. For Passover, Tom’s of Maine has historically said that only its deodorants are Kosher for Passover, so do not assume the toothpaste is covered.
✨ Supersmile Kosher Whitening Toothpaste
OU-certified whitening, developed by a cosmetic dentist
Supersmile is the premium pick in this guide. It was developed by cosmetic dentist Dr. Irwin Smigel, and the brand says it has held OU certification since launch. Supersmile also states that its products avoid glycerin altogether, which removes the most common kosher question in toothpaste. We included the fluoride-free Original Mint toothpaste, the Jumbo Extra Whitening Pre-Rinse, and the Professional Whitening Accelerator, which is designed to be used alongside the toothpaste. These cost more than a standard supermarket tube, so they suit people who want a dedicated whitening routine rather than a basic daily toothpaste.
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👶 Spry Kosher Xylitol Toothpaste
Xylitol-sweetened toothpaste and gels for adults, kids and babies
Spry, made by Xlear, is sweetened with xylitol and offers formulas for adults, kids and babies. Xlear’s Spry toothpastes and tooth gels appear in the OU’s product database. We picked the adult and kids toothpaste with fluoride, the fluoride-free gel for babies, toddlers and kids from 3 months up, and a third Spry gel aimed at emerging teeth. Ingredient lists for Spry toothpastes show vegetable glycerin, the plant-derived option kosher consumers usually look for. Children’s toothpaste is flavoured and often swallowed, so certification matters most here. Check the symbol for the specific flavour you buy, and ask your dentist which fluoride level suits your child.
✅ What to Look For in Kosher Toothpaste
A quick label-reading checklist
- A recognised kosher symbol on the tube or carton, such as the OU, especially for flavoured or whitening toothpaste.
- The glycerin source. Vegetable glycerin is the plant-derived option. If the source is not stated and there is no symbol, it needs checking.
- Flavourings. Mint, cinnamon, fruit and bubblegum flavours can contain added ingredients that need kosher approval.
- Children’s formulas. These are often sweet and swallowed, so confirm the symbol on the exact flavour.
- Pack size and version. Multipacks and refreshed packaging can differ, so check the symbol on what actually arrives.
- Passover status. Year-round kosher certification is not the same as Passover approval. Check your local Kashrut Authority’s current Passover guide for toothpaste and oral hygiene products.
What to Avoid
- Assuming “natural” or “organic” on the label means kosher.
- Unspecified glycerin or flavourings with no kosher symbol and no authority guidance.
- Relying on an old photo or a previous purchase when a brand has changed its packaging.
Want to Double-Check a Product Yourself?
Some tubes do not show the kosher symbol clearly. Search the Orthodox Union product database to confirm a specific brand or product.
Check the OU Kosher Database →
❓ Kosher Toothpaste FAQs
Answers to the questions we hear most
Does toothpaste need to be kosher?
Opinions differ. Because toothpaste is not food, some authorities do not require certification, but many people prefer kosher-certified toothpaste because of the glycerin, flavourings and sweeteners it contains and because small amounts can be swallowed. If this matters to you, ask your local Kashrut Authority.
Is all toothpaste kosher?
No. Ingredients such as glycerin, flavourings and sweeteners may come from sources that need verification, and a brand can have both certified and uncertified products.
Why would toothpaste require kosher certification?
Toothpaste can contain ingredients that are animal-derived or processed on shared equipment. Glycerin is the best-known example, because it can come from animal fat or from plants.
Are mint-flavoured toothpastes kosher?
They can be, but flavourings are a common concern. Look for a recognised kosher symbol on the tube or carton rather than relying on the flavour alone.
Is glycerin in toothpaste a concern?
It can be. Glycerin may be sourced from animal or plant origins, so its source may need verification. Some brands, such as Supersmile, say their products avoid glycerin, while Spry ingredient lists show vegetable glycerin.
Are natural or organic toothpastes automatically kosher?
No. Natural or organic labelling does not guarantee kosher status. Only a kosher symbol or a trusted authority’s approval does.
Are children’s toothpastes kosher?
Some are. Children’s toothpastes are often fruit or bubblegum flavoured and may be swallowed, so checking the certification for the exact product is especially important.
Can I use toothpaste without a kosher symbol?
Some products may be acceptable based on guidance from recognised authorities, but it is best to check an approved list or ask your local Kashrut Authority before relying on one.
Is kosher toothpaste also Kosher for Passover?
Not necessarily. Year-round kosher certification and Passover approval are separate. Tom’s of Maine, for example, has historically said that only its deodorants are Kosher for Passover. Check your local Kashrut Authority’s current Passover guide before Pesach.
What should I check before buying toothpaste?
Look for a kosher symbol on the packaging, read the ingredient list for glycerin and flavourings, confirm the symbol on the exact flavour and pack size, and check the OU product database if the symbol is unclear.
The Kosher Hub is not a Kosher Authority. For any advice please refer to your local Kashrut Authority.
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The Kosher Hub references products certified by recognized kosher authorities, including OU, OK, Star-K, Kof-K, and CRC. Certification symbols and status can change, so always confirm the current kosher status directly on the product packaging or via the certifying agency's own listings before purchasing.