Kosher Eclipses Other Observances for Most American Jews (religious, food)

[theflipflop]

Fascinating article on which observances are most "popular" among non-frum Jews:

Kosher Eclipses Other Observances for Most American Jews » Matzav.com - The Online Voice of Torah Jewry

Recent studies in New York and other cities show a significant upswing in religious observance amongst all categories of Jews, with the exception perhaps of the non-affiliated. But kosher food retailers in many markets including New York, South Florida and Los Angeles indicate that when it comes to kosher, even the non-affiliated seek out kosher foods, particularly deli and takeout.

The UJA study reveals that 68% light Chanukah candles, 69% participate in at least one Passover Seder, and 46% take part in a Shabbat meal. The Passover observance is the reason why 40% of all kosher sales annually take place around Passover time.

All of the studies also point to sales increases of 12% - 18% over the next five years. This will be due to a combination of natural growth amongst the Orthodox, increased availability of kosher foods in non-Orthodox areas (which seems to attract even the non-affiliated)

[Pruzhany]

But kosher food retailers in many markets including New York, South Florida and Los Angeles indicate that when it comes to kosher, even the non-affiliated seek out kosher foods, particularly deli and takeout.

The article is slightly skewed. People are choosing Kosher over other foods in their markets because they are known to be free of additives that are used as fillers and may not be healthy in high quantites. But in areas where Kosher is not available (or highly limited), then people shop for Hallel. They also shop at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods for the same reasons.

For me the only choices within an hour driving distance is Hallel markets, Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Even though there is an Orthodox Jewish community in nearby cities there are no Kosher stores. I even see the Lubavitch shopping at Whole Foods. But if I want strictly kosher food then I have to order it from Monsey,NY.