The Orthodox Union (OU) is the world's largest kosher certification agency. Currently, unflavored coffee beans and plain coffee are generally considered kosher without certification. However, the OU recently tightened standards for beer (effective January 1, 2026), requiring all beer served at OU-certified establishments to have reliable kosher certification, citing concerns about modern production complexity.

This market resolves YES if the OU issues an official ruling or policy statement requiring that plain, unflavored coffee purchased from regular coffee shops (non-certified establishments) must have a hechsher to be considered kosher for OU standards.

Resolution: Check OU Kosher official website (https://oukosher.org/) and Jewish Action magazine for official policy announcements. Also monitor OU Kosher social media and press releases.