9 Secrets You’ve Never Heard About Oreos
Updated: Dec. 14, 2023
You know the right way to eat an Oreo is by twisting it apart. But what about these other surprising facts?
It’s the World’s Most Popular Cookie
Oreos have been enjoyed more than 500 billion times around the world. That’s 123,000 tons of creme a year!
But…They Flopped in Britain
When Oreos first debuted in Britain, they were branded as “biscuits.” But, seeing as Brits are used to enjoying their biscuits dunked in tea, they were unpleasantly surprised by the flavor of Oreos paired with a cup of English breakfast. In 2008, Oreo began a nationwide rerelease of the brand, with ads prominently featuring a large splash of milk.
You probably already know how to eat an Oreo. But it wouldn’t hurt to try all of our most-loved Oreo recipes.
No One Knows Where the Name Came From
That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of good guesses. There are plenty of origin stories, from the French word for “gold” like the color of the original Oreo packaging to Oreodaphne, the genus of laurel found on the hydrox cookies Oreos were modeled after.
One thing that isn’t a mystery—the two new Oreo flavors arriving in 2020.
The Process Is Precise
Making Oreos takes food science to a whole different level. Each cookie is 71% cookie, 29% creme, and takes exactly 59 minutes to make from start to finish.
The Flavors Are Wild
May I interest you in a limeade Oreo? How about rocky road or strawberry shortcake? Since 2019, Oreo has been coming out with their “Limited Edition” flavors, released and discontinued in short order for holidays. But some stick around, like the famous birthday cake flavor released in celebration of Oreo’s 100-year anniversary.
Pst! The most oreo oreo is the latest Oreo flavor.
They’re Vegan—and Kosher, Too
While Oreo has technically announced there may be trace contact with dairy products in their factories, that hasn’t stopped the snack from becoming a staple in a sweet tooth vegan’s diet. But did you know they’re also kosher? Nabisco made the change in 1997.
Oreo O’s Are Back
’90s kids will remember this cereal: Oreo O’s, basically crumbled up Oreo cookies masquerading as breakfast. But in 2007, the cereal was discontinued across the world. Fans could only get their Oreo O’s fix from one country: South Korea.
Fast-forward to 2017, when the cereal was finally reintroduced in the US, and enjoyed a successful homecoming. Long live Oreo O’s!
The Parent Trap Invented the Peanut Butter Oreo
Remember when Hallie Parker and Annie James smear their Oreos with peanut butter and everyone’s entire childhoods expanded before their eyes? It was totally made up. Director Nancy Meyers created the dipping trick because she thought it sounded like a weird, cute kid thing. We’re glad she dreamed it into reality. Get to know about these off-brand Oreos available in the market.
People Like Eating Lots of Them Really Fast
Next time you declare that you just “inhaled a whole bag of Oreos,” remember Jonathan C., who ate 78 Oreo cookies in literally five minutes. Love the kind of contests that win you money? Oreo offered a $50,000 prize to anyone who could guess the flavor their Mystery Oreo.
Originally Published: November 19, 2019
