Tobias Geffen Made Coca-Cola Kosher

In 1935, American Orthodox rabbi Tobias Geffen became the only known person outside Coca-Cola allowed to examine its closely guarded formula so he could determine whether the drink was kosher. Geffen discovered that Coca-Cola contained glycerin made from non-kosher beef tallow, as well as a grain-derived sweetener that made it unsuitable for Passover. He convinced the company to adopt vegetable-based glycerin, while its chemists replaced the problematic sweetener with cane and beet sugar. Geffen then certified Coca-Cola as kosher for year-round consumption, including Passover.

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