Laws of Blessings (Adv.)
Crash Course in Jewish Blessings
9 min read
23 min read
The correct bracha to say for over 500 food items.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Food |
Bracha Rishona |
Bracha Achrona |
Notes |
alcoholic beverages | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. Bracha achrona for wine is Ha'gafen. |
All Bran (cereal) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
almond | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
Almond Delight (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Alpha Bits (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
anchovies | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
apple | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
apple cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
apple juice / cider | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
apple pie | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If didn't eat a kezayit of crust within 3-4 minutes, the bracha achrona is Borei Nefashot. |
apple sauce - chunky | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
apple sauce - smooth (strained) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
apple strudel | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If very thin strip of dough, bracha is Ha'aitz and Borei Nefashot. |
apricot | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
apricot jam/jelly - with fruit pieces | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
apricot jam/jelly - without fruit pieces | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
artichoke | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
asparagus | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
asparagus soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
aspirin | none | none | |
aspirin, children's (if pleasant tasting) | Shehakol | none | No after-bracha, since a kezayit volume is not consumed |
avocado | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot |
bagel | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
baked apple | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
baked beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
bamboo shoots | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
banana | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
banana bread | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
banana chips | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
banana split ice cream | Shehakol + Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Both brachot must be said because both foods are desired. |
barley (cooked) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
barley soup | Mezonot + Shehakol | Al Ha'michya | If the barley is majority, then only say Mezonot |
bean soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
beef | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
beef stew (potatoes and meat) | Ha'adama + Shehakol |
Borei Nefashot | If small pieces, and either the meat or potatoes is the majority (ikar), then say only one bracha rishona. |
beer | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
beets | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
blackberries | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
blintzes | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
blueberries | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
bologna | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
borekas | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
borscht | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
bourbon | Shehakol | none | since typically do not drink a revi'it in a few gulps |
bran | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Bran Chex (cereal) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Bran Flakes (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
bran muffins | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
brandy | Shehakol | none | since typically do not drink a revi'it in a few gulps |
brazil nuts | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
bread sticks | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, ezonot if it has a thick coating. |
breaded chicken or fish | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Say Mezonot if it has a thick coating. |
broccoli | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
broth (vegetable) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
brownies | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Brussels sprouts | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
bubble gum | Shehakol | none | No bracha achrona, because you only "swallow" the sugar and flavoring, which is less than a kezayit. |
buckwheat (kasha) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Buckwheat is a legume, not a grain. |
bun (bread) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
bun (sweet dough) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
butter | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
buttermilk | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot |
cabbage | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
calzone (eaten as a meal) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | Bracha is Mezonot if not eaten as part of a meal. |
candy | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cantaloupe | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
carob | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
carrot | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
carrot cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
carrot juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cashew | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
casserole (with noodles or pie crust) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cauliflower | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
celery | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
celery soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Cereal - cooked | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Cereal - puffed (wheat or rice) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Cereal - with corn flour | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Wheat starch is added only as binder. |
Cereal - with oat flour | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Cereal - with rice flour | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | Bracha is Mezonot if not eaten as part of a meal. |
Cereal - with wheat flour | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
challah | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
champagne | Ha'gafen | Al Ha'gafen | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
Cheerios (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cheese | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cheese blintzes | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cheese cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If very thin crust, bracha rishona is Shehakol. Even with thick crust, if you do not eat a kezayit of crust within 3-4 minutes, say Borei Nefashot. |
cherry | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
cherry pie | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If very thin crust, bracha is Ha'aitz and Borei Nefashot |
cherry wine | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
chestnut | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
chewing gum | Shehakol | none | No bracha achrona, because you only "swallow" the sugar and flavoring, which is less than a kezayit. |
chicken | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
chicken fricassee | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
chicken salad - majority vegetables | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | If the majority is chicken - Shehakol. |
chicken soup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If has with large pieces of celery or carrot, also say Ha'adama. |
chicken soup with noodles, matzah balls, or soup nuts | Mezonot + Shehakol |
Al Ha'michya + Borei Nefashot |
|
chickpeas | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
chicory | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
chili con carne | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Chinese noodles | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
chives | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
chocolate | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
chocolate cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
chocolate covered peanuts | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
chocolate covered raisins, almonds, cherries | Ha'aitz + Shehakol |
Borei Nefashot | The bracha achrona on raisins is Al Ha'aitz. |
chocolate drink | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
chocolate milk | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cholent | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | With kishke, also say Mezonot. If large chunks of meat, also say Shehakol. |
chopped liver | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
chow mein - majority vegetables | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | If the majority is chicken - Shehakol. |
chow mein - with noodles or rice | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
chumus | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If still recognizable as chick peas, then say Ha'adama. |
cider | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Cinnamon (raw) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
cinnamon bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
cinnamon roll | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
cocoa | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha is said on unsweetened cocoa powder. |
Cocoa Pebbles (cereal) | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
Cocoa Puffs (cereal) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | made from corn flour; wheat starch is added only as binder |
coconut | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | whether whole or shredded |
coconut milk | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
coffee | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
coffee cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cognac | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
