Kosher foods may be a staple in the diets of Jews, but they’re not the only ones eating these products. Over 12 million people in the United States choose kosher foods when shopping at the grocery store, according to Orthodox Union, a kosher certification agency. It’s a huge industry — these products generate over $12 billion in annual sales. These numbers are surprising when you consider that fewer than five million American adults identify as Jewish, according to a report from Brandeis University (PDF). And even fewer are observant and keep kosher. What gives? “Some consumers perceive the products to be cleaner or more wholesome,” says Mindy Haar, PhD, RD, chair of interdisciplinary…