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Step 1
Acquaint yourself with the types of food that are forbidden. Any kind of pig product, for example, is automatically not kosher. The same is true for insects, reptiles, small mammals like rabbits and also swamp birds. Knowing what animal are not kosher will help you to know whether a food is kosher or not.
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Step 2
Learn the general principles that define the system of dietary laws. Most of the system of kosher law, or "kashrut," is governed by principles. For example, only mammals with cloven hooves that chew their cud are kosher. For marine animals, only animals that have fins and scales and are not bottom feeders are kosher. Knowing the principles of kashrut will help you to identify kosher food in any circumstance.
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Step 3
Look for symbols and markings on food products to see if they are kosher. Certified kosher foods found in stores will have a small symbol on them to mark that they are kosher. The symbol will be either a U with a circle around it or a ' that has some other mark around or near it. A K just on its own is not necessarily kosher, so look for a circled K or one that is part of some other design.
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Step 4
When there is a doubt about a certain food, ask a local Jewish religious authority. One good example is a food such as buffalo which is becoming more popular in restaurants in the US. Because Jewish culture originated in places where there are no buffalo (there are camels instead), the law never mentions the animal specifically. Consult with a rabbi or other Jewish authority to see if corner cases such as these are defined as kosher or not.