cola | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
coleslaw | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
cookies | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
coriander | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
corn | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
corn bread/muffin - without grain flour | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
corn bread/muffin - with grain flour | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
Corn Chex (cereal) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
corn chips | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Corn Flakes (cereal) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | When produced from flattened corn kernels - Ha'adama. If produced from corn flour, Shehakol. |
Corn Pops (cereal) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
corn soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
corned beef | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cottage cheese | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cotton candy | Shehakol | none | To say a bracha achrona, would need to eat a quantity equal to a kezayit of the original (unspun) sugar |
cough drops (flavored) | Shehakol | none | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
couscous | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
crackers | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cranberry | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha is Ha'adama, since the bush grows within 9 inches of the ground. |
cranberry juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cranberry relish | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha is Ha'adama, since the bush grows within 9 inches of the ground. |
cranberry sauce (smooth) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cranberry sauce (unstrained) | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
cream cheese | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cream of mushroom soup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cream of wheat | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cream pie | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cream puff | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Crispix (cereal) | Mezonos + Ha'adama | Al Ha'michya | Say Mezonot and eat from the dark side; then say Ha'adama and eat from the light side. |
croissant | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
croutons | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | Say Hamotzee if the croutons made from leftover bread. |
Crunchy Bran (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
cucumber | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
cucumber salad | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
cupcake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
currants | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
custard | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
cutlets - breaded | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If thick coating - Mezonot. |
Danish | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
date bread | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
dates | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
derma, stuffed (kishke) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | assuming the recipe contains flour |
devil's food cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
dill pickle | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Double Chex (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
dough (fried or cooked) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
doughnut | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
dried fruit | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | If banana - bracha rishona is Ha'adama. If dates, figs or raisins - bracha achrona is Al Ha'aitz |
duck | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
dumpling | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya |
eclair | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
egg | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
egg drops (nockerlach) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
egg nog | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
egg salad | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
eggplant | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
eggplant parmigiana | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
enchilada | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
endive | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
English muffin | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | If sweet and not eaten as (or with) a meal, then say Mezonot / Al Ha'michya. |
escarole lettuce | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
espresso (coffee) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
etrog jam | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
falafel (with pita bread) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
falafel balls | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
farfel | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
farina | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Fibre One (cereal) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
figs | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
fish | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
fish sticks | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If thick coating - Mezonot. |
frankfurter | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
French fries | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
French toast | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
Frosted Flakes (cereal) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
frosting | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
Fruit & Fibre (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
fruit cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
fruit cocktail | Ha'aitz or Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha rishona depends on the majority. |
fruit juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
fruit leather / roll | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | The fruit is unrecognizable. |
Fruit Loops (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Fruit peels (candied or chocolate-covered) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
fruit punch | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
fruit soup | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | If pureed, the bracha is Shehakol. |
Fruity Pebbles (cereal) | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
fudge | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot |
garlic bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
garlic, cooked or fried | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Raw garlic is Shehakol. |
gefilte fish | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Even prepared with bread crumbs; the purpose is just to hold the ingredients together. |
gelatin desert | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
gherkin | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
giblets | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ginger ale | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ginger bread cookies | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Golden Grahams (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
goose | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
gooseberry | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
goulash | Shehakol or Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha rishona depends which ingredient is the majority. If large pieces of both meat and potatoes, say a separate bracha on each. |
graham crackers | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
granola | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | The oats are toasted, not cooked. If the oat particles adhere to one another, say Mezonot and Al Ha'michya. |
grape juice | Ha'gafen | Al Ha'gafen | |
Grape Nuts (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
grapefruit | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
grapefruit juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
grapes | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
gravy | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
green beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
green pepper | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
grits (cooked) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
groats (buckwheat) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Buckwheat is a legume, not a grain. |
guava | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
gum | Shehakol | none | No bracha achrona, because you only "swallow" the sugar and flavoring, which is less than a kezayit. |
gumdrops | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot |
halvah | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Hamantashen cookies | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
hamburger | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
hash | Shehakol or Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha rishona depends which ingredient - meat or potatoes - is the majority. |
hazel nut | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
herring | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
hominy grits | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
honey | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
honey cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Honey Nut Cheerios (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Honeycomb (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
honeydew melon | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
horseradish | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
hot chocolate (cocoa) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
hot dog | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot |
ice coffee | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ice cream | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ice cream cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If you eat the ice cream separately and for its own sake, then also say Shehakol. |
ice cream in cone | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If sugar cone, first say Mezonot on the cone. |
ice cream sandwich | Mezonot + Shehakol | Al Ha'michya | |
ice cream soda | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ice cream sundae | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | The toppings are usually considered tafel. |
iced tea | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
ices | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | According to some authorities, a bracha achrona is said only if consumed a revi'it in a few gulps. |
Italian bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon |
jam (with fruit pieces) | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | For strawberry jam, say Ha'adama. This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
jam (without fruit pieces) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
jello-type dessert | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If fruit pieces are the majority, say Ha'aitz. |
jelly | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
jelly roll | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya |
kasha (buckwheat) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Buckwheat is a legume, not a grain. |
kasha varnishkes | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | Varnishkes are bowtie noodles. |
ketchup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
kichel | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
kidney beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
kishke | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | stuffed derma - contains flour |
kiwi | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
Kneidelach (matzah balls) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
knish | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
kohlrabi | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
kreplach | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
kugel - challah | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
kugel - noodle | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
kugel - potato | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | If no recognizable pieces of potato, the bracha is Shehakol. |
kugel - rice | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
kumquat | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot |
lamb | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
lasagna | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
latke | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | When made from grated potatoes. |
leek | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
lemon (raw - if edible) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
lemon juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
lemon meringue pie | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
lemonade | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
lentil soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
lentils | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
lettuce | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
licorice candy | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | The flour is only a thickening/binding agent. |
licorice extract | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
licorice root (natural) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Life (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
lima beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
lime | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
lime juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
liqueur | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
liver | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
liverwurst | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
lokshon (noodles) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
lollipop | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
lox | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot |
macadamia nut | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
macaroni | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
macaroni and cheese | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
macaroons | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Made with ground nuts and coconut. If strands of coconut are visible, the bracha is Ha'aitz. If made with grain flour, the bracha is Mezonot. |
malted milk | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Maltex (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
mandarin orange | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
mandlebread | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
mango | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
maraschino cherries | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
marshmallow | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
marzipan | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
mashed fruit | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | Mashed fruit typically retains its distinct texture and appearance. (Mashed banana is Ha'adama.) |
mashed potatoes | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
matzah | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
matzah ball (kneidel) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
matzah brei | Hamotzee | Â Birkat Hamazon | Say the Hamotzee on bread or matzah. If the pieces of matzah are all less than kezayit, the bracha is Mezonot. |
matzah crackers | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
matzah meal cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
matzah, egg | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
mayonnaise | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
meat | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
meat pie (with crust) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
meatballs | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | even when matzah meal is added as a binder |
meatloaf | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If bread crumbs or matzah meal are added for taste (not just as a binder), the bracha is Mezonot. |
medicine - plain | none | none | |
medicine - pleasant tasting | Shehakol | none | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
melba toast | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
melon | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
mezonot roll - as a meal | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
mezonot roll - as a snack | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
milk | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
milkshake | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
millet | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
mints | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
mock liver | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
mousse | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
muffin | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
mulberry | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
mushroom and barley soup | Mezonot + Shehakol | Al Ha'michya | If the barley is the majority, say only Mezonot. |
mushroom omelet | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
mushroom soup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Bracha achrona is said only if eat a kezayit of the solid within 3-4 minutes, or a revi'it of the liquid in a few gulps. |
mushrooms | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
mustard | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
napoleon | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
nectar (fruit) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
nectarine | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
noodle pudding (kugel) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
noodle soup | Mezonot + Shehakol | Al Ha'michya | If the noodles are the majority, say only Mezonot. |
noodles | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
nut cake with flour | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If the flour is only added as a binder, of if made with potato starch, say Shehakol. |
nutmeg | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
Nutrific (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya |
oatmeal | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
oatmeal cookies | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
oats (raw, fresh) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
okra | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
olive | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
omelet | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
onion (cooked or fried) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
onion (raw) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
onion bread or roll | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
onion crackers | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
onion rings with heavy coating | Mezonot + Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | With light coating, say only Ha'adama. For the bracha achrona, since a kezayit of mezonot is usually not eaten within 3-4 minutes, do not say Al Ha'michya, but rather Borei Nefashot. |
onion soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha achrona is said only if eat a kezayit of the solid within 3-4 minutes, or a revi'it of the liquid in a few gulps. If made from onion flavoring only, say Shehakol. |
orange | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
orange juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | even with pulp |
orange marmalade | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If made with chunks of orange solids, the bracha is Ha'aitz. |
pancakes | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
papaya | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
parsley | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
parsnip | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Passover cake - from matzah meal | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Passover cake - from potato starch | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
pastrami | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
pastry | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
pea soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
peach | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
peach pie | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
peanut butter - chunky | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
peanut butter - creamy | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
peanuts | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
pear | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
peas | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
pecans | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
peel (of fruits) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
persimmon | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
pickle | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
pickled herring | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
pie crust | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
pineapple | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
pistachios | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
pizza | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | If the dough is made with juice (not water), and it is eaten as a snack, the bracha is Mezonot. |
plum | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
pomegranate | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
popcorn | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
porridge | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
pot roast | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
potato | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
potato blintzes | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
potato chips | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha is Ha'adama even when made from a powder, since it returns to a form or texture that is uniquely recognizable as a potato food. |
potato knish | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
potato kugel | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | If no recognizable pieces of potato, the bracha is Shehakol. |
potato latkes | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | If no recognizable pieces of potato, the bracha is Shehakol. |
potato salad | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
potatoes, mashed | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Since they retain their distinct texture and appearance. |
potatoes, powdered instant | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Since they are recognizable as a potato product. |
pound cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
pretzels | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If eaten as (or with) a meal, say Hamotzee and Birkat Hamazon. |
Pringles | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha is Ha'adama even when made from a powder, since it returns to a form or texture that is uniquely recognizable as a potato food. |
prune juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
prunes | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
pudding | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
puffed wheat | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
pumpernickel bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
pumpkin pie | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
pumpkin seeds | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
quiche | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If didn't eat a kezayit of crust within 3-4 minutes, the bracha achrona is Borei Nefashot. |
quince | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot |
radish | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Raisin Bran (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
raisin bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
raisin wine | Ha'gafen | Al Ha'gafen | If the water content is more than six times the raisins, then the bracha is Shehakol. |
raisins | Ha'aitz | Al Ha'aitz | |
raspberries | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
rhubarb (cooked) | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
rice | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
rice cakes | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Rice Krispies (cereal) | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
rice pudding (kugel) | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | |
roast beef | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Roll (bread) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
root beer | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
rye bread | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon |
salad, vegetable | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
salami | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
salmon | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
sandwich (bread) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
sardines | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
scallions | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
scotch | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
sesame seeds | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
sherbet | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Shredded Wheat (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
soda | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
sour cream | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
sour kraut | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
soy beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
spaghetti | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
spaghetti and meatballs | Mezonot + Shehakol | Al Ha'michya | |
Spanish omelet | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
spinach | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
split pea soup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If pieces of peas are still recognizable, the bracha is Ha'adama. |
sponge cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
sprouts | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Alfalfa and bean sprouts are Shehakol since they are grown in pots (or hydroponically), not in the ground. |
squash | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
steak | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
strawberry | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
strawberry shortcake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
string beans | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
strudel | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
stuffed peppers or cabbage - meat as main ingredient | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | If you desire the pepper/cabbage by itself, say a separate Ha'adama. |
stuffed peppers or cabbage - rice as main ingredient | Mezonot | Borei Nefashot | If you desire the pepper/cabbage by itself, say a separate Ha'adama. |
stuffing | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
sugar | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
sundae (ice cream) | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | The toppings are usually considered tafel. |
sunflower seeds | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
sweet potato | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Swiss cheese | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
syrup | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
taco shells | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | made from ground corn |
taffy | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
tangerine | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
tapioca pudding | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | If made without flour, the bracha is Shehakol. |
tarts | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
tea | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
tehina | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Made from ground sesame seeds. This is usually tafel, so only say a bracha if eaten alone. |
toast (bread) | Hamotzee | Birkat Hamazon | |
tomato | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
tomato juice | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
tomato soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | With rice, also say Mezonot. |
tortilla | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | made of corn flour |
tuna casserole | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
tuna fish | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
turkey | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
turnips | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
tzimmes | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | assuming that carrots are the ikar ingredient |
veal | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
vegetable soup | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | Bracha achrona is said only if eat a kezayit of the solid within 3-4 minutes, or a revi'it of the liquid in a few gulps. If with noodles, also say Mezonot. |
vegetable salad | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
vegetarian (soy) meat | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
Vitamins (chewable) | Shehakol | none | Only say a bracha achrona if you eat a kezayit within 3-4 minutes. |
waffles | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
Waldorf salad | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | assuming that apples are the ikar ingredient |
walnut | Ha'aitz | Borei Nefashot | |
water | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
watermelon | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
wheat germ - cooked | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
wheat germ - toasted | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
Wheaties (cereal) | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
whipped cream | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | |
whiskey | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | No bracha achrona, if did not drink a revi'it in a few gulps. |
wine | Ha'gafen | Al Ha'gafen |
yam | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot | |
yeast cake | Mezonot | Al Ha'michya | |
yogurt | Shehakol | Borei Nefashot | Added fruit is usually considered tafel. |
zucchini | Ha'adama | Borei Nefashot |